Nothing beats the comfort of a steaming mug of rich, velvety hot chocolate on a cold winter day. This copycat Starbucks hot chocolate recipe recreates that luxurious coffee shop experience at home using real chocolate ganache and heavy cream. Unlike powdered mixes that often taste artificial, this European-style hot chocolate delivers pure decadence in every sip. The secret lies in using quality chocolate and the traditional ganache method that creates an impossibly smooth and creamy texture.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This hot chocolate uses a traditional European ganache base, which combines chocolate with cream to create an incredibly smooth and rich foundation. The ganache method ensures the chocolate melts evenly without seizing, while the steamed milk adds the perfect creamy texture. The result is a drink so thick and luxurious it tastes like drinking pure melted chocolate.
Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate bars or chips – Form the rich ganache base that gives depth and authentic chocolate flavor
- Heavy cream – Creates the silky ganache and adds richness to the final drink
- Milk – Provides the creamy base and helps achieve the perfect consistency
- Whipped cream – An optional topping that adds lightness and visual appeal
- Chocolate syrup – Optional drizzle for extra sweetness and presentation
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
While the recipe doesn’t call for semi-sweet chocolate with a specific cocoa solids content, look for something in the neighborhood of 35 to 65 percent. The higher the number, the less sweet and more bitter the chocolate becomes.
While you use semi-sweet chocolate chips, specialty chocolate bars are usually of much higher quality. The quality of the chocolate matters in this recipe, so buy the best you can find.
A drop of peppermint extract is a great way to bring an even more festive flavor to your copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate.
Slip an ounce of your favorite alcohol into each serving to brighten everyone’s spirits. Chocolate liqueur, Kahlua, Irish cream, and amaretto are delicious.
There’s no need to garnish this hot chocolate with anything, but go ahead and add a dollop of whipped cream or a few gourmet marshmallows if you want.
For a fancy presentation, rim the mug with extra chocolate ganache and dip it into crushed nuts or peppermint sticks.
How to Make Starbucks Hot Chocolate
Part 1: Ganache for Hot Chocolate
There are two methods for making chocolate ganache. The easiest one is using the microwave:
- If using chocolate bars instead of chips, break up the chocolate into small pieces.
- Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Pour in the heavy cream.
- Heat on high for 15 seconds.
- Remove and stir.
- Continue heating in 15-second bursts and stirring the chocolate until it melts entirely and the ganache is smooth.
Part 2: Steamed Milk for Hot Chocolate
The quickest way to steam the milk is with an espresso machine or frother, but stovetop or microwave methods work pretty well if you don’t have a machine or frother.
Stovetop Method: Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. Stir frequently and reduce the heat to prevent the milk from simmering.
Microwave Method:
- Pour the milk into a microwave-safe jar.
- Microwave the milk until it is hot but not boiling.
- Seal and shake well until the milk foams. Careful when you open the jar because the milk may splatter.
Part 3: Making the Hot Chocolate
- Add chocolate ganache to the steamed frothed hot milk.
- Add a drop of peppermint oil or an ounce of alcohol if you are using it.
- Stir until well blended.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug.
- If desired, top the hot chocolate with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Can you store hot chocolate?
While it is not a good idea to store prepared hot chocolate, you can keep any extra chocolate ganache in the fridge for up to two weeks or up to three months in the freezer.
To store the ganache in the fridge, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press it onto the surface of the ganache to prevent any air from coming in contact with it. Bring the ganache to room temperature before using it.
To store the ganache in the freezer, pour the ganache into a freezer-safe container. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the chocolate and seal with a lid. Defrost the ganache overnight in the refrigerator and leave it on the counter to bring it to room temperature before using it. Do not refreeze.
Want to make their seasonal peppermint hot chocolate?
Add a tablespoon or two of peppermint syrup to this cocoa before you add the whipped cream, and you are going to have a drink that will make your local barista proud.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Ganache Storage: Store leftover ganache in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface
- Freezing Ganache: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before use
- Prepared Hot Chocolate: Best consumed immediately. Do not store prepared hot chocolate as separation may occur
More Copycat Starbucks Hot Drinks
- Apple Crisp Macchiato
- Caramel Macchiato
- Flat White Coffee
- London Fog Drink
- Mocha Coffee
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Smoked Butterscotch Latte
- Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
- White Chocolate Mocha
Favorite Hot Chocolate Recipes
Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best Starbucks recipes here on CopyKat!
Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate (Rich & Creamy)
Ingredients
Chocolate Ganache
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 4 ounces heavy cream
Hot Chocolate
- 4 ounces milk
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream optional topping
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup optional topping
Instructions
Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the chocolate and heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir.
- If needed, microwave the mixture for another 10 to 15 seconds and stir again to ensure the chocolate is fully melted. Stir until it is smooth.
- Store the ganache in your refrigerator when not using. Bring it to room temperature before using it to make hot chocolate.
Hot Chocolate
- Steam milk by heating it in the microwave until hot (180°F). Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot steamed milk into a jar, seal the jar with a lid, and shake the jar vigorously until the milk has increased in size.
- Add 4 ounces of chocolate ganache and stir until well blended.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.
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