This Microwave Hot Cocoa is so easy, you won’t even miss the mix! It’s healthier and refined sugar free, so you can enjoy a daily cup of cocoa this winter.
During the holiday season, I love to sit down and relax with a hot cup of something delicious. Many times, my mug is filled with coffee or tea, but lately I’ve been enjoying this 3-Ingredient Microwave Hot Cocoa.
Hot cocoa is easy for kids to make too and it’s a big treat for them. We swirl on the whipped cream and sit down together as family to enjoy our mugs of cocoa. Try this hot cocoa (and the together time) with your loved ones.
While this recipe is so easy it barely warrants a post, I decided that this Microwave Hot Cocoa had to be shared because the recipes that are ridiculously easy are often the best ones. So I hope you enjoy this easy method for making a healthier cup of hot cocoa in a matter of minutes, with minimal clean up. I think we can all appreciate that, right?
How to Make Hot Cocoa
For this recipe, you will need milk, honey and unsweetened cocoa powder. Start with your favorite mug and heat a cup of milk in your microwave. After the milk is heated how you like it, add the honey and cocoa, stir well and enjoy! You can make gingerbread hot cocoa with this recipe too by optionally adding 3/4 teaspoon of gingerbread spice mix.
When I make this hot cocoa, I don’t even measure the ingredients. Who wants to wash measuring spoons, anyways? I did measure for you, though, so ingredient amounts are listed below. This recipe is very forgiving, and always turns out. You can taste and adjust the amount of honey or cocoa powder as desired. It’s not overly sweet as written, but for my tastes it’s perfect.
If you love hot cocoa as much as I do, I hope you’ll give this Microwave Hot Cocoa recipe a try! This holiday season, I know many of you have the same goal as me – to enjoy all of the delicious food, but more often than not eat healthfully. A mug of this cocoa is a delicious way to keep that goal. You can even skip the whipped cream if you like, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A little swirl of whipped cream makes this sweet drink even better. Happy holidays, friends!
3-Ingredient Microwave Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, whichever kind you prefer
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- unsweetened whipped cream, for serving, if desired
Instructions
- Pour milk into a mug and heat in the microwave on high power for 90 seconds. Stir in honey and unsweetened cocoa powder. The cocoa powder may not dissolve completely, but it will as you heat the cocoa more.
- Continue heating in the microwave in 15- to 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until hot cocoa has reached your desired temperature. Test it carefully to be sure it isn't too hot, especially when serving to children.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- When we make a double batch of this, we make it in a 4-cup microwave-safe liquid measuring cup and then pour it into our mugs when it's ready.
- If you prefer, you can make the hot cocoa in a pot on the stove. Heat the milk, stirring, over medium heat and then stir or whisk in the honey and cocoa powder.
- Optional, add 3/4 teaspoon of gingerbread spice for a gingerbread hot cocoa.
I’m so excited that the holiday season is finally here, too! Sipping on hot chocolate is one of my favorite things during the winter. This sugar free version sounds delicious, Kristine! I can only imagine how delicious this must taste on a cold day!
Thank you, Gayle!
I love easy recipes like this! Anything that makes life easier is a must at this time of year!
Agreed! 🙂
Mmm I LOVE hot chocolate and I definitely want to make a big mug of this!! Looks delicious. Can you believe it’s Dec 1st tomorrow?! Craziness!
I can’t believe it! Where is the time going?!
I have not started shopping, decorating or even THINKING about Christmas. Okay, that’s a lie, I’ve thought about it and then immediately decided procrastination is key. 😉 Hot chocolate is a must this time of year and I’m loving your mix! Why overpay for the store bought mix when you can have this?! So good. Cheers!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Cheyanne!
Hot chocolate is my OBSESSION. It just makes a day better!
Mine too, especially when there’s lots of whipped cream! 🙂
Easy recipes like this are my favorite! I love that you don’t need the store-bought packets and can make this anytime. Yum!
Thanks, Alyssa! I love that I always have all of the ingredients for this in my kitchen. 🙂
I love love love hot chocolate, but not the sugar overload that can come with it. Love that is sweetened with honey, I’m definitely going to try it out!
Thanks, Danielle! I don’t think you’ll miss the sugar!
The simple recipes are always the best! Love that you make this with your daughter! Kai and I baked muffins together this week-end and it was his first time helping me in the kitchen…it was so fun!
Awww, how fun! It’s nice when they get a little bigger, too, and can really help instead of just “help.” 😉
I agree – the easiest recipes sometimes are the absolute best! I love that you’re using unsweetened cocoa and honey here, much healthier than regular chocolate milk!
Thanks, Nora! With the amount of hot cocoa we’ve been drinking lately, I had to make it healthier! 😉
Perfect, now I just need to make sure I have it on hand when the boys come in.
I hope they enjoy this cocoa!
I’m trying this for sure! We love hot cocoa here! Love the simplicity of it. Looks yummy! Your blog is gorgeous by the way!
Thank you, Joanna! This hot cocoa is Julia’s favorite! 🙂 I hope you like it, too. Have a very Happy New Year!