Cozy up to a cup of the best vegan hot chocolate…it’s rich, chocolatey, and perfect for a winter time treat! You won’t miss the dairy with this easy, decadent, comforting recipe. This is sure to become a favorite way to warm up!
When there’s a chill in the air, you might be craving a nice warm beverage.
Tea is always a good choice, but on a snowy winter day, a cup of cocoa is just the thing to warm you up.
I LOVE hot cocoa. I don’t drink coffee, and hot cocoa was a staple item for me in the winter time. I would so look forward to hot chocolate from the coffee shop, but once I stopped eating dairy, that was no longer a part of my winter routine.
So I had to figure out how to make dairy free hot cocoa at home. Thankfully, it’s surprisingly easy! Using just sugar, cocoa powder, and non-dairy milk results in a delicious cup of vegan hot chocolate. And if you’re feeling extra festive, go ahead and add some vegan marshmallows or a candy cane thrown in just for fun.
Ingredient Notes
- Non-Dairy Milk – You can make hot chocolate with your choice of non-dairy milk. I recommend going with an unsweetened dairy free milk that has a relatively neutral taste. Through the years I have made hot chocolate with almond milk, soy milk, and non unsweetened coconut milk. You could also use milks made from oats, hemp, or rice – really, any plant-based milk should work well.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – I like Hershey’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, but you can use any brand that works for your dietary needs.
- Sugar – I used organic cane sugar, but feel free to use alternative sugars like date sugar or turbinado sugar. If you prefer a liquid sweetener, like agave syrup or maple syrup, that should also be just fine.
- Marshmallows – Many marshmallows contain gelatin, which is an animal product, so they aren’t vegan. Dandies brand marshmallows are vegan, and there are a few other brands that are vegan. Read more about it here.
Step by Step Instructions
- Simply heat non-dairy milk in a pan on the stove until it’s steaming.
- Add the cocoa powder and sugar, and stir well until it’s smooth and combined.
- Pour into cups, and top with vegan marshmallows or coconut whipped cream if desired.
Microwave Instructions
You can make a cup of this hot chocolate in the microwave. Simply microwave a cup of non-dairy milk, then stir in a heaping tablespoon of cocoa powder and a tablespoon of sugar. Top with marshmallows and enjoy! I have a microwave hot chocolate recipe on my site if you want further instructions.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this hot cocoa with a sweet treat like these toasted coconut chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, or gluten free shortbread.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
The Best Vegan Hot Chocolate.
Ingredients
- 3 cups non-dairy milk Use any non-dairy milk that suits your dietary needs.
- 5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 Tablespoons organic cane sugar
- vegan marshmallows optional
Instructions
- Heat the non-dairy milk in a heavy bottomed sauce pan over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. You do not want to boil it.
- Whisk in your cocoa powder, and then your sugar. Whisk until it is smooth without any lumps.
- Pour into mugs and top with vegan marshmallows if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This post is part of my series, 31 Days of Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Egg Free Comfort Food.
Melissa
Pretty good. Made this my son and myself. I was really craving hot cocoa but I am trying to go totally vegan. So, I tried this. Very creamy but I did have to add a little bit more sugar.
Sue
I use pure maple syrup instead of sugar. It is great!
Rachael
I just made this! It was sooooo yummy! Thank you for posting. Also, I love your cup.
Pam
Wonderful, easy recipe.
I love the fox mug. Where did you find it?
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Teresa
Oh yes this is happening, just got a couple bags of vegan marshmallows in the mail today!
Kelly
Yay! Enjoy!
Eileen
if you add a dollop of Trader Joes coconut creme it is exquisite!!!
Kelly
Sounds yummy!
Maureen
Super yummy and easy! Thank you!
Christine
Starbucks will make your Hot Chocolate with Soy milk if you request it. If you also say that you do not want whipped cream on top, it then becomes totally vegan. That being said, I also make an almond milk hot chocolate at home just like you do and it is delish!
eunises
Can you please tell me what brandas of.coco mix work? I always have.trouble
Kelly
I used pure unsweetened cocoa – either the Hershey brand or the Nestle brand is very good!
Brooke
adorable mug! May I ask where you purchased it?
Kelly
The brand is Danica Studio, and I bought it at a local store, but here are some different designs on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=danica+studio+mug&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adanica+studio+mug
TJ {Sugar Blossoms}
Hi there! I wanted to let you know I featured you on Sugar Blossoms today. Stop by and check it out! http://sweetsugarblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/10/18-amazing-hot-cocoa-recipes.html
Cassandra Tomlinson
Sounds like a great recipe, will have to try soon. Love the mug too, by the way!
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
Oh, good! I’m glad you don’t have to give up your hot cocoa. It’s my (year-round) drink of choice, too, so cheers to both of us!
Kelly
No, I can’t go without cocoa! :)
Janelle
Yes – it’s time for hot chocolate again! Yum. And, what a cute fox mug. :)