This microwave hot chocolate is rich and creamy but takes only a few minutes to make. Instead of cocoa powder, chocolate chips melt directly into hot milk for a smooth, deeply chocolatey single-serving drink-no saucepan required.
I especially love this method when I want just one mug of hot chocolate without pulling out extra dishes. Mini chocolate chips melt fastest, but regular chocolate chips work too, and you can use dairy or your favorite plant-based milk.
Recipe Overview: Microwave Hot Chocolate
- ⭐Difficulty: Easy
- 🕒 Total Time: About 5 minutes
- 👥 Yield: 1 serving
- Method: Microwave
- Key Ingredients: Milk, chocolate chips, vanilla, salt
- ✅ Dietary Options: Gluten-free; easily dairy-free/vegan with plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips
⚠️ Heat the milk gradually. Microwaves vary considerably, so I start with about 1 minute and add more time as needed rather than immediately microwaving for the full 2½ minutes. Once the milk is hot, whisk well so the chocolate chips melt completely and the drink becomes smooth.
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FEATURED REVIEW ★★★★★
I love that my kids can make this hot chocolate all by themselves!
- Joanna
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Why this recipe works
- Easy to adapt. I've made it successfully with both dairy and plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips work beautifully.
- Chocolate chips make it especially rich. They melt directly into the hot milk for a smooth, creamy drink without cocoa powder.
- Made entirely in the microwave. You need one microwave-safe mug and about 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for one. There's no need to pull out a saucepan or make a full batch when you just want one mug.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Use dairy milk or your favorite plant-based milk. I've made this successfully with almond milk, oat milk, and light coconut milk. Dairy milk can form a skin if overheated, so heat it gradually.
Chocolate chips: I prefer mini chocolate chips because they melt quickly, but regular chocolate chips work too. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate gives the drink the richest chocolate flavor.
Vanilla: A small amount rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Salt: A pinch brings out the chocolate flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer.
Dairy-free/vegan: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. I often make mine with almond milk and Enjoy Life semi-sweet mini chocolate chips.
Gluten-free: Check both the milk and chocolate-chip labels if you're cooking for someone with celiac disease. I use chocolate chips labeled gluten-free.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Microwave Hot Chocolate
1. Pour the milk into a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add the chocolate chips.
3. Microwave until hot. Start with about 1 minute, then continue heating in short increments as needed. Avoid boiling the milk.
4. Whisk until smooth. Add the vanilla and salt, then whisk until the chocolate chips have completely melted into the milk.
Hint: Using a small whisk to mix the chocolate chips into the milk really simplifies the process. But if you don't have one, simply stir as vigorously as you can without spilling using a spoon (or even a fork).
When you make this recipe, please leave a rating and review below. I always appreciate the feedback! ❤️
📖 Recipe
Microwave Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice 2%, almond milk, or other
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips , mini preferred
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Combine: Pour the milk into a microwave-safe mug and add the chocolate chips.1 cup milk of choice, 3 tablespoons chocolate chips
- Heat: Microwave on High for about 1 minute. Check the milk, then continue heating in short increments as needed until hot, without allowing it to boil over. Depending on your microwave, the total heating time may be anywhere from about 1-2½ minutes.
- Whisk: Whisk: Add the vanilla and salt. Whisk until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if you like!⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt
Notes
Nutrition
Jamie's Little Shortcuts
I recommend measuring the chocolate chips with a tablespoon, but the milk and other ingredients can be estimated.
Here's my little shortcut:
- If your mug is a standard 10 ounce coffee mug, you can estimate 8 ounces (leave just enough room for marshmallows) and avoid dirtying a standard measuring cup.
- Simply add a micro splash of vanilla extract and two shakes of salt.
- The one ingredient I do recommend measuring (at least roughly) is the 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips.
Microwave Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
No. Heat the chocolate chips directly with the milk, then whisk once the milk is hot. The heat from the milk melts the chocolate as you stir.
I don't recommend replacing the milk entirely with water. Milk gives this simple recipe most of its creamy texture and body. If you need a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk instead.
Make sure the milk is thoroughly hot and whisk vigorously after heating. Mini chocolate chips melt faster than standard-size chips. If needed, microwave the drink a little longer and whisk again.
Joanna says
I love that my kids can make this hot chocolate all by themselves! I left out the vanilla and salt for them, and it was great with (for me) and without. Thank you for the recipe and snow day activity!
Joanna says
This was so easy and I made it the last two nights! Thank you for a solid hot chocolate recipe.
Landon says
This is a rich hot chocolate, which surprised me since there are only two main ingredients. This will be how I make hot chocolate most of the time from now on. Thank you for the recipe.
Jamie says
Thank you so much for the review Landon! I'm glad you enjoyed it.