How to Make the Best Hot Cocoa

Finished look of hot cocoa with marshmallows and caramel flavoring. photo credit: Ava Week (9)

There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. This sweet treat creates a comforting, cozy feeling in your stomach and is perfect after shoveling snow, sledding, or simply relaxing indoors. I learned this recipe from my mother, and it’s made using a Breville Milk Café Frother Maker, which retails for around $150. Hot chocolate has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, evolving from a bitter ceremonial drink in Mesoamerica to the sweet, creamy beverage we enjoy today. 

“I love hot chocolate. It’s creamy, it’s warm, it’s sweet, and you can add flavors and toppings that make it perfectly cozy for wintertime,” said parent Kiersten Week. 

“I love hot chocolate. It’s creamy, it’s warm, it’s sweet, and you can add flavors and toppings that make it perfectly cozy for wintertime,” said parent Kiersten Week. 

Ingredients and Equipment 

• 8–10 ounces of milk 

• 3–4 tablespoons of sweet ground Ghirardelli chocolate 

• 2–3 pumps of Torani caramel syrup 

• Toppings of your choice (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, etc.) 

• Breville Milk Café Frother Maker (~$150) 

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions 

photo credit: Ava Week (9)

1. Pour 8–10 ounces of milk into the Breville Milk Café Frother Maker. 

2. Heat the milk to 160°F. 

   
   

photo credit: Ava Week (9)

3. Add 3–4 tablespoons of sweet ground Ghirardelli chocolate. 

4. Allow the mixture to heat for 5–10 minutes until fully blended and smooth. 

5. Add 2–3 pumps of Torani caramel syrup for an extra layer of sweetness. 

6. Pour the hot cocoa into a mug and add toppings as desired, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings. 

This recipe produces a creamy, flavorful hot cocoa that warms both body and spirit, making it the perfect beverage for chilly winter days. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends or savoring it as a personal winter treat.