Incredible 5-Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe
Creating a warm and indulgent Nutella Hot Chocolate is more than just a recipe—it’s an exploration of rich flavors and cozy traditions. Perfect for the holiday season, this treat combines the creamy hazelnut spread we all love with the classic comfort of hot cocoa.
As the holiday season beckons with glittering lights and festive songs, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit than with the perfect way to warm up—a mug of Nutella Hot Chocolate. This isn’t just any hot cocoa recipe; it’s the best hot chocolate, a creamy concoction that’s a true homage to tradition with a modern, nutty twist.
The Origins of Hot Chocolate
Our journey begins centuries ago with the ancient Mayans, the original connoisseurs of chocolate. They prized a frothy beverage, a precursor to our beloved cup of hot chocolate, reserved for royalty and sacred ceremonies. It was an elixir of the gods, which over time has been sweetened, spiced, and transformed into the heartwarming drink we adore today. Over centuries, it crossed oceans and transformed into the sweet, warm milk-based drink that we cherish during cold winter nights.
The Nutella Phenomenon
Nutella, that chocolate hazelnut spread that has found its way into our pantries and hearts, began as a smart solution to a cocoa shortage in post-war Europe. It’s now a global phenomenon, making it a personal favorite addition to any dessert, including our hot chocolate.
In the lush landscapes of Piedmont, Italy, a clever pastry maker created the first batch of what would become homemade Nutella. This ingenious chocolate hazelnut spread was born out of necessity in a time of chocolate scarcity. From a single jar of Nutella to a global sensation, it has become a staple in every confectioner’s pantry.
Nutella and Cocoa: A Match Made in Heaven
Why does Nutella make such a creamy hot chocolate? It’s the velvety blend of quality chocolate and the rich taste of hazelnuts that infuses each sip with an unparalleled depth of flavor. This isn’t your regular hot chocolate; it’s an elevated experience, bringing the hazelnut flavors to the fore, transforming a simple beverage into an indulgent treat.
A Creamy Twist to Classic Cocoa
Combining Nutella with cocoa powder elevates the traditional cup of hot chocolate to the next level. The richness of Nutella, with its chocolate and hazelnut flavors, melds with the cocoa to create a creamy Nutella hot chocolate that’s simply the best.
Indulgence vs. Health Claims
Nutella brings joy to our taste buds, but it’s important to note that despite its hazelnut content, it’s not as healthy as one might wish.
While Nutella adds a delicious richness, moderation is key. For a healthier twist, substitute whole milk with your choice of dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, both of which complement the chocolate and hazelnut beautifully while keeping things lighter.
Enjoy this drink as a treat, not as a daily delight.
The Perfect Holiday Beverage
This Nutella Hot Chocolate is your holiday season’s companion, whether you’re unwrapping gifts or watching snowflakes dance outside your window. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of hazelnut liqueur, and you’ve got a festive drink that’s as special as the season itself. Don’t forget the homemade whipped cream—it’s like the proverbial cherry on top.
Celebrate with Nutella Hot Chocolate
Whether you choose the stovetop method or the slow cooker for convenience, creating this perfect hot chocolate is a great way to make memories. Top it with marshmallows, a drizzle of extra Nutella, or chocolate shavings, and serve it in your favorite mug for a comforting experience that makes any holiday gathering special.
Enjoy your Nutella Hot Chocolate, knowing that you’ve combined a love for tradition with a twist of modern flavor. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cup full of joy, perfect for sharing on a cold day or as a sweet end to a festive meal.
So next time you crave a mug of Nutella Hot Chocolate on a cold winter’s night, remember that this recipe is more than just a beverage. It’s a celebration in a cup, a blend of history and flavor, and most importantly, a perfect hot chocolate that brings joy with every sip. Gather your loved ones, share the warmth, and make memories with this timeless holiday treat.
Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 8 oz Nutella
- 2.5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (try homemade whipped cream!) – optional
- Marshmallows – optional
Stovetop Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, whisk milk, cocoa powder, Nutella, and chocolate chips.
- Cook on medium heat until Nutella and chocolate chips melt fully.
- Simmer on medium-low heat for 5-10 mins, stirring so the chocolate doesn’t burn.
- Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- Combine cocoa powder, Nutella, milk, and chocolate chips in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes: For an adult twist, add a shot of hazelnut liqueur to individual mugs. Try additional optional toppings like Nutella drizzle, chocolate shavings, or even a pinch of sea salt to elevate it to the next level.
Savor each sip of this creamy Nutella hot chocolate, made with love and the finest ingredients, and let it become your new favorite tradition during the holiday season. Cheers to warmth, comfort, and chocolate!
Nutella Hot Chocolate
Savor the holiday spirit with our creamy Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe - a rich blend of Nutella and cocoa, perfect for cold nights and festive cheer.
Ingredients
- 4 C whole milk
- 1/4 C milk chocolate chips
- 8 oz nutella
- 2.5 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- whipped cream (optional)
- marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk milk, cocoa powder, Nutella, and chocolate chips.
- Cook on medium heat until Nutella and chocolate chips melt fully.
- Simmer on medium-low heat for 5-10 mins, stirring so the chocolate doesn't burn.
- Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.
- Combine cocoa powder, Nutella, milk, and chocolate chips in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Stovetop Instructions:
Slow Cooker Instructions:
Notes
For an adult twist, add a shot of hazelnut liqueur to individual mugs. Try additional optional toppings like Nutella drizzle, chocolate shavings, or even a pinch of sea salt to elevate it to the next level.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 268Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 69mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 25gProtein: 6g
This nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be entirely accurate. Please do your own research if you are overly concerned about specific macros.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
