Once your start making this delicious, decadent and smooth White Hot Chocolate at home, you will never use a white hot chocolate mix again!

This easy to make, only 3 ingredient Ghirardelli white hot chocolate mix recipe is sure to impress any guests at Christmas or perfect to enjoy while watching movies or for a cozy warm up after any holiday activities!

White hot chocolate with marshmallows in glass cup.

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Is this recipe as good as hot white chocolate: Starbucks?

Can this simple, only 3 ingredient white hot chocolate without heavy cream be as good as a white hot chocolate from Starbucks?

Well I love Starbucks hot chocolate and soon as the weather turns a bit cooler I stop in to grab one quite often, skipping the extra coffee when running errands, right through the holiday season. I especially love the Starbucks colourful holiday cups with a big scoop of whip cream and crushed candy canes on top, so fun and festive!

I made a delicious rich, smooth homemade hot chocolate with heavy cream and wanted to try to make a white hot chocolate a little different. This was inspired by my love of the famous holiday Starbucks white hot chocolate recipe.

Using a top quality Ghirardelli white chocolate, I think this best hot white chocolate recipe is actually better than the Starbucks version, minus the wonderful holiday cups they have.

The best part about making a homemade white hot chocolate, is to enjoy it in the comfort of your home anytime the mood strikes you. It is fun to be able to customize and mix up what you use for your toppings.

For a festive holiday addition use candy canes or peppermint sticks for stirring, the kids love them! The perfect way to enjoy this hot chocolate recipe is with my white chocolate holiday Chex mix or my holiday movie inspired heart Grinch cookies, or Melted Snowman hot chocolate cookies! So much fun!!

Why you’ll love this Ghirardelli white hot chocolate recipe

Easy to make with only 3 simple ingredients
Enjoy a homemade delicious white hot chocolate anytime in your home
Great make ahead option to plan for a special holiday family night

Substitutions for white chocolate hot chocolate

You can use your favorite white chocolate or Lindt white chocolate and high quality white chocolate chips to make this easy hot chocolate recipe.

Much like having a good quality pure vanilla extract, using a good quality white chocolate will make a difference in the flavor of this recipe for white hot chocolate.

This recipe will still taste much better using white chocolate chips than using a store bought white chocolate hot cocoa mix or the white chocolate bombs we all get in our Christmas stockings.

Ingredients for white hot chocolate recipe

Whole milk
Vanilla extract – pure vanilla extract if available
White chocolate – I used Ghirardelli white chocolate chopped

Step by step instructions for how to make hot white chocolate

STEP ONE – Warm milk on medium heat in a saucepan for 5 minutes, careful not to bring to a boil.

Vanilla extract is added to the milk in pan.

STEP TWO – Add vanilla and chocolate to warm milk and continue to heat stirring regularly until chocolate is melted.

STEP THREE – Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Variations for hot white chocolate

To make a Peppermint white hot chocolate recipe simply add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to this recipe. The Peppermint adds a wonderful Christmas flavor to this hot white chocolate recipe.

To make an easy take on a homemade white chocolate latte, add a shot of espresso.

Lets spice things up by adding a dash of your favorite ones like nutmeg or cinnamon, for adding warming fall flavors to your hot chocolate.

White mocha hot chocolate is another great way to enjoy a hot white chocolate.

Sea salt can be added to balance and heighten the flavors in this white hot chocolate recipe. Perfect with my salted, sweet and spicy mixed nuts!

Making an adult alcohol white hot chocolate

If you want to make an adult festive cocktail with alcohol added to white hot chocolate simply add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of coffee liqueur that pairs so well with this recipe.

Other ways to make a spiked white hot chocolate are by adding rum or Baileys to this recipe, start by adding 1/3 to 1/2 cup using more or less according to your tastes.

What are the best toppings for hot white chocolate mix?

Whipped Cream – homemade or store bought whip cream
Marshmallow or Mini Marshmallows
Candy Canes or Crushed Candy Canes
Peppermint Sticks or Peppermint candy crushed
Andes Mints in pieces
White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate shaved
Drizzle of chocolate sauce
Cinnamon sprinkled on whip cream
Christmas sprinkles
Mini Chocolate Chips on the whipped cream
The literal “Cherry on top” a Maraschino Cherry of top of whip cream

Top tips for making the best white hot chocolate

It is important to use good quality chocolate in this recipe, Ghirardelli white chocolate was used in this recipe
Make sure to keep stirring until the white chocolate is melted

Can I use this recipe to make regular hot chocolate?

Yes you can! In place of the white chocolate use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate or a combination of both will work in this homemade hot chocolate recipe without heavy cream.

Can you make this recipe as a crockpot white hot chocolate?

Yes you can! Why would you use a crockpot to make white hot chocolate when it is so quick on the stove? The crockpot is easy and convenient way to make hot white chocolate, especially for making hot chocolate for a crowd during a holiday gathering or Christmas party!

Scale up the recipe if you are preparing it for a crowd. Combine all your ingredients in the crockpot, cover and heat on high for 1 ½ hours, stirring well after the first 30 minutes. After your hot chocolate is heated through and everything is smoothly melted, whisk thoroughly and turn the crockpot to the warm setting to keep it perfect for serving for up to two hours.

Can I store my leftover homemade white hot chocolate?

Yes you can! Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the fridge using in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Best to store without adding any toppings.

Can you make this white hot chocolate recipe ahead of time to enjoy later?

Yes you can! Make your white hot chocolate but without any toppings to store in the fridge for 2 days before serving for best results.

Reheat and add your toppings and serve.

Perfect way to enjoy this white hot chocolate during the busy holiday season.

Can I reheat or warm up hot white chocolate that is cold?

Yes you can! To reheat cold hot chocolate place in a small pan on the stove over a medium-low heat, stirring regularly until warmed. Pour in your mug, add any toppings then its ready to serve.

You may also enjoy these recipes to enjoy along with your hot chocolate

Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Andes Mint Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes

Blossom Cookies Peanut Butter

Christmas Tree Rice Krispies

Hershey Kiss Sugar Cookie Blossoms

Chocolate Peppermint Blossom Cookies