Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo) Recipe
Experience the rich and velvety delight of traditional Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo), a luxurious treat made with dark chocolate, cocoa, and milk. This creamy, thick beverage is perfect for warming up on a chilly day and can be garnished with chocolate shavings or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 6 ounces dark chocolate 70-74%, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
Milk
- 1 3/4 cups 2% milk
Garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Get ready: In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a small pinch of kosher salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the 2% milk until smooth to create a slurry.
- Melt the chocolate: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of 2% milk to a gentle simmer, watching carefully for bubbles forming around the edges. Add the chocolate mixture to the simmering milk and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, approximately 4 minutes.
- Add the slurry: Slowly whisk the cornstarch and milk slurry into the chocolate mixture in the saucepan. Continue stirring constantly until the hot chocolate thickens noticeably, which should take about 1 minute.
- Let cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the hot chocolate to cool for about 5 minutes. If a skin begins to form on the surface, whisk the mixture gently to maintain a smooth texture.
- Serve: Pour the finished Italian Hot Chocolate into heat-proof cups or mugs. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream as desired and serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate with 70-74% cocoa content for a rich and authentic flavor.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the hot chocolate to the classic Italian consistency.
- Stir constantly when adding the cocoa mixture and slurry to prevent clumping and to achieve a smooth texture.
- Serve immediately, as the drink thickens further as it cools.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute 2% milk with almond or oat milk but expect a slightly different texture.