Nutella Hot Chocolate

If you believe a standard hot chocolate just isn’t rich enough, prepare to meet your match. This Nutella Hot Chocolate is a game-changer! It’s not just cocoa powder; we blend the iconic hazelnut spread with high-quality dark chocolate to create a liquid dessert that is intensely flavorful, velvety thick, and utterly comforting. Forget the average cocoa mix, this is your new benchmark for winter indulgence.

Why This Nutella Hot Chocolate Is So Decadent

This recipe uses a layered approach to build richness, ensuring every sip is smooth and deeply satisfying.

• The Double Chocolate Base: We use both cocoa powder (for depth) and chopped dark chocolate (for texture and intensity), which creates a far superior and richer body than using just one or the other.
• Nutella Integration: By melting the Nutella directly into the hot milk base, we infuse the entire drink with its signature roasted hazelnut and chocolate flavor, eliminating the need for extra sweeteners.
• The Cocoa Bloom: Starting with a cocoa powder and milk paste ensures that the cocoa fully dissolves and releases its flavor before the rest of the liquid is added, preventing clumping and maximizing chocolate taste.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Nutella Hot Chocolate

To achieve this luxurious result, a few high-quality ingredients make all the difference.

Nutella: The star of the show! Use genuine Nutella or your favorite hazelnut cocoa spread.

Dark Chocolate: Use a finely chopped bar of 60% to 70% dark chocolate. Chopping it fine ensures it dissolves quickly and smoothly into the mixture.

Milk: Whole milk or heavy cream diluted with water provides the best richness and body to hold up to the intense chocolate load.

How to Assemble Your Hazelnut Nutella Hot Chocolate

The key to this recipe is the slow, gentle melting of the chocolate elements.

Bloom the Cocoa: In a small pot, combine the cocoa powder and a splash of milk until a thick paste forms. Turn on the heat (low).

Add Liquid: Gradually whisk in the remaining milk until the mixture is uniform and steaming.

Melt Nutella: Add the Nutella and mix well until it is fully incorporated and dissolved.

Dissolve Chocolate: Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and stir until it completely dissolves into the mixture, creating a thick, velvety liquid.

Serve: Pour into a mug and top with your preferred garnish.

Hazelnut Nutella Hot Chocolate FAQs

Q: The recipe calls for chopped dark chocolate. Will this taste too bitter?

A: No, not at all. While we use dark chocolate for depth and mouthfeel, the sweetness from the Nutella and the milk balance the intensity beautifully. The final result is rich but sweet, tasting like a perfect, high-end milk chocolate hot cocoa with a noticeable hazelnut swirl. If you want it to be a bit sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of sugar after adding the cocoa powder.

Can I skip the dark chocolate and just use cocoa powder, Nutella and milk?

A: You could, but the result will be much thinner and less chocolatey. The dark chocolate is essential for creating a deep, not-too-watery drink.

Q: What is the best garnish for this hot chocolate?

A: Chopped, roasted hazelnuts are highly recommended as they lean into the hazelnut flavor of the Nutella. Whipped cream is a must for texture, but you could also add a dollop of marshmallow fluff or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Your Decadent Moment Awaits

This Nutella Hot Chocolate is more than a winter warmer, it’s an experience. Simple to make yet incredibly rewarding, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself.

Hazelnut Nutella Hot Chocolate

An intensely rich and velvety hot chocolate made with a double chocolate base of cocoa powder, Nutella, and chopped dark chocolate.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Nutella hazelnut spread
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dark chocolate (60-70% cacao is preferred)
• whipped cream, chopped hazelnuts (topping, optional)

Method

 

1. In a small pot, add the cocoa powder and a small splash (about 2 tablespoons) of milk.
2. Whisk until a smooth, thick paste forms.
3. Turn the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk until the mixture is uniform and steaming hot (do not boil).
4. Add the Nutella and mix well until it is completely incorporated and dissolved into the milk base.
5. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and stir continuously until the chocolate completely dissolves into the mixture, creating a thick, smooth liquid.
6. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Top generously with whipped cream and optionally garnish with chopped hazelnuts. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a sweeter drink, add a tablespoon of white or brown sugar after you add the cocoa powder.