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Living Well Mom

I help moms with simple, natural ways to look after their families. Find recipes, fun stuff for kids, and simple DIY ideas. Plus natural solutions made easy peasy!

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Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe

By Erika in Beverages

dairy-free gluten-free refined sugar-freeThis post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and a warm mug of healthy hot chocolate on a chilly day. Most store-bought mixes are packed with sugar and dairy, which can leave you feeling more sluggish than cozy.

This homemade version is smooth, comforting, and naturally sweetened—perfect for a guilt-free treat that tastes every bit as indulgent as the classic. Even my kids love it, but honestly, I make it just as often for myself!

quick and easy healthy hot chocolate pin this idea now...

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 4 simple ingredients – Nothing fancy, just the basics you probably already have on hand.
  • Dairy-free & refined sugar-free – Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup.
  • Ready in minutes – It’s nearly as fast as the store-bought packets.
  • Customizable sweetness – Adjust to taste or make it extra rich with a splash of coconut cream.
  • Perfect for cozy nights – A healthier way to satisfy your chocolate cravings with all the rich flavor you know and love!
owl mug of cocoa

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into this easy healthy hot cocoa recipe:

  • Almond milk – you can also oat milk for a creamier texture, or coconut milk for richness.
  • Cocoa powder – I use cacao powder myself, but you can use baking cocoa too. Cacao powder is more bitter, so you may need to increase the sweetener slightly if you go this route.
  • Honey – maple syrup also works if you prefer a vegan option.
  • Vanilla extract to add warmth and depth to the flavor.

So simple and so good!

healthy hot chocolate ingredients
mug of healthy hot chocolate

Instructions

Okay, let’s walk through how to whip up a batch of hot chocolate in just minutes.

Grab a small saucepan, and use it to heat the almond milk. Next, whisk in the cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract.

kid holding a mug of hot cocoa

Make sure to whisk it well, so there are no lumps.

Alternatively, you can carefully pour it into a blender (or use an immersion blender). Just don’t burn yourself! Blend or whisk until it’s nice and frothy, then pour into a mug and serve.

See how simple that is?

healthy hot chocolate recipe for kids

Tips for the Perfect Cup

  • Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps from the cocoa powder.
  • Don’t overheat—warming it gently keeps the flavor creamy instead of scorched.
  • Use a milk frother for that coffeehouse-style foam on top.
  • Add a pinch of salt or cinnamon to make the chocolate flavor pop.
gloved hands holding warm drink

Variations + More Hot Chocolate Recipes

  • Peppermint hot chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract while you are whisking—check out my healthy peppermint hot chocolate for more info!
  • Creamy hot chocolate: Top with a dollop of your favorite whipped cream (use a non-dairy one if you want to keep this recipe dairy-free).
  • Peanut butter hot chocolate: Yes, I have an entire recipe showing you how you can make a peanut butter hot chocolate!
  • Mocha-Style: Add a splash of coffee or espresso for a morning pick-me-up.
  • Pumpkin spice hot chocolate: Stir in some homemade pumpkin spice syrup instead of honey—it’s delicious!

Want even more ideas? Check out this post with the BEST Hot Chocolate Recipes & Tips For Giving Hot Chocolate As A Gift.

person with scarf and gloves holding a mug of cocoa

Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, cozying up with a movie, or watching snow fall outside, this healthy hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up—without the sugar crash. It’s simple, wholesome, and delicious every time. I know you’ll love it too!

quick, easy, from scratch healthy hot cocoa pin

More Warm Drink Recipes

  • Easy Matcha Green Tea
  • Homemade Vegan Eggnog
  • Healthy Mocha Latte
Print

The Healthy Easy Hot Cocoa Recipe for Kids

dairy free hot cocoa in a owl mug
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Erika Bragdon
  • Prep Time: 2 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 7 mins
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: beverage
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups almond milk (or your milk of choice)
  • 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup*
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the almond milk in a small saucepan, then whisk in the cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to remove any lumps from the cocoa.
  2. Optional: place in your blender (make sure the cocoa isn’t too hot – you don’t want to get burned) and blend until frothy.
  3. Serve warm.

Notes

*add more or less honey, depending on how sweet your kids like it

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    Filed Under: Beverages, Food for Kids, Paleo, Recipes, Seasonal, Winter Tagged With: dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-freePublished on October 7, 2025

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    About Erika

    Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

    Comments

    1. Sabrina says

      January 4, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      Love that you’re making it healthier! I usually just make a ganache and add more milk, but this is WAY healthier! Love it!

      Reply
    2. Jennifer Sikora says

      January 4, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      I find that I love almond milk so much more in hot cocoa than I do regular milk. This is a great recipe and I cannot wait to make a batch for my family.

      Reply
    3. Mama to 5 BLessings says

      January 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      What a great recipe. We use almond milk is a healthy creamy option. Your kids look happy with their tasty drink!

      Reply
    4. valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      We love hot cocoa. I have a container of it in my kitchen all year round. Are you saying the honey is optional, if you want it sweeter?

      Reply
    5. Jennifer says

      January 4, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      That sounds so good! I love to use almond milk in place of regular milk whenever I can.

      Reply
    6. Sharyl says

      January 5, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      Hi Erick, I’ll be sure to head over to have a cup 🙂

      Reply
      • Sharyl says

        January 5, 2016 at 3:23 pm

        That should of said Erika! LOL

        Reply
      • Erika says

        January 6, 2016 at 4:32 pm

        Anytime, Sharyl!
        I knew what you meant. 🙂

        Reply
      • Girl says

        March 17, 2017 at 1:54 pm

        Boo

        Reply
    7. Esther says

      January 9, 2016 at 10:55 pm

      This looks great! Thanks for the idea – my daughter LOVES coming in from playing in the snow to a warm cup of cocoa. I would love to give her something better than the packets 😉

      Reply
    8. Rebecca says

      January 20, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      I gotta ask- where’d the white embossed mug come from?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        January 21, 2016 at 9:59 am

        Target!

        Reply
    9. Kelly Spears says

      January 11, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      I was looking up healthy recipes for my toddler when I came across your hot coco. I enjoy this myself as do my children it’s yummy my eleven year old said..

      Reply
      • Erika says

        January 12, 2017 at 9:21 am

        That’s great to hear, Kelly!

        Reply
    10. Joanna says

      April 4, 2017 at 11:44 am

      THIS IS THE BEST. THING. EVER. THANKS SO MUCH!!! Still using this recipe in April 2017. It’s not even wintertime, but I don’t care. I’m more of a hot-cocoa-year-round kind of girl 😉

      Reply
    11. Tiffany says

      June 19, 2017 at 9:45 am

      It’s super good but I recommend adding a some splenda (maybe around 3 packets) because otherwise it’s way too bitter

      Reply
      • Ann says

        December 22, 2017 at 11:28 pm

        Funny how taste buds are.We (me and the kids) think this is way too sweet.This probably because we don’t eat any sugary,processed foods.Please be careful with splenda,as it has quite a few side effect being an artificial sweetner.

        Reply
    12. Shannon says

      January 25, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      Thank you for this!! It hit the spot perfectly! And it’s something my 4 year old can have and my hubby just might try, bonus!

      Reply
    13. Jahaira Luzzi says

      March 20, 2018 at 11:28 am

      This looks great. I’m wondering…doesn’t the cocoa powder have a significant amount of caffeine? Like too much for a child??

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 20, 2018 at 12:06 pm

        I’ve never noticed any issues with my kids drinking this cocoa. If you’re concerned about the caffeine levels, decrease the amount of cocoa powder in this recipe and/or don’t give it to them right before bedtime.

        My kids sometimes drink this in the evening and they have no difficulty going to bed.

        Now me? I’m SUPER sensitive to caffeine and don’t drink or consume any coffee, cocoa or chocolate after 3pm, otherwise, I am kept awake.

        Reply
    14. Chelsea Green says

      November 1, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      Loved this recipe!! Was fantastic.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        November 6, 2018 at 11:30 am

        Aww yay! Thanks for letting me know, Chelsea!

        Reply
    15. Jana says

      November 22, 2018 at 6:43 am

      Do you use regular almond milk or unsweetened ?

      Reply
      • Erika says

        November 26, 2018 at 8:07 am

        We typically use unsweetened almond milk, but regular almond milk would work well for this recipe too.

        Reply
    16. Leanne says

      December 16, 2020 at 11:50 am

      I dont taste the difference between this and regular hot cocoa. I use whole milk for my toddler. Keeping this recipe since I like to keep sugar low!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        December 20, 2020 at 1:27 pm

        Thanks, Leanne!

        Reply
    17. Holly says

      January 28, 2021 at 8:15 am

      This cocoa is so easy to make and yummy too!

      Reply
    18. Jill says

      January 28, 2021 at 8:17 am

      My kids loved this cocoa recipe – it’s easy and so delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
    19. Julie says

      May 24, 2021 at 5:08 am

      Thanks for the recipe and tips. My kids will love this too.

      Reply

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    Erika Bragdon sitting on a bench drinking a drink out of her mug

    Welcome! I’m Erika and I’m the creator behind Living Well Mom.

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