Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe (Cioccolata Calda)

Name: Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup (4oz/115 grams) dark bittersweet chocolate ((coarsely chopped) See Note 1 and 2); 1 ½ cups (350ml) whole milk (See Note 2); 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar (See Note 3); 2 teaspoons cornstarch (See Note 4)

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If you’ve never tried Italian Hot Chocolate, you’re in for something special! This rich, velvety drink is everything you could want—thick, smooth, and deeply chocolatey.

It’s easy to make in just 10 minutes, and using non-wheaten cornflour means it’s naturally gluten-free. Once you taste it, you’ll never go back to regular hot chocolate!

Italian Hot Chocolate being poured from a jug into a cup. — So thick and rich – almost pudding-like!

Italian hot chocolate (known as cioccolata calda) is certainly very different from regular hot chocolate in a very good way! This is a thick, almost pudding-like drink that is enjoyed in bars all over Italy. It’s more like a dessert than a drink. At home, most people use hot chocolate sachets.

On a chilly day during a trip to Italy, in a cozy house nestled in the hills near Turin, our cousins made us some Italian hot chocolate using sachets. Later, we loved ordering this thick, indulgent drink in Italian bars as a delicious alternative to coffee.

Italian Hot Chocolate pairs so well with maritozzi—Italian cream buns! Yes, they’re totally indulgent but totally Italian! But if you’re still looking for a coffee boost, then serve a cup of this hot chocolate with a generous wedge of Cappuccino Cake.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

Great taste – This recipe has a superior flavor than many other recipes because it uses real chocolate and not cocoa powder. It tastes decadent, rich and luxurious.
Thick and Creamy – Italian Hot Chocolate is thicker than traditional hot chocolate. This is because it’s thickened with cornstarch which gives it a luscious, velvety texture. It has an almost pudding-like texture, unlike thinner hot chocolates you may have had elsewhere.
Easy – Despite its decadent taste, this recipe is super easy to make. Using just 4 simple ingredients, this delicious drink will take less than 15 minutes of your time.

For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients

Ingredient for this recipe as in the recipe card.

On my return home, we were straight into winter so I really wanted a cup of “cioccolata calda”. I came across this recipe and decided to try my own version of it.

Chocolate – I prefer dark chocolate with 70% cacao but substitute milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate.
Milk – whole dairy milk is great but this will still be delicious using 2% milk.
Sugar – granulated white sugar is the more common choice but
Cornstarch – Italian-style hot chocolate is thickened with cornstarch also known as cornflour in some countries.

Instructions

Blocks of chocolate partly floating in a saucepan of milk.

Place the chocolate and 1 cup of milk into a small saucepan and melt the chocolate over low heat.

Adding a spoonful of sugar to chocolate mixture.

When the chocolate has melted add granulated sugar.

Stirring white liquid in a small bowl with a teaspoon.

In a small bowl whisk together the remaining ½ cup of milk and the cornstarch.

Adding white liquid to chocolate mixture.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens.

Italian-style hot chocolate shouldn’t be too sweet. However, taste before serving and adjust the sugar to your taste.

Serve in small cups with a spoon for scooping up this thick, rich, pudding-like drink.

Marcellina’s Hint: Whisk the cornstarch mixture before adding to the hot chocolate milk. Cornstarch tends to sink to the bottom when mixed with water.

Substitutions

Chocolate – instead of dark chocolate use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Milk – Non-dairy or plant-based milk is also suitable for this cioccolata calda recipe.
Sugar – brown or raw sugar would work fine.

Variations

Peppermint Hot Chocolate – add ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive, minty hot chocolate.
Vanilla Hot Chocolate – substitute white chocolate for the dark chocolate and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Boozy Hot Chocolate – add a splash of your favorite holiday booze like Amaretto, rum, or Frangelico liqueur.

Equipment

Using a wire whisk is essential to keep this hot chocolate smooth and lump free!

Storage

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat.

Tips for Success

Dark creamy chocolate mixture being poured into a cup with two other cups filled to the side.

Use real chocolate, not cocoa, and 70% cocoa or higher is best. Be sure to use quality chocolate. Of course, if you prefer a milder taste, use chocolate with 60% cocoa or less.
I like to use whole milk, but you can use 2% milk if you prefer.
There is just a little bit of sugar in this rich hot chocolate recipe because it’s not meant to be very sweet. Add more if you like sweetness.
Cornstarch thickens this recipe. Cornstarch is also known as corn flour. Don’t confuse it with corn flour, which is a very finely ground corn meal.

FAQ

What is the difference between American hot chocolate and Italian hot chocolate?

American hot chocolate is usually thinner and milkier while Italian Hot Chocolate is thicker and creamier. Often the Italian version is thickened with cornstarch and, like mine, uses real chocolate, not cocoa powder.

Does Italy have hot chocolate?

Yes, Italy does have hot chocolate. To order it, ask for “cioccolata calda”. Don’t expect the thin version that you might be used to at home. In Italy, as in other European countries like Spain and France, what you get will be thick and nowhere near as sweet as what you may be used to.

Why is Italian hot chocolate so good?

It’s so very good because it’s made with less milk and less sugar. It’s thick and rich, almost like a melted chocolate bar pudding. What I love is that it’s available anywhere in Italy however only during the cooler months. You won’t find hot chocolate in Italy in summer.

Serving suggestions

A spoonful of thick chocolate mixture held above a cupful of the mixture.

While I think there isn’t anything you need to add to this drink, a topping of whipped cream is how it’s often served in Italy. However, a biscotto or cookie on the side for dunking is certainly welcome! My Coffee Biscotti or pizzelle would be perfectly indulgent. Or keep it gluten-free with these Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies.

Italian Hot Chocolate is dark, rich, and indulgent, ideal for cold days on the sofa, tucked up with a blanket and some Almond Flour Cookies. Head to the kitchen now to make this cioccolata calda! If you are looking for a more adult drink, be sure to try my delicious Baileys Hot Chocolate as well!

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