How To Make Thick Italian Hot Chocolate (5 minutes, 4 Ingredients)

Thick Italian Hot Chocolate!

This thick Italian hot chocolate recipe is one of those recipes I’ve been wanting to master for YEARS, ever since I first dunked a churro in a cup of thick Spanish hot chocolate when I was studying in Spain.

Wait a minute – Spanish or Italian? [imagine big shoulder shrug]

You may find this going by several names: Italian hot chocolate (cioccolata calda), Spanish hot chocolate, or just simple thick hot chocolate, which is what I like to call it. Actually, you can find it in several European countries.

Most importantly, I understand that some Italians (and Spaniards no doubt) see cradling one of these thick hot chocolates in your hands with a group of friends or family an important ritual that’s good for your health [imagine big thumbs up].

Millions of Europeans can’t be wrong – this easy chocolate treat must be good for you, right? It’s also a pretty versatile treat. Enjoy as an ’emergency’ snack either alone or with a banana or donut dunked in, or serve with churros to guests instead of dessert!

About the ingredients

Whatever you want to call it, one thing is clear. This thick hot chocolate is rich and decadent and yet quick and easy to make with just 4 simple store cupboard ingredients:

• Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate chips, or any kind of chocolate you like. I like to make it with a high cocoa content dark chocolate – around 70% – for a rich but not-too-sweet result.
• Milk: Once again, feel free to use your favorite kind of milk. I tend to go with either whole milk (for the creaminess!), or 2% fat (semi-skimmed/hi-low). Feel free to try non-dairy milks, too (see FAQs below for more info if this interests you).
• Sugar: If you like your hot chocolate on the sweeter side, add up to a tablespoon of sugar. I usually skip it completely since I find that the chocolate makes the drink sweet enough.
• Corn starch (cornflour): This is what you’ll use to thicken the hot chocolate.

How to make Italian hot chocolate

You’re just 5 minutes, 4 ingredients and 3 steps away from the most delicious hot chocolate of your life.

Step 1: Heat the milk and sugar together in a saucepan, then break the chocolate into it and whisk until it melts in.

Step 2: Add the cornstarch/cornflour (mixed with a little milk beforehand). Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the hot chocolate starts to get thick.

Step 3: Pour into small cups, grab a churro, donut or spoon (!) and… enjoy!

How to serve thick hot chocolate

This is a delicious treat as it is or of course you can put some cream and marshmallows on the top!

I’m not a big cream and marshmallows fan (crazy, right?) so I like to grate a bit of leftover chocolate over the top. Just in case it’s not chocolaty enough. I also don’t mind if I happen to have a donut or some churros handy for dipping and scooping.

I’ve received a complaint or two about this recipe – too much chocolate. But of course, we all know this is impossible. If truth be told, this is more of a dessert than a ‘hot chocolate’ that you curl up next to the fire with. I can live with that if you can.

It could also make a perfect easy chocolate sauce for cake or ice cream. Entertaining and not much time to make dessert? I’m sure no one would complain if you served them a little cup of this thick hot chocolate with a pile of fresh donuts or churros on the side.

Wild card option? These fruit skewers would be amazing for dipping!

What to do with the leftovers

If there are any leftovers (and this is a big ‘if’), you can pop them in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days if well covered or in an airtight container. You can gently re-heat it on the stove until piping hot again. If it seems too thick, simply add another splash of milk.

Alternatively, why not try it cold? It will thicken up even more when refrigerated and make the most delicious chocolate pudding you can imagine! Mmm.