Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe is the ultimate cozy treat that blends the creamy, nutty goodness of Nutella with rich, smooth hot chocolate. I love making this whenever the weather turns chilly or when I just need a little comforting pick-me-up after a busy day. You’ll notice how the warm, silky drink fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re gearing up for a quiet night in or want to impress friends with a special homemade drink, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Nutella lovers and chocolate fans alike.
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What Makes This So Good
This Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe perfectly balances creamy hazelnut spread with luscious melted chocolate, creating a drink that's both indulgent and simple enough to whip up on a whim. You'll love the velvety texture and the way it warms you from the inside out.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Just a few ingredients combine for a silky, decadent hot chocolate without complicated steps.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults—Nutella adds a comforting, familiar flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like milk, Nutella, and chocolate chips means you can make this anytime.
- Works Any Night: Perfect for chilling evenings, after-school treats, or as a sweet finish to your day.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in your Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe. Let’s walk through the best choices so you get that rich, creamy drink every time.
- Milk: Whole milk works wonders here for creaminess, but you can swap in almond, oat, or any plant-based milk if you prefer.
- Nutella: The star of the show! Use your favorite hazelnut spread—fresh from the jar is key for that smooth, nutty taste.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Pick good-quality chips for depth and richness; avoid overly sweet varieties to keep balance.
- Whipped Cream and Hazelnuts: Freshly whipped cream adds light fluffiness, and toasted hazelnut bits provide crunch and extra hazelnut kick.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by gathering your ingredients—measure everything out so you're not scrambling. It's helpful to have your milk in a pourable container. If you want, lightly toast some hazelnuts to bring out their flavor while you work on the hot chocolate. No chopping or elaborate prep needed, which means you can jump in quickly and enjoy soon.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently so it warms evenly. You’ll notice a cozy aroma as it approaches the perfect temperature—right before it simmers. Once hot, whisk in the Nutella and dark chocolate chips. Stir constantly until everything melts into a smooth, glossy mixture. That rich chocolatey scent and decadent shine are your cues it’s ready—this is the moment you’ll want to pour straight into mugs!
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Pour your luscious Nutella hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts to add a delightful crunch and extra nutty aroma. I love how the creamy whiteness contrasts with the deep chocolate brown, making every cup feel extra special and inviting.
Extra Helpful Tips
To make sure your Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe turns out silky every time, keep these little hacks in your back pocket—they've saved me plenty of times when I've wanted perfection fast.
- Watch for This Sign: If the milk starts bubbling rapidly, lower the heat—scalded milk can change the flavor and texture.
- Temperature Trick: Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave if it's too stiff before mixing—it blends easier.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Mix Nutella and chocolate chips into the milk off heat to let them soften before warming gently.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t walk away while melting ingredients—constant stirring is key to smooth, lump-free hot chocolate.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Once you have the base Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe down, feel free to personalize it! A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder amps up the depth. Drizzling caramel or adding mini marshmallows elevates that cozy feeling. Trust me, a sprinkle of sea salt over the whipped cream surprises your palate and makes it unforgettable.
Tasty Pairings
This Nutella hot chocolate pairs beautifully with buttery croissants, almond biscotti, or even a simple peanut butter cookie. You can enjoy it as a luxurious afternoon break or as dessert alongside a fruit tart or brownie. It’s your perfect companion to pause, relax, and savor.
Quick Plating Tips
To make each mug Insta-worthy in a flash, add a few chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream or use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. A little dusting of cocoa powder or some edible gold dust can turn simple into wow. Even just a cozy napkin and your favorite mug add charm to the presentation.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can store leftover Nutella Hot Chocolate in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It may thicken as it cools, so be ready to whisk it well before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezer Friendly?
While freezing Nutella hot chocolate isn’t ideal due to possible separation and texture changes, if you need to, freeze in small portions. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight, then reheat slowly. Expect it to be best fresh, but freezing can work in a pinch.
Reheat Like New
The best way to reheat Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe is in a saucepan over low heat with gentle stirring. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it smooth and prevent scorching. Avoid high heat to keep the flavor and texture rich.
Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based milk like oat or almond and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The Nutella itself isn’t vegan, but there are hazelnut spreads available that are plant-based and work beautifully.
The key is to warm your milk gradually and whisk constantly as you add Nutella and chocolate chips. Warming Nutella slightly beforehand helps it melt smoothly, and using dark chocolate chips with good melting properties prevents clumps.
You can prepare the mixture and keep it refrigerated, but it’s best served fresh for maximum creaminess. Reheat gently and stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Whipped cream and toasted hazelnuts are classic, but feel free to add chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to add your personal touch.
Final Flavor Thoughts
Making this Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug—rich, smooth, and utterly comforting. I hope you enjoy every sip as much as I do. If you try it out, don’t forget to leave a star rating or share your favorite twist! Maybe next time, you’ll add a dash of chili powder or a swirl of peanut butter for another cozy adventure.
Print📖 Recipe
Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe
Indulge in a rich and creamy Nutella Hot Chocolate that combines the luscious flavors of Nutella and dark chocolate into a comforting, warm drink. Perfect for cozy evenings, this easy-to-make beverage is garnished with whipped cream and hazelnut pieces for an added touch of decadence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup Nutella
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Hazelnut pieces (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Pour 2 cups of milk into a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Add Nutella and Chocolate Chips: Stir in ¼ cup Nutella and ¼ cup dark chocolate chips into the warm milk. Use a whisk to continuously stir the mixture until the Nutella and chocolate chips are completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with hazelnut pieces for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier texture, or substitute with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the amount of Nutella and chocolate chips to make the hot chocolate sweeter or more intense according to your taste.
- For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract while heating the milk.
- Garnishing with toasted hazelnuts enhances the nutty flavor of the Nutella.
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