Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe (Cioccolata Calda) (2024)

Italian Hot Chocolate, also known as Cioccolata Calda, is a classic recipe for a delicious hot cocoa that's thick and sweet. One spoonful and you'll agree that this is the best hot chocolate recipe out there!

Italian Hot Chocolate is known for its thick and rich texture. This cold weather treat is great for sipping, using to dunk biscotti, or you can eat it with a spoon. It's unlike any hot chocolate you've ever had!

If you love chocolatey treats, don't miss my Chocolate Pudding Cookies or Italian Chocolate Almond Cookies. For a delicious sweet to serve alongside your hot cocoa, be sure to try these Shortbread Cookie Bars or my Cranberry Almond Biscotti.

You'll Love Italian Hot Chocolate!

Italian style hot chocolate is a truly memorable experience. It's simple to make, has the most glorious taste and texture, and is perfect for chocolate lovers!

This Cioccolata Calda is different that the American version of hot chocolate as it has a thick pudding-like consistency and is made from scratch without hot cocoa mix.

While this may seem like an indulgent treat, it's actually very simple to make and not much different than standard hot chocolate mix. What makes it so memorable is the addition of cornstarch to give it that thick and rich consistency.

You're going to love the taste and texture of this delicious hot chocolate milk recipe that's best served in small cups with a spoon. Topped with a little whipped cream, and it's a great treat for colder months or any time of year.

So, if you love thick chocolatey treats, then you have to give this creamy Italian Hot Chocolate recipe a try! One taste and you'll be hooked.

Ingredients

• Milk: use any milk you like for this recipe. I prefer 2% or whole milk, but you could even do almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or skim milk.
• Cocoa Powder: to give that rich flavor, you'll need unsweetened cocoa powder, like Hershey's.
• Sugar: use a bit of granulated sugar to sweeten up the hot chocolate.

• Corn Starch: cornstarch is the secret ingredient for making thick Italian Hot Chocolate. You can substitute potato starch instead.
• Chocolate: use a good quality dark chocolate for this recipe if you have it. I like to use 70% cocoa bars. You can substitute with whatever kind of chocolate you have on hand such as milk chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, or chocolate chips.
• Whipped Cream (optional): top with a dollop of canned whipped cream or make your own with heavy cream. Sprinkle on chocolate shavings if you'd like too!

How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate

This thick Italian Hot Chocolate recipe, or Cioccolata Caldo, comes together fast. All you need is a small saucepan and a whisk.

Step 1: heat the milk

In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat. Remove a ¼ cup of the milk and set aside.

Step 2: whisk in chocolate

Add in the chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the hot cocoa comes to a simmer.

Step 3: whisk in the cornstarch

​In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of milk. Add the cornstarch mixture to the hot cocoa mixture and whisk until thickened.

Step 4: top with whipped cream

This last step is optional but adds a pretty finish. Pour the hot chocolate into small cups and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or dust with a little cocoa powder.

Serve this thick and rich homemade hot chocolate recipe immediately. If your cocoa gets a film on top, just whisk it until well combined.

Recipe Tips

• A little bit of this Italian Hot Chocolate goes a long way! I recommend serving it in an espresso cup with a spoon on the side.
• This recipe is best served immediately. If your hot chocolate starts to form a film on top, just whisk it in.
• To make this a boozy hot chocolate, whisk in a bit of Irish Cream or brandy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Italian Hot Chocolate Different?

Italian hot chocolate is typically thicker and more indulgent than American hot chocolate. It is often made with high-quality real chocolate and corn starch, resulting in a rich and velvety texture, while American hot chocolate is generally lighter and sweeter, often made with cocoa powder and sweeteners.

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