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This easy French hot chocolate recipe delivers rich, thick gourmet drinking chocolate at home, all without using heavy cream or cornstarch.
If those viral clips of thick, creamy French hot chocolate in cozy Paris cafes made you jealous, don’t worry! This chocolat chaud recipe got you.
You only need high-quality dark chocolate, milk, and a few extras that are likely already in your kitchen.
It’ll just take some stirring and careful attention to prevent boiling, but the reward?
A luxuriously thick and indulgent drinking chocolate you’ll want to make again and again!
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Need something easier to store? Try our homemade hot chocolate mix!
And for those who would rather eat their hot chocolate with a spoon, I have a Mexican hot chocolate mousse recipe for you.
Why You’ll Love This French Hot Chocolate Recipe
- This French hot chocolate is a rich, gourmet drink that is surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s perfect for cozy moments or impressing guests this holiday season.
- This chocolat chaud recipe comes together with simple ingredients and welcomes fun add-ins and toppings!
- This European hot chocolate recipe is portioned for one, which means less clean-up and mindful portion control!
Ingredients
Whole milk – Whole milk will give you the best homemade French hot chocolate. If you prefer something lighter, 2% milk works in a pinch. Skip skim milk since this drink is meant to be rich and creamy!
Dark chocolate – This is the time to reach for a good-quality dark chocolate. Milk chocolate and chocolate chips can have trouble emulsifying with the milk. You can use bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate.
Brown sugar – Just to add a bit of sweetness to the deep, rich hot chocolate drink.
Vanilla extract – Lends complexity to our sipping chocolate.
Heavy whipping cream and chocolate shavings – Your Parisian-style drink is already great on its own, but you can always add some delicious finishing touches.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For the Best French Hot Chocolate
Coconut milk
The best French hot chocolate starts with whole dairy milk. If you prefer a plant-based option, full-fat coconut milk can provide the same rich, creamy consistency that makes French drinking chocolate so indulgent.
Espresso powder
This French chocolate drink is delicious as is, but a touch of espresso powder can help bring out even more chocolatey flavor.
Sea salt
A pinch of sea salt adds unexpected depth and nuance to the decadent dark European hot chocolate!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Patience is Key
Use medium to medium-low heat and be patient, since heating the milk too quickly can scorch it. Then, whisk the milk occasionally as it warms to keep skin from forming on the surface.
Serving Options
Go beyond chocolate shavings and whipped cream topping! Enjoy your homemade Parisian hot chocolate with some grated nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, a sprig of mint, or a splash of Irish cream for a little extra oomph.
Leftovers and Make-Ahead
Got leftovers or want to make a big batch? Once cooled, you can refrigerate your homemade French hot chocolate in an airtight jar for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Homemade French Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
What chocolate brands do you use for French hot chocolate?
The quality of the chocolate makes all the difference if you want a fancy hot chocolate that tastes like it came from a Paris cafe. I recommend Lindt, Ghirardelli, or Guittard. Avoid chocolate chips, as they won’t melt properly, and choose a chocolate with 65 to 70% cacao content for the best taste.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Of course! Feel free to substitute white sugar for brown sugar if that’s what you already have at home. Just remember that this rich hot chocolate recipe will really benefit from the molasses flavor of brown sugar.
What makes French hot chocolate different?
French hot chocolate stands out for its richness and velvety texture. Made with plenty of high-quality dark chocolate and whole milk, it is a decadent, gourmet hot chocolate drink even without cream.
What is the difference between Italian hot chocolate and French hot chocolate?
Italian hot chocolate is thickened with cornstarch, giving it a pudding-like texture that you can enjoy with a spoon. French hot chocolate, by contrast, is creamy and velvety, perfect for sipping.
How to fix lumpy melted chocolate?
Overheating the chocolate can make your French hot chocolate lumpy. To fix it, gently reheat over low heat while whisking thoroughly to smooth out the clumps. If that doesn’t work, strain the drink or blend it with an immersion blender until silky.
More Delicious Drinks
- Spiked Eggnog
- Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Dalgona Matcha
- Blueberry Crumb Pie Milkshake
- Apple Pie Milkshake
I found this recipe for Homemade White Hot Chocolate that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
French Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 40 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, optional topping
- Chocolate shavings, optional topping
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching.
- After 4 to 6 minutes, or once the milk is steaming hot but not boiling, remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the chopped chocolate and stir continuously until it is fully melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Return the pan to medium heat and bring the hot chocolate to a gentle simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Turn off the heat and whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla extract.
- Pour into your glass or cup and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use medium to medium-low heat and be patient, since heating the milk too quickly can scorch it. Then, whisk the milk occasionally as it warms to keep skin from forming on the surface.
- Go beyond chocolate shavings and whipped cream topping! Enjoy your homemade Parisian hot chocolate with some grated nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, a sprig of mint, or a splash of Irish cream for a little extra oomph.
- Got leftovers or want to make a big batch? Once cooled, you can refrigerate your homemade French hot chocolate in an airtight jar for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
