Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

My Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe is going to warm you up right down to your toes.

Made with rich chocolate, creamy milk and a hint of vanilla, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and indulgent. Get ready for some unbelievable chocolatey goodness with this simple Starbucks Recipe.

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In our family, we don’t indulge in Starbucks hot chocolate often.

But the one time we get it every year, without fail, is for our town’s downtown tree lighting.

Even when the kids were just toddlers, we would bundle everyone up, get a warm cup of Starbucks hot chocolate, sing Christmas carols with my fellow neighbors and cheer when the tree lights were turned on and the entire town became a Christmas light feast.

This tradition actually started when my husband and I were dating.

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We were living in downtown Chicago at the time.

My condo was just steps from the Lincoln Park Zoo.

I convinced my new boyfriend at the time to go outside, despite the ridiculouscold, to walk through all of the amazing lights of the zoo.

To entice him to put up with the winds, I presented two cups of Starbucks hot chocolate.

One of my favorite holiday memories is of us riding the carousel in the frigid air, hot chocolate in hand, falling in love.

I still love Starbucks hot chocolate… but I also love making it at home! It’s easy enough to make this copycat Starbucks hot chocolate recipe at home from scratch.

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And oh my goodness… that chocolatey warmth just can’t be beat on a cold, snowy afternoon.

Where Hot Chocolate From

Hot chocolate has been enjoyed for centuries, but its precise origins are unclear. It is believed to have originated in Mesoamerica, where the indigenous peoples, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, consumed a bitter beverage made from cocoa beans, often seasoned with spices like chili pepper.

The drink was later introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, where it evolved into the sweetened, creamy beverage we know today.

Starbucks Hot Chocolate Calories

The calorie count for a standard size (16 fl oz) Starbucks hot chocolate ranges from approximately 370 to 450 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and customizations such as type of milk and added syrups or whipped cream.

My Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe has just 324 calories.

Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients

When you make this recipe, go the extra step in adding some oomph to the fun. My kids just want some marshmallows swimming on top — or even one huge marshmallow.

(Have you seen the crazy extra large ones… they’re almost bigger than the cup!)

I love topping our cocoa with whipped cream. Toss in some mini chocolate chips, or dip in some homemade chocolate stir sticks, which are deceptively easy to make!

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1½ cup milk (any kind will do)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

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You can easily make your own Hot Chocolate Stir Sticks to really make it an occasion!

Pair this recipe with Santa Hat Brownies for some holiday fun.

Directions For Starbucks Recipe Hot Chocolate

Add water, cocoa and sugar into a microwave safe bowl and heat forapproximately 40 seconds or until warm.

Mix well to create the chocolatesyrup.

Add milk and vanilla and stir well.

Heat in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until hot.

Serve with whipped cream and chocolate chips or syrup on top.

Enjoy this Starbucks hot chocolate recipe!

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• Hot Chocolate Recipes

Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Get ready for some unbelievable chocolatey goodness! My Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe is going to warm you up right down to your toes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1½ cup milk (any kind will do)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Add water, cocoa and sugar into a microwave safe bowl and heat for approximately 40 seconds or until warm. Mix well to create the chocolate syrup.
2. Add milk and vanilla and stir well.
3. Heat in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until hot.
4. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate chips or syrup on top.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 324Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 175mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 2gSugar: 44gProtein: 14g

Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!