Easy Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate (Vegan)

Rich and comforting, this easy gluten-free hot chocolate feels like a cozy hug during the colder months. Totally dairy-free and vegan too. Go make a some homemade hot chocolate to warm up to today!

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It’s Sweater Weather!

Now that the cold weather has settled in and isn’t going anywhere for a while, it’s time to layer on those cozy knits and curl up with a blanket on the couch, preferably with a warm beverage in hand.

I love a steeping cup of tea, or a big latte.. But occasionally during the holiday season, nothing makes me feel the holiday vibes more than a big mug of hot chocolate.

Delicious Hot Chocolate

For us chocolate lovers, hot chocolate is the epitome of cozy. It reminds me of fireside chats while the snow falls outside, twinkly lights and Christmas carols playing in the background, and just soaking in my favorite time of the year!

However, many hot chocolate mixes are not gluten-free, and most are not dairy-free, which brings us to today’s recipe..

Smooth yet full of flavor, this homemade hot chocolate is both gluten-free and dairy-free, and while you can totally drink it on its own, it’s even better topped with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.. YUM!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this gluten-free hot chocolate recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Cocoa Powder: Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder as we will already be adding sugar and the chocolate chips are also sweet. If you want a darker color and smoother flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Sugar: I used brown sugar, but white sugar or cane sugar will work just as well. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 brown sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
• Milk: I used unsweetened dairy-free milk to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. (Almond milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, rice milk or oat milk will work. For super thick and creamy hot chocolate, you may use full-fat coconut milk as well). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use regular whole milk instead.
• Vanilla Extract: I like adding vanilla extract for extra flavor, and highly recommend you add it in. However, if you’re not a fan of vanilla, go ahead and leave it out.
• Chocolate Chips: I used dairy-free chocolate chips (vegan chocolate chips) to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular dark chocolate chips instead.
• Marshmallows: For garnishing or decoration, I recommend using gluten-free mini marshmallows. However, you may also use dairy-free whipped cream if you like.
• Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a nice contrast in color and a little extra flavor to the hot chocolate. You may also use a sprinkle of cocoa powder if you prefer.

How to Make Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate:

1. Whisk Cocoa Powder and Sugar

In a small bowl, whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar until combined.

2. Combine Milk, Vanilla, Cocoa Powder & Sugar

In a medium pot or saucepan, combine a cup of dairy-free milk, vanilla extract, as well as the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar mixture.

3. Stir Well

Stir thoroughly, heating for 4-5 minutes.

4. Add Chocolate Chips

Add chocolate chips to the hot milk mixture and continue heating, stirring with a spatula to melt the chocolate.

5. Add Remaining Milk

When all the chocolate chips have melted, pour in the remaining milk little by little, continuing to stir.

Cook the hot chocolate for another 3 minutes before removing the pot from heat. Let the hot chocolate cool slightly before stirring and serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve chocolate with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Storing: If you wish, you may store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a small pot or small saucepan until hot before serving.
• Make it Thicker: If you want a richer and thicker consistency, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
• Decoration: I like using mini marshmallows and ground cinnamon for decorating, but you can also top the hot chocolate with coconut cream (or regular heavy cream) and add candy canes for a more festive feel.

Other Gluten-Free Chocolate Recipes to Make:

• Easy Chocolate Bark (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Fudgy Chocolate Walnut Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Chocolate Pecan Fudge (Gluten-Free)
• 5-Minute Chocolate Pudding (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes:

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Print

Easy Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate (Vegan)

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Rich and comforting, this easy gluten-free hot chocolate feels like a cozy hug during the colder months. Totally dairy-free and vegan too. Go make a some homemade hot chocolate to warm up to today!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 cups unsweetened dairy-free milk, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 cup gluten-free vegan mini marshmallows, for serving (optional)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Whisk Cocoa and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar until combined.
2. Combine Milk, Vanilla, Cocoa Powder and Sugar: In a medium pot or saucepan, combine a cup of dairy-free milk, vanilla extract, as well as the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar mixture.
3. Stir Well: Stir thoroughly, heating for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips and continue heating, stirring with a spatula to melt the chocolate.
5. Add Remaining Milk: When all the chocolate chips have melted, pour in the remaining milk little by little, continuing to stir. Cook the hot chocolate for another 3 minutes before removing the pot from heat. Let the hot chocolate cool slightly before stirring and serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve chocolate with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

Cocoa Powder: Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder as we will already be adding sugar and the chocolate chips are also sweet.

Sugar: I used brown sugar, but white sugar or cane sugar will work just as well. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 brown sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).

Milk: I used unsweetened dairy-free milk to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. (Almond milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, rice milk or oat milk will work. For super thick and creamy hot chocolate, you may use full-fat coconut milk as well). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use regular milk instead.

Vanilla Extract: I like adding vanilla extract for extra flavor, and highly recommend you add it in. However, if you’re not a fan of vanilla, go ahead and leave it out.

Chocolate Chips: I used dairy-free chocolate chips (vegan chocolate chips) to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular chocolate chips instead.

Marshmallows: For garnishing or decoration, I recommend using gluten-free mini marshmallows. However, you may also use dairy-free whipped cream if you like.

Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a nice contrast in color and a little extra flavor to the hot chocolate. You may also use a sprinkle of cocoa powder if you prefer.

Storing: If you wish, you may store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a small pot or saucepan until hot before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Beverages
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American