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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    European Hot Chocolate

    Published: Jun 14, 2026 by Nataliia Savchenko

    Jump to Recipe

    Traditional European hot chocolate is made with high-quality chopped chocolate, whole milk, and a little bit of sugar. It has such as luxurious, velvety texture that you can practically east it with a spoon.

    A mug of thick, rich European hot chocolate topped with a swirl of whipped cream, an orange peel garnish, and grated dark chocolate.

    European hot chocolate recipe

    Enjoy the cup of real hot chocolate you can order in France, Italy and other European countries. It is not something I make every day and we consider it a special treat. When my son would ask for hot chocolate (not hot cocoa or cacao!), I already know he is craving the European hot chocolate I introduced to him a years ago. I was caught by surprise by the hot chocolate they made of him at the local coffee shop for the first time. It was not bad, and he enjoyed it but It was hot cocoa, not the hot chocolate we wanted. I hope you try it at least once and enjoy!

    Ingredients

    European hot chocolate recipe ingredients.
    • Milk: I recommend using whole milk for rich flavor and taste.
    • Sugar: a little bit of granulated sugar for sweetness. You can add more or less depending on your taste.
    • Three types of chocolate: You will need dark chocolate, semi sweet chocolate and unprocessed dutch cocoa powder. I used dark chocolate bar for baking, chocolate morsels.
    • Other things: If I have orange in my fridge, I like to add a small peel for flavor. For serving, we do it with whipped cream and finally grated chocolate on top.

    How to make European hot chocolate

    In a small saucer pan, add milk, cocoa powder and sugar. I also added a little bit of orange peel for flavor. But it is optional. Whisk well. Add dark and semi sweet chocolates. Bring it to a gentle boil, turn down the heat and simmer for about 1-2 minutes or until the chocolates melt.

    Melting real chocolate in whole milk in a saucepan.

    In a separate cup, add cold milk and a little bit of corn starch. Whisk well.

    Whisking corn starch and milk in a measuring cup.

    Slowly pour into simmering hot chocolate, whisking it contentiously until it thickens. Take it of the heat.

    Adding corn starch and milk to the saucepan with chocolate.

    Pour into cups and enjoy. You can add some whipped cream on top if desired. I also used a fine grater and grated some chocolate on top of whipped cream.

    European hot chocolate served in a cup, topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate.

    More European chocolate recipes

    • Italian almond chocolate cake
    • Chocolate meringue cookies
    • Chocolate sponge cake

    📖 Recipe

    A mug of thick, rich European hot chocolate topped with a swirl of whipped cream, an orange peel garnish, and grated dark chocolate.

    European Hot Chocolate

    Nataliia
    Traditional European hot chocolate is made with high-quality chopped chocolate, whole milk, and a little bit of sugar. It has such as luxurious, velvety texture that you can practically east it with a spoon.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine European
    Servings 2
    Calories 375 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 saucepan
    • 1 Whisk
    • 1 fine grater

    Ingredients
      

    • 1½ cup while milk, divided*
    • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ½ bar (about 55 grams) 70% dark chocolate*
    • 2 tablespoons (35 grams) semi sweet chocolate morsels
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch*
    • 1 orange peel optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. If using a small piece of orange peel for extra flavor. Whisk well.
    • Add your dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
    • In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of cold milk and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until no lumps remain.
    • Remove the orange peel. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering hot chocolate while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking for about 1 minutes, or until the hot chocolate thickens.
    • Remove from the heat and divide between 2 cups.
    • Serve immediately. If desired, top with whipped cream and garnish with finely grated chocolate.Enjoy!

    Notes

    *Milk. Whole milk is key for a truly authentic, velvety result. You can substitute 2% or skim milk, but the final hot chocolate will be noticeably thinner and less rich, even if you keep the cornstarch.
    *Chocolate. You can us all semi sweet chocolate or all dark chocolate. If you using only semisweet chocolate, reduce the sugar slightly. 
    *Cornstarch is optional. The hot chocolate will still be rich without it, but use the cornstarch if you want that classic, ultra-thick "eat-with-a-spoon" European texture.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8ozCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 44.9gProtein: 7.6gFat: 19.2gSaturated Fat: 11.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.3gCholesterol: 20.6mgSodium: 86mgPotassium: 438mgFiber: 2.2gSugar: 35.9g
    Keyword European hot chocolate
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Sava's kitchen female author wearing an apron standing in the kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Nataliia. I am a culinary art student and recipe developer behind Sava's Kitchen. I share family-friendly recipes, authentic Eastern European recipes, and baking tutorials. I share only 100% tested and originally photographed culinary content.

    More about Nataliia →

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