Vegan Hot Cocoa

Vegan Hot Cocoa

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Here in central NY, we have hit the worst part of winter: the much dreaded months of January and February. For us, this is the coldest and darkest time of the year. I like to use this time as a time to slow down a little bit, take part in some extra self-care, and indulge in some introspection. To me, self-care is an activity that nourishes my soul…and sometimes my stomach ;). A big part of my self-care involves baking delicious treats and making hot beverages to go along with them. One of my favorite beverages during this time of year, is my vegan hot cocoa. It comes together in under 5 minutes, and it is so delicious and creamy. I can feel it thawing me from the inside out, making me feel all warm and cozy by my space heater. 🙂

Can I use water for hot cocoa?

Absolutely! Water, milk, or any type of milk alternative can be used to make hot cocoa. I tend to use a milk alternative to add creaminess.

What is the best hot cocoa?

The best hot cocoa is the one you make from scratch because you know exactly what is in it and you can tailor it specifically to your taste!

Does hot cocoa help you sleep?

I think this really depends on how sensitive you are to caffeine because there is some caffeine in the cocoa powder (about 12mg per 1 tablespoon). Generally speaking, any warm beverage will make you feel sleepy. But depending on your body and your caffeine sensitivity, the caffeine content might negatively counteract that.

How to Make Vegan Hot Cocoa: Step-by-Step

1. Warm any liquid of your choice (water, milk, or milk alternative) in the microwave for about 1 minute.

Starting from the left and moving clockwise: a navy blue mug filled with almond milk that has been warmed up, a small glass bowl with cocoa powder, a small whisk, a tablespoon of confectioner's sugar, and a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract all sit on a wooden cutting board. At the bottom of the cutting board are pine trees made of confectioner's sugar. The cutting board sits on a navy blue background.

2. Add cocoa powder, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Heat in the microwave for an additional 45s. If it’s not warm enough, heat in 15s increments until the desired temperature is reached. Top with your favorite toppings (my favorites are coconut whipped cream and homemade chocolate chips) and enjoy!

Addition of cocoa powder, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla extract to the mug filled with almond milk. The whisk sits in the upper right. At the bottom of the cutting board are pine trees made of confectioner's sugar. The cutting board sits on a navy blue background.
Vegan hot cocoa after mixing everything in and heating it up to the desired temperature. The whisk sits in the upper right. At the bottom of the cutting board are pine trees made of confectioner's sugar. The cutting board sits on a navy blue background.

Pair Hot Cocoa With:

In the center is a navy colored mug filled with vegan hot cocoa. It is topped with a swirl of coconut whipped cream and cocoa powder. Off to the left are two shortbread cookies and a white tea towel. At the top is a sprig of evergreen and pine cones. In the upper right is a small dark wooden bowl of marshmallows. Everything but the marshmallows sit on a wooden cutting board, the bottom of which has a line of evergreen trees made of confectioner's sugar. Everything sits on a navy blue background. This is the vertical image.

Vegan Hot Cocoa

This vegan hot chocolate pairs well with virtually all of my cookie recipes. My favorite hot cocoa toppings are coconut whipped cream, marshmallows, and mini chocolate chips!
5 from 3 votes
Print Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Keyword: vegan hot chocolate, vegan hot cocoa
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 126kcal
Author: The Panicked Foodie

Ingredients 

  • 8 oz water or milk of your choice (I used original almond milk)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Warm any liquid of your choice (water, milk, or milk alternative) in the microwave for about 1 minute.
  • Add cocoa powder, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Heat in the microwave for an additional 45s. If it’s not warm enough, heat in 15s increments until the desired temperature is reached. Top with your favorite toppings (my favorites are coconut whipped cream and homemade chocolate chips) and enjoy!

Notes

  • If making with unsweetened alternative milk, you might have to double the sugar. When I made it with unsweetened almond milk, I had to use 2 tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar as opposed to 1 tablespoon. I would always start with 1 tablespoon and then adjust from there if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Vegan Hot Cocoa
Amount Per Serving (0 g)
Calories 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 0mg0%
Potassium 0mg0%
Carbohydrates 0g0%
Fiber 0g0%
Sugar 0g0%
Protein 0g0%
Vitamin A 0IU0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutritional information on The Panicked Foodie is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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11 thoughts on “Vegan Hot Cocoa”

  • 5 stars
    I’d love hot cocoa that includes milk! It can be so yummy especially with vanilla extract. I’d sip this the whole time.

  • Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! This year, I am trying my absolute hardest to become more healthier. I even started trying more vegetarian and gluten free meals. I think I may add this vegan hot cocoa to the list!

    • That’s great! I realize your comment was made back in February…but I hope your new eating plan is going well! Stay tuned for more vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options here on my blog. 🙂

  • I just love this Beverage. You made it so simple by sharing it’s recipe. I have all the ingredients so gonna try it.

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