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Thick Italian Hot Chocolate

Thick Italian hot chocolate is made on the stovetop with bittersweet chocolate, cocoa, and a cornstarch slurry for a smooth, glossy texture. Serve it steaming hot in mugs for a rich, spoon-coating drink.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups whole milk divided; 1/2 cup cold for the cornstarch slurry
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.125 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup of the cold milk with the cornstarch until smooth.
  2. Pour the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk into a medium saucepan. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt over medium heat until steaming, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch mixture again, then slowly pour it into the saucepan while whisking. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Pour into mugs. Serve hot.

Notes

For a smooth texture, whisk the cornstarch mixture again just before slowly pouring it into the saucepan. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk and bittersweet chocolate.