• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Recipes / Beverages

    Real Deal Dutch Hot Chocolate | Hot Cocoa Recipe

    Posted On Apr 25, 2018 · Updated On Jan 16, 2023

    Real Deal Dutch Hot Chocolate | Hot Cocoa Recipe

    So simple, so delicious, and so chocolate-y. Be warned: once you've tried this Dutch hot chocolate, you'll never go back.

    BeveragesDairy FreeKid Zone

    Share

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Dutch Hot Chocolate is the Cadillac of hot cocoa. You’ll want to keep this simple recipe handy all winter long. Plus, a quick guide to understanding Dutch coca powder vs. natural cocoa.

    how to make dutch hot cocoa

    You're gonna need some Dutch cocoa powder:

    Let’s start with the basics: you can’t make Dutch Hot Chocolate without Dutch-processed cocoa powder, that’s rather key. The Dutch are serious about their chocolate.

    For those of you who maybe haven’t been quite so serious about cocoa powder to this point (I’m assuming you will be in the future), here’s the scoop:

    Dutch Cocoa Powder vs. Natural Cocoa Powder: what's the difference?

    • Cocoa powder is made from fermented, dried, and roasted cacao beans. The beans are first cracked into cocoa nibs, which contain both the cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Then the nibs are ground into paste and the processor removes the cocoa butter, leaving the raw cocoa behind. Finally, the raw cocoa is refined into powder, which holds the concentrated flavor of the bean. That’s natural cocoa powder, which has a pH level of roughly 5-6, giving the cocoa a slightly acidic taste with some bitter flavor notes. 
    • Raw cacao or raw cocoa is the same as natural cocoa powder, just not roasted.
    • Dutch-processed cocoa, which is also called Dutched-chocolate, is made by treating the natural cocoa powder with an alkalizing agent to bring the pH to 7, which is neutral. This gives the cocoa a smoother flavor and darker color, ideal for drinking.

    So, why is it "Dutch" cocoa?

    Why is it Dutch, you ask? The chemist who developed the process, Coenraad van Houten, was Dutch. He pretty much pioneered the world’s ability to make simple chocolate drinks and all the chocolate we eat. How does he not have a holiday?!?

    I prefer Droste dutch-processed cocoa, which comes highly recommended by Dutch foodies, and has been the hands-down favorite in my testing.  I top mine with corn-free marshmallows or coconut whipped cream, depending on my mood.

    real deal dutch hot chocolate recipe

    Real Deal Real Easy Dutch Hot Chocolate

    K.C. Cornwell
    So simple, so delicious, and so chocolate-y. Be warned: once you've tried this Dutch hot chocolate, you'll never go back.
    4.91 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 cups
    Calories 206 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa (we used Droste)
    • ¼ cup 50 g sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
    • 1 ⅔ cups 400 mL Milk (if you’re dairy-free, we recommend coconut, cashew or rice milk)
    • Whipped cream or marshmallows for serving

    Instructions
     

    • Mix the cocoa, sugar, vanilla and a splash of the milk into a smooth paste in a bowl. Pour the remaining milk into a saucepan and place over low heat until it just begins to boil. Whisk the hot milk into the chocolate mixture. Ladle the cocoa into serving cups.
    • Top with dollops of whipped cream or marshmallows and serve immediately.

    Notes

    Make it dairy-free! We recommend coconut, cashew or rice milk.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 352mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 201IUCalcium: 242mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword dutch hot chocolate, gluten-free chocolate recipes, gluten-free hot chocolate, hot chocolate recipe

     photo credit: Katie Roletto

    OK, you've mastered Dutch Hot Chocolate. Now try these:

    best red wine hot chocolate recipe

    Red Wine Hot Chocolate

    A wine cocktail that doubles as dessert? Yes please. This recipe was the most fun to create! Make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, with a fruit forward wine like Merlot or Zinfandel. We tested it with whole dairy, coconut and almond milk too - so everyone (of drinking age) can enjoy a mugful. Toasted marshmallows and whipped cream are optional,

    how to make gluten-free brownies

    The BEST Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe Ever

    Perfectly fudgy, chocolatey and best of all, easy. This gluten-free brownie recipe gets its incredible flavor from high quality cocoa, and you can make it dairy-free too!

    We are perfectly comfortable calling these brownies the best. Try them out for yourself.

    Delicious Chocolate Martini Recipe

    Delicious Chocolate Martini:

    This delicious Chocolate Martini recipe is one of our all-time favorites. It's gluten-free of course, and it's easy to make it dairy-free too. You can double the recipe in a standard cocktail shaker, and you probably should, because you'll want to share it with someone you like a whole lot. Or you'll want another one for yourself.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Dutch Hot Chocolate:

    What does Dutch hot chocolate taste like?

    Dutch cocoa has a stronger, truer "chocolatey" flavor than natural cocoa powder. The Dutch cocoa powder makes Dutch hot chocolate smoother and more intensely chocolate-flavored. Dutch hot chocolate could also be considered "richer," but the mouthfeel of the drink is also affected by the amount and type of milk and/or cream used.

    What is the difference between Dutch chocolate and regular chocolate?

    Dutch chocolate or Dutched-chocolate is made by alkalizing natural cocoa power to to bring the pH to neutral. This gives the Dutch cocoa a smoother flavor and darker color, giving Dutch chocolate a richer, deeper chocolate flavor and a smoother finish than candy or drinks made with natural cocoa.

    Is Dutch chocolate bitter or sweet?

    Dutch chocolate is smoother and has richer flavor than natural chocolate. The the pH of Dutch chocolate is neutral, which is achieved by alkalizing natural cocoa, removing bitter and astringent flavors from the chocolate. The amount of sweetness in Dutch candy or drinks is determined by the amount of sugar added when the chocolate is made.

    Why is Dutch chocolate milk so good?

    Dutch chocolate milk and hot cocoa are made with Dutch cocoa powder, which is made by alkalizing natural cocoa. That process removes bitter and astringent flavors from the chocolate, making the flavor of the Dutch chocolate milk smoother, purer and richer than drinks made with natural cocoa.

    How can you tell if chocolate is dutched?

    To understand if cocoa powder is Dutch processed, look for the words "Dutch," "Dutched," "Processed with Alkali," "Alkalized," "Dutch Style" or "European Style" on the label.
    Dutch chocolate is made by alkalizing natural cocoa power to to bring the pH to neutral. This gives the chocolate smoother flavor and deeper color.

    Our favorite wildly available brand is Droste.

    Real Deal Dutch Hot Chocolate | Hot Cocoa Recipe

    You May Also Like

    • The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
      The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
    • The BEST Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe Ever
      The BEST Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe Ever
    • Our Favorite Mulled Wine Recipe: Warm Winter Wine
      Our Favorite Mulled Wine Recipe: Warm Winter Wine
    • Is Rum Gluten-free? Plus The Best Hot Buttered Rum Recipe!
      Is Rum Gluten-free? Plus The Best Hot Buttered Rum Recipe!
    « Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs Recipe With Bacon
    Dynamite Salmon Appetizers »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lima Ekram says

      November 08, 2021 at 4:13 am

      5 stars
      Looks absilutely fantastics - I love hot chocolate and cant wait to try it!

      Reply
      • K.C. Cornwell says

        November 16, 2021 at 4:30 am

        I hope you love it!!

        Reply
      • K.C. Cornwell says

        April 26, 2022 at 11:49 am

        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    2. Mic29 says

      December 02, 2022 at 5:25 pm

      this was sooooooo Amazing and my family loved it!! thank you K. C.!!!

      Reply
      • K.C. Cornwell says

        January 16, 2023 at 7:55 pm

        I'm so happy you love it!

        Reply

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    how to cook duck breast: perfectly cooked duck breast on salad

    How To Cook Duck Breast: Tea Brined Duck Breast

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale | Easter Dove Bread

    White Chocolate Rocky Road colorful

    White Chocolate Rocky Road | Gorgeous + Easy Treat!

    Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce recipe

    How to Cook Lamb Chops in The Oven: Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved