Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo)

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December 20, 2022

Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolato Caldo) is a thick, rich chocolate drink unlike any other. If
you want a special hot chocolate that feels fancy and just a little bit indulgent, this recipe
is for you. This recipe uses good dark chocolate, a little bit of sugar, and no cream!

Throughout Italy, when the weather turns cold, hands are warmed with a small cup of rich,
thick, and creamy Cioccolato Caldo, or Hot Chocolate. A little biscotti or a cookie on the
side makes the perfect after dinner (who am I kidding) anytime treat.

Although drinking chocolate or hot chocolate is common all over Europe (and the world)
this Italian-style hot chocolate stands out for its thick creamy, texture as well as its
richness. You may think something this decadent is made with heavy cream, but it's not!

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With real chocolate, cocoa powder, 2 percent milk, and cornstarch used to thicken it, this
Cioccolato Caldo is much richer, and enjoyed in smaller quantities than American-style
hot cocoa. It’s so deeply satisfying that a little goes a long way — you will not down a
whole coffee mug of this!

What is in Italian Hot Chocolate?

The ingredients are pretty basic and you might have most of them in your pantry. Italian-
style hot chocolate consists of:

Chocolate: A combination of bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder.

Milk: I use 2 percent because it has body but not too much fat.
Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the drink just a bit.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Cornstarch: This thickens the drink. To adjust the thickness of the drink, reduce the
amount of cornstarch added.

You don’t typically see marshmallows add to this like an American-style hot cocoa,
however, it is common to dollop some freshly whipped cream on top and/or sprinkle some
chocolate shavings if you’re so inclined.

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How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate

All you need is about 10 minutes, and a few ingredients to make this luxurious Italian hot
chocolate.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate, cocoa
powder, and salt. Set aside.

Make a slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ¼ cup of the
milk.

Warm the milk: Pour the remaining milk into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat,
and bring 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.

Whisk in the slurry: Stir in the cornstarch and milk mixture and continue mixing until the
hot 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.

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What’s the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate uses melted chocolate (and may or may not include cocoa powder
although this recipe does).
Hot cocoa relies solely on cocoa powder for its chocolate flavor, which tends to
make it not very chocolatey at all, in my opinion!

Variations & Modifications

Use whole milk: Give your hot chocolate an even creamier mouthfeel by using
whole milk instead of 2 percent.
Add some spice: A ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a
quick grating of nutmeg all add a touch of spice and add extra warmth to your hot
chocolate. Add these at the dry ingredient stage.
Flavorings: Try a ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract when making your hot
chocolate for a cooling holiday flavor, or a ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (this
works well alongside the spices too!). Or go with a drizzle of syrup like caramel or
raspberry too!

How to Serve an Italian-style Hot Chocolate

Remember, this drink is hot! Use your coffee mugs, or heat-proof mugs when serving up
a cup of Cioccolato Caldo. And then top with fresh cream or chocolate shavings (or both).
The drink will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve it right away or keep it on very low
heat and stir occasionally.

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This hot chocolate recipe is plenty decadent on its own, so you don't need to add
anything more. Bit it's traditionally served with a small cookie like a biscotti alongside.

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 – 5 mins
Cook – 5 mins
Cuisine:
Italian
Serves – 6 people
Course:
Drinks

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 ¼ cup
of the milk.
Warm the remaining milk: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the
remaining 1 ¾ cups of milk to a simmer (watch for bubbles forming around the
edges).

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 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.

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.

Nutrition
Calories: 226.7kcalCarbohydrates: 21.3gProtein: 5.5gFat: 14.1gSaturated Fat:
8.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 7.1mgSodium:
43.5mgPotassium: 363.6mgFiber: 4.3gSugar: 12.2gVitamin A: 91.3IUVitamin C:
0.2mgCalcium: 119.4mgIron: 3.9mg

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