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Decadent & Easy: 3-Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe for Instant Cozy Comfort

When the chill sets in, and you crave a comforting treat, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm, rich mug of hot chocolate. Forget complicated recipes or powdered mixes! This incredible 3-Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate is your answer to instant bliss. It’s incredibly simple to make, taking just minutes to warm up, and delivers a decadently delicious experience that will satisfy any chocolate lover.

Nutella Hot Chocolate served in two mugs, topped with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings, inviting a cozy experience.

There’s a special kind of magic that a perfect cup of hot cocoa brings, especially during the holiday season or on a quiet evening. I recently introduced this “fancy” version to my three-year-old nephew, who has become quite the hot cocoa connoisseur this year. His reaction was absolutely priceless. The pure joy on his face and the enthusiastic “Wow!” he uttered made every spoonful of Nutella worth it.

To say he was utterly in love at first sip might even be an understatement. It truly became an instant favorite, not just for him but for everyone who tried it. This recipe is more than just a drink; it’s a moment of warmth, comfort, and pure indulgence that brings smiles all around. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday, this easy Nutella hot chocolate is guaranteed to be a hit.

📖 Recipe Card

Yield: about 3 cups

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

Whip up this decadent Nutella Hot Chocolate for you or the ones you love. It’s truly perfect for the holiday season, but equally delightful for Valentine’s Day, chilly evenings, or any time you need a quick, sweet escape. This easy 3-ingredient recipe is a game-changer!

Ingredients

For the Nutella Hot Chocolate:

½ cup Nutella – the star of our show, providing rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
2 cups Half and Half or your preferred milk – for creamy indulgence or lighter options.
½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, diamond crystal – a pinch to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Fresh Whipped Cream, optional for serving – adds an extra layer of luxury.
Freshly Grated Chocolate, optional for serving – for an elegant and delicious garnish.

For the Fresh Whipped Cream (optional, but highly recommended)

1 cup Heavy Cream – the base for a light and airy topping.
¼ cup Powdered Sugar – to sweeten the cream to perfection.
1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste – for a gourmet vanilla essence; vanilla extract works too.

Instructions

Prepare the Hot Chocolate: Combine the Nutella, half-and-half (or your chosen milk), and kosher salt in a small saucepan. Place it over medium-low heat. Stir often and gently, ensuring the Nutella melts smoothly and fully incorporates into the milk. Continue warming until the mixture is hot and steamy, but be careful not to let it boil. Boiling can affect the texture and potentially scorch the milk, so keep an eye on it.

Serve Immediately: Pour the hot Nutella chocolate into mugs. Serve warm, topped with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, if desired. The presentation makes it extra special!

For Fresh Whipped Cream: If you’re making your own whipped cream, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Alternatively, use a large bowl and a hand mixer. Whip on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form at the end of the whisk. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn grainy.

Notes

For that extra special touch, I love to use a grater to shave my favorite dark chocolate bar directly over the hot cocoa. It’s not a strict requirement, but it elevates the visual appeal and adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor, making each sip feel even more luxurious. Experiment with different types of chocolate for shaving, from bittersweet to milk chocolate, to find your perfect pairing.

Choosing Your Milk: While half-and-half provides an unparalleled richness, you can certainly adjust the recipe based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Whole milk will yield a creamy, satisfying drink, while almond milk or oat milk can create a delicious dairy-free option, though the texture might be slightly thinner. Just remember to warm it gently regardless of your choice.

The Magic of Salt: Don’t skip the pinch of kosher salt! It might seem counterintuitive in a sweet drink, but salt is a flavor enhancer. It deepens and brightens the chocolate notes, preventing the hot chocolate from tasting overly sweet and instead creating a more complex and balanced profile.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella Hot Chocolate

This Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a triumph of flavor and convenience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your cozy drink repertoire:

Unbelievably Simple: With only three core ingredients – Nutella, milk, and a pinch of salt – it’s straightforward enough for anyone to make, even beginner cooks.
Lightning Fast: From pantry to mug in under 10 minutes! Perfect for those spontaneous cravings or when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Decadently Rich: Nutella brings a unique hazelnut-chocolate depth that powdered mixes simply can’t replicate. It’s a truly gourmet experience without the fuss.
Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable to your taste and dietary needs, whether you prefer a dairy-free version or want to add extra spices.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar and comforting taste of Nutella, making this hot chocolate a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients & Substitutions

I genuinely prefer to use half-and-half when crafting my Nutella Hot Chocolate. The richness it imparts is simply unparalleled, creating a luscious, velvety texture and an AMAZING flavor that elevates this simple drink into a truly luxurious experience. While you absolutely can use ANY type of milk or alternative milk you prefer or have on hand, if you have the option, I strongly encourage you to USE HALF-AND-HALF. It is so incredibly worth it for that extra indulgent touch!

Close-up overhead view of two mugs of Nutella Hot Chocolate, beautifully adorned with fresh whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings.

Here’s a deeper look at what you need and potential substitutions:

Nutella: This hazelnut cocoa spread is the star! Its rich, creamy texture and distinct flavor are what make this hot chocolate so special. While other chocolate-hazelnut spreads exist, Nutella’s specific consistency and taste are ideal here.
Half and Half or your preferred milk: As mentioned, half-and-half offers the richest, most decadent result. For a slightly lighter but still creamy option, whole milk works wonderfully. If you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk can be used. Keep in mind these might alter the texture slightly, making it thinner, but still delicious.
Kosher Salt, Diamond Crystal: A small but mighty ingredient! Salt doesn’t just make things salty; it actually enhances the natural chocolate flavor of the Nutella, balancing the sweetness and adding depth. Don’t skip it!
Fresh Whipped Cream, optional for topping: This is where you can truly elevate your hot chocolate. Homemade whipped cream is light, airy, and adds a fresh sweetness that complements the rich chocolate.
Freshly Grated Chocolate Bar, optional for topping: A sprinkle of grated chocolate adds visual appeal and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Dark chocolate shavings provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the drink.

See the recipe card for full quantities and precise measurements to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

I know that I am sharing an incredibly easy version of hot cocoa, but if you have just a few extra minutes and some heavy cream in the fridge, taking the time to make some fresh whipped cream for topping truly makes all the difference. It adds another layer of incredible richness and a delightful, airy texture to this already beautiful Nutella hot chocolate. However, if time is truly of the essence, please know that store-bought whipped cream is ABSOLUTELY fine and will still make for a fantastic treat! The goal is comfort and enjoyment, however you achieve it.

A close-up shot looking into a steaming mug of rich Nutella Hot Chocolate, showing its creamy texture.

Tips for the Perfect Cup Every Time

Achieving the perfect Nutella Hot Chocolate is easy, but a few tips can make it even better:

Gentle Heat is Key: Always warm your hot chocolate over medium-low heat. High heat can cause the milk to scald or the Nutella to stick and burn to the bottom of the saucepan. Patience here leads to perfection.
Stir Constantly: Keep stirring as the mixture warms. This helps the Nutella dissolve smoothly and prevents any lumps, ensuring a uniform, creamy consistency throughout.
Don’t Boil: Once it’s hot and steamy, remove it from the heat. Boiling milk can alter its flavor and texture, taking away from the luxurious feel of the hot chocolate.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Nutella is already sweet. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can reduce the amount of Nutella slightly or add a splash more milk. For extra sweetness, a tiny bit of sugar or maple syrup can be added, though it’s rarely needed.
Enhance Flavors: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a tiny bit of chili powder for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.

Variations and Customizations

While this 3-ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate is fantastic on its own, it also serves as a wonderful base for creative variations:

Spiced Nutella Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper to the saucepan while warming for a warming, aromatic kick.
Minty Fresh: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract (start with a tiny amount and add more to taste) for a festive, refreshing twist.
Adult Version: For a grown-up treat, add a shot of Irish cream liqueur, hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico), or even a good quality bourbon or rum after removing from heat.
Vegan Nutella Hot Chocolate: Use your favorite plant-based milk (oat milk or full-fat coconut milk for creaminess) and ensure your chocolate-hazelnut spread is vegan-friendly (some Nutella alternatives are available).
Extra Chocolatey: For an even deeper chocolate flavor, melt a small amount of dark chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate along with the Nutella.
Marshmallow Swirl: Instead of whipped cream, top with a handful of mini marshmallows and use a kitchen torch to lightly toast them for a gooey, caramelized finish.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftover Nutella Hot Chocolate (a rare occurrence!), it stores quite well. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, pour the hot chocolate back into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe mug, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between, until warm. Be careful not to boil, especially when reheating, to maintain its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

More of My Favorite Chocolaty Recipes

If you find yourself head-over-heels for rich chocolate treats after trying this Nutella Hot Chocolate, you’re in luck! My kitchen is often brimming with cocoa-infused delights. Here are a few more recipes that I absolutely adore and think you will too:

If you love rich chocolate cookies with a surprise inside, you must try my Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies. They are a delightful variation of my beloved Fluffernutter Cookies and are simply irresistible – soft, chewy, and perfectly chocolatey!
For a truly decadent dessert that I personally could eat a whole bowl of right now, my Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Dirt Pudding is an absolute dream. It’s layered with creamy pudding, crunchy Oreos, and rich peanut butter – pure bliss!
Perhaps my absolute favorite thing to bake and share around Valentine’s Day are my incredibly charming Strawberry Scones. They are generously studded with bursts of fresh strawberries and delectable chocolate chunks, making them oh so delicious and a perfect start to any romantic morning or cozy afternoon tea!

For even more hot chocolaty greatness, perfect for any season or mood, be sure to take a look at these other amazing recipes:

My refreshing Frozen Hot Chocolate is ideal for warmer days when you still crave that rich chocolate flavor.
Get creative and make some festive Pink Hot Cocoa Bombs – a fun project and a delightful way to enjoy a themed hot drink.
Embrace autumn with the comforting spices of my Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, a seasonal favorite.
And for those watching their sugar intake, my Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix ensures everyone can enjoy a warm, sweet cup.

Did you make this incredibly easy and decadent Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe? I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Let me know your thoughts by leaving a review or comment below! And for even more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Plus, don’t forget to follow along with all my culinary adventures on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to see your creations!

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Simple 3-Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate