Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (2024)

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Published: by Wajeeha Nadeem · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Italian Hot Chocolate is a thick, decadent drink made from real chocolate. Instead of using only cocoa, this heavenly beverage is made with Lindt chocolate.

This Lindt hot chocolate recipe is similar to French Hot Chocolate, but the method is different. One thing's for sure, both are super delicious, warming drinks that are perfect for the winter!

Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (1)

Myhot chocolate recipe collectionis growing fast and furiously thanks to the awesome Hot Chocolate Extravaganza that I’m running on my blog these days. Whether it’s thisThree-Ingredient Creamy Homemade White Hot Chocolate, or this citrusyOrange Hot Chocolatethat you first choose to make, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

About this Recipe

What is hot chocolate called in Italy? Picture this: You're walking down a cobbled street in a small Italian town at dusk. The wind is cold and blustery. You come across a small cafe and ask for coffee, but your Italian is poor and the barista asks, “Cioccolata Calda?”

You have no idea what it is, but nod your head in agreement, hoping it's warm and comforting. The barista soon hands you a big, warm mug of liquid chocolate.

And then you take a sip, and you die and go to chocolate heaven.

Ciccolata Calda is the creamy, thick Italian hot chocolate made from real chocolate, cocoa, milk and sugar. If you’ve never tried to make hot chocolate this way before, well, your life is about to change!

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Why this Recipe Works

  • Real Chocolate: While using just cocoa powder yields a pretty good result, when we use high quality chocolate for this recipe, the results are simply amazing. The flavor is rich and you can taste the chocolate in each sip.
  • Secret ingredient: For this recipe we use just a bit of cornstarch to make the consistency of the hot chocolate thick and decadent. This makes a big difference in how indulgent the drink turns out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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  • Chocolate: Use high quality such as Lindt. For an intense flavor I recommend using dark chocolate, but you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter result.
  • Milk: For the best results, I recommend using whole milk. It makes the hot chocolate so luxurious and indulgent.
  • Cocoa Powder: We need only a bit, to further intensify the chocolate flavor.
  • Sugar: Adjust the amount according to your taste. You will need to use less if using milk chocolate, as that is already sweetened.
  • Corn starch: This is the magic ingredient that helps thicken up the hot chocolate to give it an almost pudding-like consistency.

How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate

Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (4)
  1. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate with two tablespoons of milk, on low heat.
  2. Now add the remaining milk, and mix continuously, until well incorporated.
  3. Add the cocoa powder and sugar, and stir until combined.
  4. Mix the cornstarch with milk to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the hot chocolate, while whisking continuously.
  5. Mix until the hot chocolate has thickened and it coats the back of a wooden spoon.
  6. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy!

Topping Suggestions:

You can enjoy this Lindt hot cocoa as is, or use as many toppings as you like! Here are some suggestions:

  • Whipped cream
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Peppermint candies
  • Sprinkles, for the little ones!
  • A sprinkle of sea salt
  • Candied ginger
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Recipe Tips

Sift the cocoa: To ensure a lump free Italian hot chocolate, I recommend that you sift the cocoa powder before adding it.

Cornstarch: Also known as cornflour, be sure to mix it with a bit of milk to make a slurry. When you add this to the hot chocolate, keep whisking, for a smooth and silky texture.

Storage: As the hot chocolate cools down, it will thicken. You can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days, and slowly warm it in a saucepan on the stove. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of milk and whisk to thin it out a bit.

Cook on low heat: It’s easy to scald milk, so I highly recommend that you make this recipe using medium-low heat.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between Italian and American hot chocolate?

Italian hot chocolate is thicker and creamier than the American version. It’s typically made with real chocolate, while American hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and has a thinner consistency.

Can you make Italian hot chocolate with chocolate chips?

Yes, the process is the same. I suggest using dark chocolate chips.

How do you reheat hot chocolate?

You can either slowly reheat it on the stovetop or warm it in the slow cooker on the low heat setting.

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Lindt Italian Hot Chocolate - Cioccolata Calda

Italian Hot Chocolate is a thick decadent hot chocolate that is perfect for all chocolate lovers – it’s made from real chocolate after all! Ready in five minutes, using only five ingredients!

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 487kcal

Author: Wajeeha Nadeem

Ingredients

  • 4 oz milk or dark chocolate I used Lindt Milk Chocolate, but you can use your favorite brand
  • 1 1/2 cups full fat milk 3 tablespoons of milk separated
  • 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder See notes
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate with two tablespoons of milk on medium heat.

  • Slowly add in the milk, continuously mixing with a wooden spoon.

  • Add in the cocoa powder and sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.

  • In a separate bowl mix the corn starch with one tablespoon of milk, and pour this mixture to the saucepan and mix until the hot chocolate has become thick and coats the back of your spoon.

  • Top with cocoa powder, mini marshmallows or even sea salt.

Notes

I used 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder because the milk chocolate itself is very sweet. If you are making this hot chocolate with dark chocolate then you may add less cocoa powder, depending on your taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 7mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ikneadtoeat or tag #ikneadtoeat!

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Recipe Inspired by Bell'Alimento

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (8)Becky

    Can you make this in a crock pot?

    Reply

  2. Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (9)Crystal Odegard

    Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (10)
    This recipe tastes exactly like the hot chocolate we had at the Lindt chocolate factory next to the Duomo in Florence. I've been dreaming about it for two years now so thank you!!

    Reply

  3. Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (11)Diana

    I can’t wait to try this! Can this be done with white chocolate? ???

    Reply

    • Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (12)waj.nad@gmail.com

      Yes I think so, but white chocolate does not melt as easily as regular chocolate. Also, you might need to reduce the quantity too as white chocolate is very sweet. Hope this helps 🙂

      Reply

  4. Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (13)sara

    Hi, I'm sorry but i just have to say this...in italian it's ciOccolata!!! With an O! Quite different meaning 😉
    And as an italian, I was shocked to discover that the rest of the world thinks that 'hot chocolate' is basically chocolate-scented water (in comparison to ours), sooo disappointed!

    Reply

  5. Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (14)NuGuy

    I have to try this recipe. Its perfect to start the day with the hot chocolate like this.

    Reply

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Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent! (2024)

FAQs

What to add to hot chocolate to make it thicker? ›

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens.

What is the difference between American hot chocolate and Italian hot chocolate? ›

Italian hot chocolate is thicker, creamier, and generally much richer than traditional American hot chocolate, which is less dense and milkier. It is made with a few key ingredients: cocoa, sugar, and milk. In some cases, a little dark chocolate and a thickening agent, such as cornstarch, are added as well.

Why is hot chocolate in Europe so thick? ›

In mainland Europe (particularly Spain and Italy), hot chocolate is sometimes served very thick due to the use of a thickening agent such as cornstarch.

What is the difference between French and Italian hot chocolate? ›

Italy is another European country that loves its thick hot chocolate. Their version of hot chocolate uses heavy cream and milk like the French. But unlike the French, they go an extra step by adding cornstarch to thicken the mixture even more. The result is a pudding-like consistency that is still pourable.

What makes chocolate thick? ›

For instance, when chocolate comes into contact with even the smallest amount of water, it seizes. Similarly, if chocolate is overheated, it will become thick and lumpy.

How do I thicken my chocolate? ›

Using less cream will result in a thicker consistency for your ganache. For instance, instead of using equal parts chocolate and cream, use two parts chocolate to one part cream for a thicker consistency.

Who make the best hot chocolate? ›

  • Best for Dark Chocolate Lovers. Crow & Moss Honduras Wampusirpi Drinking Chocolate. ...
  • Most Nostalgic. Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix. ...
  • Nostalgic Runner-Up. Nestle Rich Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix. ...
  • Best Spiced. Spicewalla Classic Hot Chocolate. ...
  • Most Spike-able. ...
  • Platonic Ideal. ...
  • Best for Gifting. ...
  • Allergy-Free.
Feb 1, 2024

What is the difference between Parisian and Belgian hot chocolate? ›

Both are made with real, high grade couverture chocolate however a Parisian hot chocolate is generally sweetened with a little extra sugar while a Belgian one is not. (Please note that neither style can be considered low in sugar as they are both made with real chocolate.)

What is the thick hot chocolate in Paris called? ›

Chocolat Chaud "Africain" - €8.20

The hot chocolate is pure decadence; try the speciality 'African', a velvety potion so thick that you need a spoon to consume it. Epicurean delights include the Mont Blanc dessert, a ball of meringue covered in whipped cream and sweet chestnut.

Which state drinks the most hot chocolate? ›

Massachusetts is not alone in their number one selection, as hot cocoa was the most common favorite drink in the country, coming in first place in 17 states including New York, California, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island.

Where did thick hot chocolate originate? ›

It Started in Mexico

As early as 500 BC, the Mayans were drinking chocolate made from ground-up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers (as well as other ingredients)—a much different version from the hot chocolate we know today.

What is the best Italian chocolate in the supermarket? ›

What are some of the best Italian Chocolate brands?
  • Ferrero: Notable Product: Ferrero Rocher, Mon Chéri, Kinder chocolates. About: Ferrero is a globally recognized brand with a wide range of chocolate products. ...
  • Perugina: Notable Product: Baci Perugina. ...
  • Venchi: Notable Product: Giandujotto, Cremino, Chocaviar.
Feb 8, 2024

Why is Mexican hot chocolate better? ›

Mexican hot chocolate includes various spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and ancho chili pepper. These ingredients give it a unique flavor that is sweet and slightly spicy. The chocolate used in Mexican hot chocolate is typically dark chocolate, which has a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate or white chocolate.

How do you make hot chocolate not clumpy? ›

Make a paste with the hot cocoa mix and one or two tablespoons of the milk. Make sure all the cocoa mix is moistened, and then stir in the rest of the milk. Since it's already moistened, the cocoa mix will dissolve evenly into the milk. No dry clumps.

What does cornstarch do for hot chocolate? ›

Nail the Texture

Digging into hot chocolate theory, I discovered that cornstarch is sometimes added to hot chocolate mix to help give it a creamy consistency.

How do you emulsify hot chocolate? ›

Put the cocoa powder (mixed with any other desired powdered ingredients such as sugar and cinnamon) into the cup first. Add a smaller or equal volume of your hot milk and stir to mix very thoroughly, wetting or dissolving all of the powders into a wet paste. Then slowly add, while stirring, the desired hot milk.

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