Vegan Hot Cocoa
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.
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!
Pair Hot Cocoa With:
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies {Vegan, Gluten-Free}
- Homemade Rice Krispie Treats
- M&M Cookies
- Healthier Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pulp Cookies {Vegan}
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls {Vegan, Gluten-Free}
Vegan Hot Cocoa
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.
ARE YOU MAKING THIS RECIPE OR OTHERS? Share your creations with me by posting a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, share it on Twitter, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #thepanickedfoodie.
Oh I never thought about vegan hot chocolate before! We aren’t vegan but we are trying to eat more vegan dishes and go dairy free.
I love how simple this recipe is! I’ll definitely be saving this one for the next snowy day.
Yum!!! I bet this hot chooclate tastes SO good when made with almond or coconut milk.
Oh you just had to have that section on what to pair hot cocoa with. I can almost make hot chocolate into Health Food in my head, but those cookies really tip the scales.
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. 🙂
Gorgeous pics! You make it look so delicious and would definitely be a treat during these freezing winter months.
This looks like a good option for those who are vegans. I am not vegan and enjoy Chai more. But, someone will like this!
I just love this Beverage. You made it so simple by sharing it’s recipe. I have all the ingredients so gonna try it.