There’s just something extra cozy about Hot Chocolate Recipe Dutch Bros style, especially if you want something richer and more comforting than the usual cafe style.
Since Dutch Bros has 44 flavor options, even tasting a sip of each would be impossible – but they still have a fantastic hot chocolate, which is surprisingly a classic.
This homemade version is that same rich, velvety warmth. It is thick, creamy, not too rich, and left me feeling well-balanced! And if you’re willing to bite into some more flavor, our website offers delicious recipes like crumbl tres leches cake recipe, for you to try next.
Why You Will Love This Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
If you are someone who enjoys Dutch Bros or just appreciate a really thick hot chocolate, this is the recipe for you. This hot chocolate is rich and thick, tastes just like everyone loves from Dutch Bros, and every sip will feel like a warm winter hug.
This is a base version it’s really really good taste the chocolate it’s not too overwhelming um it’s just nice and sweet it’s delicious and it’s just very comforting.
Ingredients Used in This Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate Recipe
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (50–60%), finely chopped
- 4 cups milk of choice (dairy or dairy-free)
- 3 tbsp cacao powder or cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- Optional: whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
Essential Kitchen Equipment Required
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mug
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
How To Make Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
1. Warm the Milk: Pour 4 cups of your preferred milk (dairy or dairy-free) into a saucepan and heat on medium heat until steaming. Do not allow boiling.
2. Add Cocoa Powder: Whisk in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, which will add depth and color to the chocolate flavor, complementing the melted chocolate. Continue whisking until the cocoa is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
3. Sweeten the Milk: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to sweeten the milk. Feel free to add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter drink, but keep in mind that the chocolate contributed the majority of the sugar.
4. Allow to Simmer: Once the milk has come to a low simmer, monitor closely to prevent it from boiling over and foaming as it heats.
5. Melt the Chocolate: Add 4 ounces of finely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate (50-60%). Continue whisking until melted, and the drink begins to become thick, smooth, and velvety. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes to prevent clumping.
6.Serve & Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, leaving enough room for toppings. Finish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notable Tips to Make This Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate Recipe Perfect
Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below
1. While you can keep it in the fridge, hot chocolate is the best when fresh, warm, and creamy!
2. Chop your chocolate small. The smaller the chocolate is chopped, the faster it will melt, resulting in a super smooth drink.
3. Don’t stop whisking. Seriously, don’t stop! Whisking will allow the ingredients to incorporate without making lumps.
4. Warm the milk, don’t make the milk hot. If the milk gets too hot, it will scald/burn or boil over.
5. Use whatever chocolate you love! You love dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate? ALL GOOD CHOICES!
6. Don’t add too much sugar-if you’re afraid it won’t be sweet enough, just add a small amount, and once it cools, you can check the sweetness.
7. Carefully let it simmer. A very gentle simmer is what really thickens the drink and makes it cozy.
8. Remember that you can adjust it as you go. Want it to be sweeter? Want it to be darker? You can adjust it as you go.
9. Add the toppings at the end. Whipped cream or marshmallows or cocoa dust-oh my!
10. Use a heavy bottom pot / saucepan. This will hold heat better, helping it to heat faster, and it will prevent a burn-up.
Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.
1. With Homemade Marshmallows
One of our favorite pairings-fresh, soft, homemade marshmallows melt beautifully into the thick chocolate and make every sip feel extra cozy.
2. Topped With Freshly Whipped Cream
We’ve tried many versions, but nothing beats a generous swirl of fresh whipped cream melting slowly into the hot chocolate.
3. Alongside a Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie
From our experience, dipping a slightly warm cookie into this velvety drink is dangerously delicious.
4. With a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top lifts the chocolate flavor in the most surprising way. We do this often on colder nights.
5. Paired With a Slice of Tres Leches Cake
This combo is incredibly indulgent-the fluffy sweetness of the cake with the deep cocoa flavor is something we reach for on special evenings.
6. Served With Cinnamon Toast
We’ve paired it with buttery cinnamon toast many times, and the spice adds a nostalgic, breakfast-style comfort.
7. With a Shot of Espresso (Mocha Style)
On mornings when we want something extra bold, adding a small shot of espresso makes it taste like a luxurious homemade mocha.
8. Garnished With Crushed Peppermint
Around the holidays, we always crush a little peppermint candy on top. It turns the drink into a festive treat instantly.
9. With a Small Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
Trust us-letting a scoop melt into the hot chocolate is ridiculously good. It becomes a warm, silky, slightly creamy dessert in a mug.
How to Store and Reheat This Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate Properly
Any leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat it, do so over low heat on the stove, as you want to avoid boiling to keep the silky smoothness.
You can also microwave the hot chocolate in 30 second intervals, while whisking in between to restore the creaminess. If it thickens after it sits in the fridge, simply add in a splash of milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.
FAQs on This Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate Recipe that people often ask.
1. Can I use any type of milk for this hot chocolate?
Yes. We’ve tried everything from whole milk to oat, cashew, soy, and coconut milk. They all work, but whole milk or canned coconut milk gives the creamiest, Dutch-Bros-style texture.
2. Do I really need real chocolate, or can I just use cocoa powder?
Use real chocolate. That’s what makes this recipe thick, velvety, and closer to Dutch Bros. Cocoa powder alone won’t create that luscious mouthfeel.
3. Should I still add cocoa powder even if I’m using chocolate?
We always do. It deepens the flavor and adds that layered chocolate taste that makes this version richer than standard hot cocoa.
4. How sweet should the hot chocolate be?
We find two tablespoons of maple syrup or honey is perfect. The chocolate already contains sugar, so it stays balanced instead of overly sweet.
5. My chocolate isn’t melting smoothly – what am I doing wrong?
Make sure your chocolate is finely chopped and keep the heat at a gentle simmer. As long as you whisk continuously for a few minutes, it melts into a silky mixture.
6. How can I make the drink even thicker?
Simmer it a little longer or whisk in a very small amount of cornstarch slurry. We rarely need it, but it works if you want an ultra-thick café-style texture.
7. Can I walk away while it simmers?
No -milk boils over very quickly. We always stay nearby and keep whisking so it stays smooth and never scorches.
8. Can I store leftover hot chocolate?
Absolutely. We refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on low heat and whisk to bring back the silky texture.
9. Can I customize the flavor?
Yes! We often add a pinch of cinnamon, a drop of peppermint extract, or a little espresso powder. All of them make it taste like different Dutch Bros flavors.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely. Oat milk and cashew milk give the best creamy results. If you love richness, canned coconut milk comes closest to the thick texture of the original.
Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the Milk: Pour 4 cups of your preferred milk (dairy or dairy-free) into a saucepan and heat on medium heat until steaming. Do not allow boiling.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Whisk in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, which will add depth and color to the chocolate flavor, complementing the melted chocolate. Continue whisking until the cocoa is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Sweeten the Milk: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to sweeten the milk. Feel free to add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter drink, but keep in mind that the chocolate contributed the majority of the sugar..
- Allow to Simmer: Once the milk has come to a low simmer, monitor closely to prevent it from boiling over and foaming as it heats.
- Melt the Chocolate: Add 4 ounces of finely chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate (50-60%). Continue whisking until melted, and the drink begins to become thick, smooth, and velvety. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes to prevent clumping.
- 6.Serve & Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, leaving enough room for toppings. Finish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Video
Notes
This hot chocolate, which is rich and super comforting, is everything you want on a cold day. It’s creamy, it’s chocolatey, and it’s way better than a powdered hot chocolate from the store. Either way, if you are going to enjoy this by yourself or share, this is a sure winter favorite!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check back as there are lots of other great and delicious recipes on our website. Let us know how your hot chocolate turned out, we love hearing from you
Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Dutch Bros has too many flavor options.this basic one is my fvrt.tnx for making this.
Thanks