Indulge in Irresistibly Creamy Nutella Hot Chocolate: Your Ultimate Winter Comfort Recipe

In the quiet embrace of winter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting beverage to soothe the soul. While classic hot chocolate holds a special place in our hearts, imagine a deliciously creamy variant that elevates the experience to new heights. This Nutella hot chocolate is not just a drink; it’s an experience – rich, easy to make, and utterly delightful.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the allure of a hot drink becomes undeniable. Picture this: you’ve just returned from a refreshing walk through a snow-dusted forest or along a windswept dike, feeling completely at peace and invigorated by the cool air. Your cheeks might be glowing with a healthy blush, and a gentle warmth starts to spread through your body. It’s in moments like these that a truly exceptional hot chocolate isn’t just a treat; it’s a necessity.

Traditionally, a rich, classic hot cocoa would hit the spot. But this time, we’re taking things up a notch with a brilliant twist: a luscious Nutella hot chocolate. And truly, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s wonderfully creamy, perfectly sweet, and incredibly easy to whip up. The familiar, comforting taste of chocolate combined with the unique, nutty notes of hazelnut spread creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready to transform your winter evenings into moments of pure bliss with this simple yet luxurious recipe.

Why Nutella Hot Chocolate is Your New Winter Obsession

What makes Nutella hot chocolate so special? It’s the magical combination of two universally loved ingredients: rich chocolate and a creamy hazelnut spread. Nutella isn’t just chocolate; it’s a complex blend of cocoa, sugar, and roasted hazelnuts, giving it a depth of flavor that ordinary chocolate alone can’t achieve. When melted into warm milk, Nutella imparts a silky smooth texture and a distinctive nutty aroma that is simply irresistible.

This recipe takes the familiar comfort of hot chocolate and infuses it with an exciting, gourmet touch. It’s the perfect way to elevate a simple drink into a decadent treat. Whether you’re curling up with a good book, enjoying a movie night, or simply seeking a moment of quiet indulgence, Nutella hot chocolate offers a luxurious escape. Its rich, velvety consistency is more satisfying than regular hot cocoa, making it feel like a dessert in a mug. The subtle hazelnut undertones add an extra layer of sophistication, transforming a classic comfort drink into a truly memorable experience.

Beyond its incredible taste, another significant advantage of this Nutella hot chocolate recipe is its sheer simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few staple items and minimal effort, you can create a cafe-quality beverage right in your own kitchen. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have much time, or for impromptu gatherings where you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss. It’s a delightful way to bring a touch of luxury into your everyday life.

Recipe: Nutella Hot Chocolate – A Simple Delight

Ready to create this liquid masterpiece? Here’s how to make your own creamy Nutella hot chocolate in just a few easy steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform everyday milk and Nutella into a comforting indulgence that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet coffee shop.

📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Andréa

In the winter, a hot drink is always nice. Chocolate, deliciously creamy. This Nutella hot chocolate is a delightful variant that’s incredibly easy to make, offering a comforting embrace on chilly days with its rich, hazelnut-chocolate flavor.

5 of 2 votes

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Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine International, European

Servings 2 persons

Calories 372 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 400 ml milk (whole milk for extra creaminess, or a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk for a lighter version)
• ▢ 5 tablespoons Nutella paste (or your favorite hazelnut chocolate spread, adjust quantity to taste)
• ▢ whipped cream , for garnish and a dash of cocoa powder (or chocolate shavings for extra decadence)

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Instructions

• ▢
  Combine Ingredients: Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Add the desired amount of Nutella paste. Using a whisk or a spoon, thoroughly mix the Nutella with the cold milk until it begins to incorporate.
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  Gently Heat: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Continuously stir the mixture to ensure the Nutella fully dissolves and blends smoothly, preventing any lumps from forming at the bottom of the pan. Heat slowly until the mixture is hot and steaming, with small bubbles forming around the edges of the saucepan. It’s important not to let the milk come to a rolling boil, as this can affect its creamy texture and flavor.
• ▢
  Serve and Garnish: Carefully pour the hot Nutella chocolate milk into your favorite mug, cup, or heat-proof glass. For the ultimate indulgence, top generously with a swirl of fresh whipped cream and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkling of chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and savor every warm, creamy, and hazelnut-infused sip!

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 9gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 105mgFiber: 3gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 324IUIron: 2mg

Keyword Nutella hot chocolate, hot chocolate recipe, easy winter drink, creamy hot cocoa, hazelnut chocolate

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Tips for the Perfect Nutella Hot Chocolate and Delicious Variations

Enhance the Creaminess and Flavor

Achieving that perfect, velvety consistency and rich taste is easy with a few simple considerations:

• Milk Choice is Key: While any milk will work in this recipe, the type you choose significantly impacts the final taste and texture. For the most decadent and rich hot chocolate, opt for whole milk. Its higher fat content contributes to a luscious, creamy mouthfeel. If you prefer a lighter drink, skim milk can be used, but you might want to add a little extra Nutella for flavor. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, oat milk or almond milk are excellent dairy-free alternatives that also add their own subtle, complementary notes.
• Gentle Heating is Crucial: Patience is a virtue when making hot chocolate. Heat the milk slowly over medium-low heat. This ensures that the Nutella melts smoothly and evenly without scorching the milk. Avoid bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, as high heat can break down the milk proteins, leading to a thin, watery texture or causing a skin to form on the surface. Look for gentle simmering and steam rather than rapid bubbling.
• Consistent Stirring for Smoothness: To prevent the Nutella from settling at the bottom of the saucepan and to ensure a perfectly homogenous, lump-free beverage, stir constantly while heating. A whisk is ideal for this, as it helps break down any small Nutella clumps and aerates the milk slightly, contributing to that desirable creamy texture.

Creative Topping Ideas

While whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa are classic and always delightful, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings to personalize your Nutella hot chocolate experience:

• Marshmallows: A timeless favorite, a handful of mini marshmallows will slowly melt into gooey, sweet clouds, adding a comforting softness to each sip. For an extra touch, toast them lightly with a kitchen torch!
• Chocolate Shavings or Chips: Elevate the chocolatey goodness by sprinkling dark, milk, or white chocolate shavings, or even a few chocolate chips, on top. They’ll melt slightly into the hot drink, creating pockets of intense flavor.
• Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, swirl a generous amount of caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or even a little extra warmed Nutella directly onto the whipped cream.
• Warm Spices: A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a whisper of chili powder can add an exciting depth and warmth. For a Mexican hot chocolate flair, a dash of cayenne pepper is surprisingly delicious and provides a gentle kick.
• Crushed Nuts: To further enhance the hazelnut notes, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds on top. They add a lovely crunch and a nutty aroma.
• Candy Cane Crush: During the festive season, crushed candy canes add a refreshing peppermint flavor and a beautiful visual appeal.

Beyond the Basics: Flavorful Variations

Feeling adventurous and want to customize your Nutella hot chocolate even further? Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

• Vanilla Boost: A splash of good quality vanilla extract (add it at the very end, after removing from heat) can brighten and enhance all the sweet, chocolatey flavors, giving your drink a more complex aroma.
• Espresso Kick: For coffee lovers, a shot of freshly brewed espresso or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder added to the milk mixture will create a delicious mocha-Nutella fusion, perfect for a pick-me-up.
• Spiced Wonderland: Infuse the milk with whole spices like a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a star anise while heating, then strain them out before serving for an aromatic, spiced hot chocolate.
• Adult Indulgence: For an evening treat, consider adding a shot of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico), Irish cream, a good quality bourbon, or a spiced rum after the mixture is off the heat. Stir well before serving.
• Extra Chocolatey: If you’re a true chocolate connoisseur, stir in a few squares (about 20-30g) of your favorite dark or milk chocolate along with the Nutella. This will create an even richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

The Comforting Ritual of Homemade Hot Chocolate

There’s something uniquely satisfying about making your own hot chocolate from scratch, especially one as delightful and easy as this Nutella version. It’s more than just mixing ingredients; it’s a small act of self-care, a moment to slow down and create something warm and comforting for yourself or loved ones. The gentle bubbling of milk, the slow melting of the hazelnut spread, and the rich aroma of chocolate filling your kitchen is an experience in itself, instantly signaling coziness and indulgence.

Making this drink at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize it exactly to your liking. Prefer it sweeter? Add a touch more Nutella. Want it less rich? Adjust the quantity. This personal touch is what makes homemade treats so special and rewarding. It’s a simple pleasure that can brighten even the coldest, greyest winter day, turning an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. It offers a perfect opportunity to unwind, reflect, or share a sweet moment with family and friends.

So, next time the chill sets in, skip the expensive cafe drinks and embrace the warmth of your own kitchen. With this easy Nutella hot chocolate recipe, you’re not just making a drink; you’re crafting a cozy memory, one delicious, creamy, and hazelnut-infused sip at a time. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create profound comfort.

What to Pair with Your Nutella Hot Chocolate

To complete your cozy experience, consider pairing your rich Nutella hot chocolate with some delicious treats. Classic choices like crisp shortbread cookies, a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie, or a slice of moist brownie complement the drink beautifully, echoing its rich flavors. For something a little different, try it with a plain butter croissant, a piece of fresh fruit like a banana or pear (the sweetness and tartness can surprisingly harmonize), or even a lightly salted pretzel for a sweet and salty contrast. These pairings will enhance your indulgence, making your hot chocolate moment truly complete.