No fancy equipment or additive packed hot chocolates are needed to make a really easy and delicious hot chocolate. You can make a hot chocolate in the microwave in just 90 seconds, making it perfect for small portions. Adaptable with different add-ins and you can still add all your favourite hot chocolate toppings. Microwave Hot Chocolate is what you need for a quick and simple treat this winter.
About this microwave hot chocolate recipe
This is the quickest way to enjoy a hot chocolate, taking just 90 seconds in the microwave. Easy to adapt with a few extra add-ins - microwave hot chocolate is a cosy winter drink that you can top with cream and marshmallows to make it deliciously indulgent.
If you are just making this for one, then heating it in a mug in the microwave is ideal and using the microwave is actually cheaper than using the hob.
If you are looking for some more hot chocolate recipes, why not try our indulgent Baileys Hot Chocolate, make-ahead Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate or our vegan Oat Milk Hot Chocolate?
You can use this as part of a Hot Chocolate Bar for special occasions.
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Milk - We used semi-skimmed milk to make this microwave hot chocolate recipe, but you could use whole milk to make it even creamier. You could also use a plant based milk if you prefer, something like almond milk or oat milk.
- Honey - This is what adds the sweetness. You could swap it for maple syrup or another liquid sweetener if you prefer. Feel free to adjust the amount used depending on how sweet you like your hot chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder - This is where the chocolate flavour comes from, so use a really good quality one. We have given a little tip below for if you want a more indulgent chocolate flavour.
- Vanilla - This adds a real warmth to the microwave hot chocolate and also brings out the sweetness too.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make hot chocolate in the microwave - Step by step
One: In a microwave safe bowl, add the honey, vanilla (a), cocoa powder (b) and milk (c). Mix well.
Two: Put into the microwave.
Three: Cook for 90 seconds in 30 second intervals, stirring each time.
Why use a microwave?
Microwaves have received a bad reputation over the years. They have been called lazy and they have been called dangerous. But, if you are looking at these recipes then I am guessing that you don't believe either of those, and neither do we. Let's dispel those myths.
Firstly, there is no real evidence that shows that microwaves are dangerous to your health. You will find a lot of information on the internet to say they are, but nothing scientifically proven.
Studies have shown that using a microwave might be better at preserving nutrients than other cooking methods.
Microwaves are for lazy people? Nope! That is such an ableist thing to say. There are many reasons why people might use a microwave as a convenient method of cooking, such as not being able to stand at the cooker for any length of time.
Also, microwaves tend to cook things much quicker, which is perfect for those with less time in the kitchen and you also don't usually need to do any stirring, which is perfect if you need something you can just put in and leave.
Sometimes the microwave can be a bit of a life saver. If your oven breaks, or you are having your kitchen renovated, you need to be able to make meals with just a microwave.
Maybe you are living in accommodation with no/limited cooking facilities like a hotel/studio/student halls. We want to show just what you can do with a microwave. We also love them for smaller portions.
We have a full section of microwave recipes for you to try.
Serving suggestions
To make this a super indulgent microwave hot chocolate, we topped ours with squirty creamy, a drizzle of Chocolate Sauce. Some chocolate curls would be good for an extra chocolate flavour. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top is also really good.
We don't think this needs anything served with it, as it is pretty indulgent as it is. However, you could serve it with our Chocolate Flapjacks or Christmas Cookies.
Variations
We wanted this to be an alternative to using hot chocolate powder. However, if you wanted a more indulgent hot chocolate, then you could grate some dark chocolate into the milk so that it melts whilst cooking.
For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne. Although this definitely isn't for everyone. You could also add mint or orange extract instead of the vanilla or just use your favourite chocolate syrup.
For some extra warmth in your microwave hot chocolate, you could add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger, or even a mixture of all three. That gives it a real cozy vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
This is best drunk straight away. However, if you do have leftovers then they can be stored in an air tight container until the next day and then you can just heat it through.
You can use a milk alternative and swap the honey for maple syrup to make this vegan.
Extra tips
• We think the sweetness in this is perfect, but that comes down to preference. To make it sweeter, or even to reduce the sweetness, just adjust the amount of sweetener used.
• Don't let the milk boil, which is why you need to just heat it at 30 seconds at a time. If serving this microwave hot chocolate to kids you need to make sure it is cool so they don't burn their mouth.
• To make this a really frothy hot chocolate, use a milk frother.
• Every microwave varies, so you might need to adjust the times.
More drink recipes
If you’ve tried this microwave hot chocolate recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Easy Microwave Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 250 ml (1 cups) Semi-skimmed milk
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder - unsweetened
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the honey, vanilla, cocoa powder and milk. Mix well.
- Put into the microwave.
- Cook for 90 seconds in 30 second intervals, stirring each time.
Recipe tips
- We think the sweetness in this is perfect, but that comes down to preference. To make it sweeter, or even to reduce the sweetness, just adjust the amount of sweetener used.
- Don't let the milk boil, which is why you need to just heat it at 30 seconds at a time.
- To make this a really frothy hot chocolate, use a milk frother.
- Every microwave varies, so you might need to adjust the times.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
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