Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sinfully Delicious Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) is luxuriously thick, almost like a melted chocolate pudding in a cup. Made with real chocolate, milk, and a touch of cornstarch, it’s smooth, velvety, and deeply chocolatey. Serve it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa, or even a dash of cinnamon for an extra indulgence!

 


Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

4 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for thickening)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)

For Serving:

Whipped cream

Chocolate shavings

Cocoa powder or cinnamon for dusting


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Thickener:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold milk until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat the Milk & Cocoa:

    • In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the remaining milk (but don’t let it boil).
    • Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, stirring continuously.
  3. Melt the Chocolate:

    • Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Thicken the Hot Chocolate:

    • Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly.
    • Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the hot chocolate thickens to a velvety, pudding-like consistency.
  5. Finish & Serve:

    • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
    • Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

  • Extra Thick Version: Add an extra ½ tablespoon of cornstarch for an even richer, spoonable texture.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Use oat milk or almond milk and dairy-free dark chocolate.
  • Spiked Version: Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or Amaretto for an adult twist!