Indulge in the Ultimate Creamy Nutella Hot Chocolate: Your Easy Winter Comfort Recipe
In the heart of winter, few things bring as much comfort and joy as a steaming hot beverage. While classic hot chocolate holds a special place, this Nutella-infused version elevates the experience to a new level of deliciousness. Rich, intensely chocolatey, and wonderfully creamy, it’s a delightful twist that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
There’s a unique magic to winter. Perhaps it’s the crisp air, the glistening frost, or the quiet beauty of nature covered in a soft blanket of snow. After a invigorating stroll through a peaceful forest or a refreshing walk along a windswept dike, soaking in the serene views, I always find myself seeking a moment of blissful warmth. That’s when the allure of a delicious hot drink becomes irresistible.
As you slowly thaw, feeling the lingering warmth in your cheeks from the cold outdoors, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug. This time, I decided to venture beyond traditional hot cocoa and create something truly special: a rich and velvety Nutella hot chocolate. And believe me, it’s an absolute game-changer. The irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnut creates a decadent symphony that will captivate your taste buds. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a moment of pure, unadulterated indulgence.
Why Nutella Hot Chocolate Is a Must-Try
What makes Nutella hot chocolate so extraordinary? It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved flavors: the deep, comforting richness of cocoa and the distinctive, nutty sweetness of hazelnut spread. Traditional hot chocolate is wonderful, but adding Nutella introduces a depth and complexity that is simply unparalleled. It transforms a simple drink into a luxurious treat, offering a more nuanced and exciting flavor profile.
Beyond its incredible taste, this hot chocolate variation boasts another significant advantage: its effortless preparation. You don’t need a gourmet kitchen or extensive culinary skills to whip up this delicious concoction. With just a few basic ingredients and a minimal amount of time, you can create a cafe-quality beverage right in your own home. This ease of preparation makes it perfect for a quick pick-me-up on a chilly afternoon, a cozy evening by the fireplace, or even a delightful start to a relaxed weekend morning. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can yield truly spectacular results.
The Perfect Winter Ritual
Imagine this: You’ve just come in from the cold, perhaps after building a snowman with the kids, enjoying a crisp morning run, or simply running errands. Your fingers are a little numb, and you crave something that will warm you from the inside out. This Nutella hot chocolate is the answer. The warmth of the mug in your hands, the inviting aroma filling the air, and that first, creamy sip — it’s an experience that rejuvenates both body and soul. It’s a moment to pause, unwind, and truly savor the simple pleasures of life.
This recipe isn’t just for cold winter days, though. It’s an ideal treat for any occasion that calls for a touch of warmth and sweetness. Hosting a movie night? A batch of Nutella hot chocolate will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Looking for a special dessert drink after dinner? This fits the bill perfectly. Its versatility and universal appeal make it a fantastic choice year-round, whenever you desire a taste of pure comfort.
Recipe for Decadent Nutella Hot Chocolate
Ready to create your own mug of hazelnut-chocolate heaven? This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and even less fuss. Here’s everything you need to know to make this comforting winter drink a reality in your kitchen.
Have you had the pleasure of crafting this delightful recipe? We would absolutely love to see your creation! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram to share your delicious results. I frequently showcase the most beautiful photos from our community! And if this recipe brought a smile to your face, please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful, not only to me but also to fellow home cooks seeking their next favorite treat.
Hungry for more culinary inspiration?
- Discover a treasure trove of video recipes on my official YouTube channel.
- Don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest! It’s the easiest way to keep them organized and quickly find them whenever you’re ready to cook or bake.
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 ml milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives work well)
- 5 tablespoons Nutella hazelnut spread
- Whipped cream, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended) and a dash of cocoa powder
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
-
Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the generous scoops of Nutella hazelnut spread to the milk.
-
Heat the mixture slowly over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a whisk or spoon. Continue to stir until the Nutella has completely melted and blended into the milk, and the mixture is hot and steaming (but not boiling). This ensures a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly warm drink.
-
Carefully pour the rich Nutella hot chocolate into your favorite mug, cup, or heat-proof glass. For the ultimate indulgence, top generously with whipped cream and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder or even some chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Tips for Making the Best Nutella Hot Chocolate
While the recipe is inherently simple, a few extra tips can elevate your Nutella hot chocolate from great to absolutely extraordinary:
- Choose Your Milk Wisely: While any milk will work, whole milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative like oat milk or cashew milk will yield the richest, most decadent texture. For a lighter version, skim milk is also an option, but you might lose some of that luxurious mouthfeel.
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Continuous stirring is key, especially during the initial heating phase, to ensure the Nutella fully dissolves and integrates with the milk. This prevents any clumps and guarantees a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Don’t Boil: Heat the mixture until it’s hot and steaming, but avoid letting it come to a rolling boil. Boiling can sometimes scorch the milk or cause the Nutella to separate, affecting the overall texture and flavor. Gentle heat is your friend here.
- Experiment with Toppings: While whipped cream and cocoa powder are classics, feel free to get creative! Consider adding mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings (dark or milk), a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a tiny pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. For an adult twist, a shot of hazelnut liqueur or a touch of rum can make it an evening delight.
- Adjust Sweetness: Nutella is already quite sweet. Taste your hot chocolate before adding any extra sugar. If you prefer it sweeter, a tiny amount of sugar or maple syrup can be stirred in.
Variations to Explore
This Nutella hot chocolate recipe is a fantastic base for endless customization. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
- Spiced Nutella Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny dash of chili powder (for a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate kick) to the saucepan while heating the milk.
- Peppermint Nutella Hot Chocolate: During the holidays, stir in a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract or garnish with a crushed candy cane for a festive touch.
- Coffee Lover’s Twist: For a mocha-like experience, add a shot of espresso or a spoonful of instant coffee granules to the milk and Nutella mixture.
- Extra Rich: For an even more indulgent drink, melt a small amount of dark chocolate (1-2 squares) along with the Nutella.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top of the whipped cream for added texture and intensified hazelnut flavor.
The Simple Joy of Homemade
In a world full of complex recipes and intricate culinary techniques, there’s a profound joy in creating something simple yet profoundly satisfying. This Nutella hot chocolate is a perfect example. It reminds us that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a few moments to prepare this rich, warm drink, you’re not just making a beverage; you’re crafting an experience – a small, delightful escape from the everyday.
So, the next time the chill of winter sets in, or you simply crave a sweet, comforting treat, remember this easy Nutella hot chocolate recipe. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug, promising warmth, flavor, and a moment of pure bliss. Gather your ingredients, take five minutes, and treat yourself to this irresistible concoction. You absolutely deserve it!