Mocha Hot Chocolate: Starbucks Copycat Breakfast Drink
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of Mocha Hot Chocolate to start your morning right. This homemade mocha is rich, creamy, and has that perfect balance of chocolate and coffee flavors—just like your favorite café drinks recipes, but without the coffee shop price tag. If you’re looking for a special hot chocolate recipe or just a cozy way to upgrade your morning routine, this one checks all the boxes.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Chocolatey & Smooth: Deep, decadent hot cocoa flavor with a velvety finish.
- Perfect Breakfast Drink: The best of hot chocolate at home with a hint of coffee.
- Quick & Easy: It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
- Better Than Store-Bought: No artificial flavors, just pure, real ingredients.
Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect warm milk drink, and a few simple tweaks can make it exactly how you like it.
- Whole Milk: Gives the drink a creamy, smooth texture. For a lighter option, try oat or almond milk.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The key to that deep, rich chocolate drink taste. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a smoother finish, while natural cocoa has a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Melt right into the milk for an extra layer of richness. Skip them if you want a lighter drink.
- Honey: A natural way to add sweetness. Maple syrup or coconut sugar works well, too.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the chocolate.
- Instant Espresso Powder or Brewed Coffee: Adds the mocha element, making this a true mocha hot chocolate.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and maple syrup until hot but not boiling. Whisk in chocolate chips and continue stirring until the chocolate chips are melted and combined.
Step 2: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Add whipped cream and add additional toppings like cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, or chocolate chips. Serve immediately.
Variations To Try
- Spiced Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne for a touch of spice.
- Peppermint Mocha: Stir in a drop of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
- Caramel Mocha: Swirl in a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet upgrade.
- Iced Mocha Hot Chocolate: Let it cool, then serve over ice for a chilled version.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
This fun drink recipe pairs perfectly with breakfast treats like a flaky croissant, a stack of pancakes, or even a simple buttered toast. Enjoy it as a cozy morning pick-me-up, an afternoon indulgence, or a comforting after-dinner treat. This homemade mocha is worth savoring anytime you’re in the mood for a rich, chocolatey drink.
Start your day with caffeine and protein. These easy protein coffee recipes—aka proffee—are perfect for mornings when you want something creamy and energizing.
More Starbucks-Inspired Drinks
- Warm, soothing, and full of flavor—this Copycat Starbucks London Fog Latte is the perfect drink for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Make it at home with just a few simple ingredients!
- Your favorite coffee order, made better at home! This Starbucks Copycat Iced White Chocolate Mocha has all the creamy, chocolatey goodness you love—without the extra cost. Plus, the homemade syrup? Absolute perfection.
- What’s the secret to an ultra-creamy homemade Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino? It’s something simple! This Starbucks-inspired frappuccino blends up in minutes, and the secret ingredient gives it an extra smooth, velvety texture.
- Skip the coffee shop and make this easy Caramel Iced Coffee at home! This Starbucks copycat recipe is smooth, creamy, and full of rich caramel flavor—ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
- Cool, creamy, and full of cinnamon flavor—this homemade Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte is an easy Starbucks copycat recipe you can whip up in minutes, complete with a simple brown sugar cinnamon syrup.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk or any milk of your choice
- 1½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or a natural sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or ¼ cup brewed coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
- Whipped cream, chocolate chips, and chocolate sauce optional toppings
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and maple syrup until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Once the milk is warmed, whisk in chocolate chips and continue stirring until the chocolate chips are melted and combined.
- Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract. If using, add instant espresso powder or brewed coffee at this stage. Mix well.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Add whipped cream and add additional toppings like cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, or chocolate chips. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Spiced Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne for a touch of spice.
- Peppermint Mocha: Stir in a drop of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
- Caramel Mocha: Swirl in a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet upgrade.
- Iced Mocha Hot Chocolate: Let it cool, then serve over ice for a chilled version.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk.
