Microwave Hot Chocolate

Want a quick 2-minute Microwave Hot Chocolate recipe that does not compromise on the taste of the traditional stovetop method? Look no further! This Microwave Hot Chocolate recipe is decadent, chocolatey, and Oh-so comforting when all you want to do is cozy up with your blanket and a book. It comes together quickly, and you only have one cup to wash. I’m sure you’re convinced now!

Christmas is only two days away, where I live. Though I don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas, I like to watch Christmas movies with a cup of hot chocolate. With nothing to do on Christmas eve, it’s my definition of being cozy.

I love to make Hot chocolate the traditional way on the stovetop if I’m serving it to the rest of my family. However, when it’s just for myself, I prefer the microwave method. I can be done in less than 2 minutes and the cleanup is a breeze. I don’t have to worry about soaking the saucepan. Want to hear the best part, it tastes just as decadent as its stovetop counterpart.

This 3000-year-old Aztec drink stands the test of time and is still one of the most popular drinks in the world. There can never be winters without Hot chocolate. Chocolate stimulates the generation of feel-good hormones and helps beat the winter blues.

I’ve tried the store-bought Microwave Hot Chocolate mixes and they don’t even taste anything like chocolate. They are just sugar-laden versions with a lot of fillers and additives. You don’t want to be adding all that to your body when you can make a healthier and far tastier version at home that takes the same time.

Check out my other Holiday recipes

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Cranberry Mocktail

Caramel Apple Dip

Almond Butter Brownies

Karachi biscuits

This Microwave Hot Chocolate recipe

• Gets ready in 2 minutes including the prep and cook time.
• Tastes decadent and chocolatey
• Is a wonderful winter drink
• Can be enjoyed by kids and adults
• Is a single-serving recipe
• Is healthier and tastier than the store-bought mixes.

Ingredients for Microwave Hot Chocolate

Milk

Use whole milk for a creamy Hot chocolate. You can also replace it with reduced-fat or vegan milk. Keep in mind that the mouthfeel will be compromised.

Chocolate

Use good quality dark chocolate. If you use milk chocolate, the chocolate flavor will be very mellow and won’t taste decadent. I use Hu’s dark chocolate chunks. I avoid the chopping time by using that.  

Cacao powder

You can use either cacao powder or cocoa powder. Make sure it’s unsweetened.

Vanilla extract

A dash of pure vanilla elevates the drink.

Sweetener

You can use any type of sugar or sweetener of your choice. I use maple syrup or coconut sugar. Coconut sugar gives a nutty taste to your drink, so it may not be for everyone.

Microwave Hot Chocolate – Step-by-step method

Step 1: Chop the dark chocolate to enable them to melt easily. If you’re using pre-cut chocolate, avoid this step.

Step 2: Add the chopped chocolate and 2 tablespoons of milk to a microwave-safe mug. Microwave for 20 seconds. Mix well till the chocolate is completely melted. Do not microwave for more than 20 seconds at a stretch at this point. Chocolate will seize at high temperatures. It means, the chocolate will split and won’t mix properly. Take it slow when heating chocolate, always.

Step 3: Add cacao powder, vanilla extract, and the sweetener. Mix well till combined. You’ll have a chocolate paste now.

Step 4: Add the rest of the milk and stir well. It will not mix properly depending on the temperature of your milk. That’s all right. It will when you heat it up.  

Step 5: Heat it in the microwave for a minute, in 30-second intervals.  Take it out and mix it well. If you need it hotter, microwave for more time. Again, remember to do it in 30-second intervals.

Step 6: Top it up with marshmallows or whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired. Enjoy your drink warm!  

Can I use Chocolate chips to make the Microwave Hot Chocolate?

• If the chocolate chips you’re using have stabilizers, they will not melt easily. You could end up overheating and in turn burning the chocolate.
• I use Hu’s chocolate chips and they don’t have any stabilizers in them. (It’s not sponsored. I’m genuinely a huge fan of their clean brand.)

Can I use drinking chocolate to make this Microwave Hot Chocolate?

No! Drinking chocolate is not the same as cocoa powder. They have sugar as their main ingredient. Please use unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder for the best results.

What are the other flavor options to make this Microwave Hot Chocolate?

You can replace the vanilla extract with any of the following for a different flavor combination

• 1/4^th Peppermint extract
• A dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salted caramel
• 1/4^th teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4^th teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin syrup
• 3/4^th teaspoon of Gingerbread spice
• A dash of your favorite booze.