Do you need to melt the chocolate chips first?

The hot milk will melt the chocolate chips, so there is no need to melt them before placing the whole hot chocolate mixture in the microwave.

Can I use water instead of milk?

I do not recommend using water in this recipe. Since it is just two main ingredients with flavorings, removing one of them would not create the nice creamy hot chocolate we know and love!

Can I make this on the stove?

You can absolutely make this on the stove. Warm the milk first in a small saucepan on medium heat, stirring on occasion, then add the other ingredients and whisk together until smooth.

Microwave Hot Chocolate with chocolate chips

A clear glass mug with microwaved hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

Making microwave hot chocolate with chocolate chips is the ultimate hot beverage hack! With just 3 simple ingredients you likely have on hand already, you can have a truly decadent cup of hot cocoa. Add a few marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon and you have a simple hot chocolate that rivals Starbucks!

Author: Jamie
Prep Time: 3
Cook Time: 2
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup milk of your choice (2%, almond milk, or other)
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (mini preferred)
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 shakes salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Milk and Chocolate: In a microwavable mug, add the chocolate chips.
Warm it up: Microwave on high until your beverage is nice and toasty. For most microwaves, this is somewhere between 1 - 2 1/2 minutes. It's better to microwave a little less at the start and increase the time rather than have it boil and spill over or burn. The beverage setting is usually a good place to start.
Mix it together: Add the vanilla and salt and whisk the ingredients together until the chocolate is melted and well incorporated. You can stir vigorously with a spoon but a small whisk makes this whole process much easier. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if you like and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: While best enjoyed as soon as you make it, you can wait for any leftover hot chocolate to cool and store it covered in the refrigerator for two days. Reheat in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it!

To Go: To make this recipe to-go, I recommend microwaving in a regular microwavable ceramic mug first before transferring it to a travel mug. Most travel mugs are not microwave-safe.

Vegan and Dairy-Free - Use a plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or lite coconut milk and vegan chocolate chips. I usually make this recipe with almond milk and Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips.

Gluten-Free - Use regular dairy milk or a plant-based milk that is gluten-free plus gluten-free Chocolate Chips like the Guittard or Enjoy Life brands.

Allergen-Free - Try hemp milk or rice milk with allergen-friendly top 8 free chocolate chips like the Enjoy Life brand.

Keywords: hot chocolate with chocolate chips, microwave hot chocolate, hot chocolate for 1

Find it online: https://vibrantlygfree.com/microwave-hot-chocolate-with-chocolate-chips/