Transform your chilly days into cozy moments with this incredibly rich and easy Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe! Forget complicated steps; with just a few simple ingredients, you can whisk up a decadent, comforting beverage that tastes like a hug in a mug. Perfect for a cold winter evening or a delightful morning treat, this homemade hot chocolate infused with the irresistible flavor of Nutella is guaranteed to become your new favorite.
Indulgent Nutella Hot Chocolate: Your Ultimate Comfort Drink
Ah, Nutella! This iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread holds a special place in many hearts, and certainly in our home. My husband, for instance, is a true Nutella connoisseur – a self-proclaimed “Nutella freak,” if you will! We always keep at least two jars stocked, ensuring there’s never a moment of despair when the craving hits. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s no surprise that when I mentioned creating a Nutella Hot Chocolate, his immediate response was an eager inquiry about its readiness.
While I often find myself incorporating Nutella into various desserts, from cookies to cakes, venturing into the world of beverages was a delightful new frontier. This Nutella Hot Chocolate marks my first official Nutella-infused drink, and frankly, it’s opened up a whole new realm of possibilities. The moment we tasted its velvety richness, my mind was already buzzing with ideas for other inventive Nutella concoctions.
Do you have any exciting Nutella recipes that you cherish? We’d love to hear about them!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe
Beyond its delicious taste, this Nutella Hot Chocolate offers numerous reasons to become a staple in your repertoire of comforting drinks. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s an experience.
- Unrivaled Flavor: The distinct blend of creamy chocolate and roasted hazelnuts from Nutella creates a hot chocolate that is profoundly richer and more complex than traditional versions. It’s an elevated take on a classic.
- Effortlessly Simple: With just three primary ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals or anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying indulgence. It comes together in under 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a morning pick-me-up, a cozy afternoon snack, a comforting evening beverage, or a festive holiday drink, this Nutella hot cocoa fits the bill perfectly.
- Customizable Delight: Easily adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs or personal preferences, from dairy-free to boozy adult versions.
- Budget-Friendly & Fresh: Making your hot chocolate at home is not only more economical than cafe purchases but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresher and more wholesome drink.
Simple Ingredients for a Decadent Treat
Crafting an epic Nutella Hot Chocolate doesn’t require a long list of exotic items. In fact, its beauty lies in the simplicity of its core components, which, when combined, create magic. Here’s a detailed look at the simple ingredients needed to make this glorious drink. Specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Milk: The foundation of any great hot chocolate. We typically use regular cow’s milk for its rich, creamy texture. Whole milk will yield the most luxurious result, but 2% milk works beautifully too. For those with dietary restrictions, dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk are excellent substitutes and will be discussed further in the variations section.
- Nutella: The star of the show! This beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread is what elevates this hot chocolate from good to absolutely extraordinary. Its distinctive flavor profile – nutty, sweet, and deeply chocolatey – is perfectly designed for this indulgent beverage. Use a good quality Nutella for the best results.
- Cocoa Powder: While Nutella provides a significant chocolate base, a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a more robust, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the Nutella. It ensures your hot chocolate is wonderfully rich and not overly sugary.
Optional Garnishes: These are where you can truly personalize your Nutella Hot Chocolate and make it extra special.
- Mini Marshmallows: A classic hot chocolate topping that melts into a sweet, gooey layer.
- Chocolate Shavings: Adds an elegant touch and extra chocolatey goodness. Dark or milk chocolate work well.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Far superior to aerosol cans, homemade whipped cream adds a light, airy, and creamy contrast.
- A Dusting of Cocoa Powder or Cinnamon: For aromatic appeal and a hint of spice.
- Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Preparation
You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up this delightful drink. A few basic kitchen items are all you require:
- Saucepan: A small to medium-sized saucepan is perfect for heating the milk and melting the Nutella evenly without burning. Choose one with a heavy bottom for best heat distribution.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly blending the Nutella and cocoa powder into the milk, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. A good whisk will prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Mugs for Serving: Your favorite cozy mugs will enhance the drinking experience!
Crafting Your Perfect Cup: Step-by-Step Guide
This Nutella Hot Chocolate comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal quick indulgence. While complete instructions are in the printable recipe card below, here’s a detailed breakdown of the process to ensure perfection every time.
- Combine and Heat: In a small saucepan, pour in your milk. Add the Nutella and cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk Until Smooth and Hot: Begin whisking all the ingredients vigorously and continuously. The Nutella will gradually melt and blend seamlessly with the milk and cocoa powder. Continue whisking until the mixture is well blended, smooth, and steaming hot. Be careful not to boil the milk, as this can affect its texture and flavor. Gentle heat and consistent whisking are key to achieving a velvety consistency and preventing any scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Serve and Garnish: Once hot and perfectly blended, carefully pour the Nutella Hot Chocolate into your preferred mug. Now comes the fun part: add your desired garnishes! A generous dollop of whipped cream, a scattering of chocolate shavings or mini marshmallows, or a light dusting of cocoa powder will elevate your drink to a true masterpiece.
Expert Tips for the Ultimate Nutella Hot Chocolate Experience
- Don’t Skimp on Quality: Since this recipe relies on so few ingredients, the quality of each really shines through. Use good quality milk and your favorite Nutella brand for the best flavor.
- Constant Whisking is Key: To prevent the milk from scorching and to ensure the Nutella and cocoa powder dissolve completely without lumps, whisk constantly while heating. This also helps create a slightly frothy texture.
- Temperature Matters: Heat until just steaming and hot, but avoid bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Overheating milk can alter its taste and create a skin on top.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give your hot chocolate a quick taste. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a tiny bit of sugar or a splash more Nutella. If it’s too sweet, a pinch of salt can help balance the flavors.
- Garnish Wisely: If you’re dusting with cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of whipped cream, be mindful when taking your first sip. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of inhaling a rather large glob of cocoa powder, which was neither pleasant nor pretty! A light hand is best.
Elevate Your Drink: Delicious Variations & Dietary Considerations
One of the best aspects of this Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment and tailor it to your specific tastes or dietary needs.
Substitutions: We’ve used regular cow’s milk for its classic creamy texture, but this recipe is highly flexible. If you have lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions, you can easily use any dairy-free milk alternative. Almond milk offers a slightly nutty note, oat milk provides excellent creaminess, and soy milk is a robust option. Coconut milk (from a carton, not canned) can add a subtle tropical hint.
Vegetarian Option: This sweet and comforting beverage is naturally vegetarian, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
Vegan Option: To make this recipe completely vegan, you’ll need to use plant-based substitutes for both milk and Nutella. As the traditional chocolate hazelnut spread contains milk, look for certified vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreads available in most health food stores or larger supermarkets. Combine this with your choice of plant-based milk (oat milk is particularly recommended for its creaminess) for a delicious vegan treat.
Gluten-Free: Good news for those on a gluten-free diet! Nutella themselves confirm on their official site that their product is gluten-free. Always double-check your cocoa powder and any optional garnishes to ensure they are also certified gluten-free, but generally, this recipe is safe.
Alcohol-Free Option: Our standard recipe is alcohol-free, making it a perfect family-friendly treat. However, for adults seeking an extra rich and boozy kick, you can add a shot or two of your favorite liqueur. Frangelico, an Italian hazelnut liqueur, perfectly complements the Nutella. Kahlua adds a coffee-chocolate depth, while rum, bourbon, or Irish cream can provide a warming, indulgent twist. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: This Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe is designed for a single serving, making it easy to whip up a quick indulgence. It’s incredibly simple to scale up for any number of servings you desire. Just multiply the ingredients proportionally for a crowd-pleasing batch. For larger gatherings, consider making a big batch in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting to keep it hot and ready to serve.
Sugar-Free: The original recipe, like traditional Nutella, contains sugar. The written recipe indicates 38 grams of sugar per serving, with 21 grams per two tablespoons of Nutella. To make this recipe sugar-free, you’ll need to seek out a sugar-free Nutella substitute. There are several brands available that use alternative sweeteners, or you can find recipes to make a homemade sugar-free chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Frozen Nutella Hot Chocolate: For a refreshing twist on a warm classic, simply add all the ingredients to a blender filled with ice and blend until smooth and slushy. This creates a delightful frozen Nutella Hot Chocolate, perfect for warmer days!
Preparation and Storage Tips
Make Ahead: While this hot cocoa recipe comes together incredibly quickly and is best enjoyed fresh, if you need to prepare it in advance for a gathering, you can certainly do so. Prepare the mixture, let it cool completely, and then store it.
Storage: Any leftover Nutella Hot Chocolate should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to three days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in the fridge to maintain quality.
How to Reheat: Reheating is simple! For single portions, you can microwave it for about two minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For larger quantities, gently reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot. Avoid boiling to maintain its smooth texture.
What to Serve with Nutella Hot Chocolate
This rich Nutella Hot Chocolate is versatile enough to be served any morning for a decadent pick-me-up or whenever you crave a sweet, chocolatey beverage that also warms you from the inside out. Here are some menu pairing suggestions to complement its exquisite flavor:
Sides for Brunch/Breakfast: Pair this sweet drink with savory or slightly tart breakfast items.
- Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: The cheesy, savory notes perfectly balance the sweet hot chocolate.
- Easy Pancake Muffins or Muffin Mix Pancakes: Simple, fluffy companions that absorb the rich flavor.
- Air Fryer Sausage Links or Air Fryer Bacon: The saltiness of breakfast meats is a fantastic contrast to the sweetness.
- 3 Ingredient Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls: A savory, flaky bite alongside your drink.
- Air Fryer Frozen Hashbrowns or Air Fryer Toaster Strudel: Quick and easy sides for a complete meal.
- Sausage Breakfast Biscuit Cups: Hearty and satisfying.
Main Dishes for a Hearty Meal: For a more substantial pairing, consider these breakfast-for-dinner options:
- Sausage Biscuit & Gravy Casserole: A comforting, filling dish that makes the Nutella Hot Chocolate an indulgent beverage.
- Eggnog French Toast: Doubling down on richness and holiday flavors.
- Crock Pot Cheese Grits or Crock Pot Ham & Cheese Grits: A creamy, savory counterpoint.
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: A complete breakfast solution.
- Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash or Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole: Hearty options for a satisfying brunch.
- CopyCat Egg McMuffin or Eggs in a Basket: Simple, classic breakfast choices.
Desserts to Indulge Further: If you’re using the Nutella Hot Chocolate as part of a dessert spread, these options complement it wonderfully.
- Raspberry Coffee Cake: The tartness of raspberry is a lovely contrast.
- Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Cobbler: Doubling down on warm, sweet comfort.
- Lemon Dutch Baby: A lighter, citrusy option.
- CrockPot Cinnamon Monkey Roll Bread: A fun, pull-apart sweet bread.
- Bisquick Blackberry Cobbler: Fruity and warm, perfect for a cozy evening.
Perfect Occasions for This Irresistible Drink
This Nutella Hot Chocolate is a versatile beverage that can brighten any moment.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Start your day with a touch of indulgence, especially on weekends.
- Afternoon Snack: A delightful pick-me-up to combat the mid-day slump.
- Fall & Winter Seasons: The ultimate cold-weather companion, perfect for warming up after being outside.
- Holidays & Celebrations: A festive and memorable drink for holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Cozy Evenings: Perfect for sipping by the fireplace, while reading a book, or watching a movie.
Discover More Nutella Delights & Hot Cocoa Recipes
It’s clear how much we adore Nutella around here! If you’re as big a fan as my husband, John, you’ll love these other Nutella-centric creations:
2 Ingredient Nutella Fudge
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies
Nutella Mug Cake
Nutella Banana Bread
Nutella Pumpkin Bars
If hot chocolate is your passion, don’t miss our entire collection of Hot Cocoa Recipes for more comforting creations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Nutella Hot Chocolate actually good? Absolutely! The creamy chocolate and distinct hazelnut flavor of Nutella create a uniquely rich and indulgent hot chocolate that many find even more satisfying than traditional cocoa. It’s a flavor combination that’s hard to beat!
- Can I make Nutella Hot Chocolate in a slow cooker? Yes, for larger batches, a slow cooker is an excellent option! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until hot and well combined, stirring occasionally. Switch to the “warm” setting for serving to keep it at the perfect temperature for a party.
- What kind of milk is best for hot chocolate? Whole milk typically yields the richest and creamiest hot chocolate. However, 2% milk works very well, and many non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk also provide a delicious result with varying creaminess and subtle flavor notes.
- Can I use only Nutella without cocoa powder? You can, but adding unsweetened cocoa powder helps to deepen the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness of Nutella, preventing the drink from becoming overly sweet. It adds a more complex, robust chocolate profile.
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, for all of our recipe posts and culinary adventures.
Nutella Hot Chocolate
Print
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 ½ tablespoons Nutella
- 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk all ingredients together until well blended and hot.
- Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream and chocolate.
Kitchen Tools
- Saucepan
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 135
Recipe originally shared on January 9, 2013. Updated October 2020.