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French Hot Chocolate Recipe (Rich Parisian-Style Chocolat Chaud)

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This French hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and made with real dark chocolate, milk, cream, and vanilla for a cozy, Parisian-style treat.

  • Author: Sherie Friedlander, NC
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Winter Drinks, Hot Chocolate, non-alcoholic drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale

9 oz 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt (optional, but recommended)

Optional Toppings

Homemade whipped cream

Dark chocolate shavings or curls (or milk chocolate)

Instructions

How to Make French Hot Chocolate (Step-by-Step)

 

  1. Heat the milk and cream
    In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Do not boil. 

  2. Add the finely chopped chocolate.
    Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the chopped dark chocolate continuously until entirely melted and smooth.

  3. Sweeten and flavor
    Add sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until thick, glossy, and luxurious.

  4. Serve immediately
    Pour into cups and top with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Notes

 

 

  • Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor — bars melt more smoothly than chips.

  • French hot chocolate is naturally thicker than regular hot cocoa; this is part of its charm.

  • Sweetness can be adjusted to taste depending on the chocolate you use.

  • Heat gently and avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth and creamy.

  • This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated slowly on the stovetop.

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