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a close up of a mug of hot chocolate next to a spoon and two slices of biscotti.
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4.70 from 30 votes

Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo)

Italian hot chocolate is thick, rich and decadent — a little goes a long way. When serving think, small teacups or espresso cups not coffee mugs.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 people
Author: Elana Lepkowski

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces dark chocolate 70-74%, chopped small
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • chocolate shavings for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Combine the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Make a slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the milk.
  • Warm the remaining milk: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the remaining 1 3/4 cups of milk to a simmer (watch for bubbles forming around the edges).
  • Add the dry ingredients to the milk: Dump the dry ingredients into the simmering milk and stir with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the slurry: Whisk in the milk and cornstarch mixture and continue stirring until the chocolate has thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Let cool: Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. If any skin starts to appear on the surface, whisk the mixture.
  • Serve: Pour into heat-proof cups. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Italian hot chocolate will continue to thicken as it cools. To reheat it warm it gently over low in a small saucepan or eat it with a spoon like pudding. Either way works!
  • This drink is rich! When looking for serving cups the smaller the better. No big coffee mugs for this hot chocolate recipe.
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 226.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.3g | Protein: 5.5g | Fat: 14.1g | Saturated Fat: 8.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7.1mg | Sodium: 43.5mg | Potassium: 363.6mg | Fiber: 4.3g | Sugar: 12.2g | Vitamin A: 91.3IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 119.4mg | Iron: 3.9mg

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