Italian Hot Chocolate or Cioccolata Calda
This homemade Italian Hot Chocolate AKA Cioccolata Calda will rival any you’ve tasted from Angelina’s Parisian version to those lack-luster packet mixes!
This dreamy liquid chocolate is perfect for post sledding or skiing, or anytime you need to warm up from the inside out. It’s the Best Hot Chocolate bar none!!
Why You’ll Love Italian Hot Chocolate
- It’s thicker and richer than American hot chocolate.
- In fact, it’s so thick and luscious you can eat it with a spoon!
- You only need a small cup to get your fix.
It was a sad day in our house. There were NO homemade desserts and Bill was scrounging in the pantry for some Mega-Stuf Oreos.
I’m more likely to bake up some Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups than ordinary hot chocolate, but I had been wanting to share this European version, for the past couple of months. It was finally cold enough to feel right. When I offered this up for dessert, there were no objections, especially when garnished with a mound of mini marshmallows!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between the two. Hot cocoa is typically made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. It’s sweeter and lighter than hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate has melted chocolate mixed into milk or cream. Since the chocolate is already sweet, little to no sugar is needed.
What's the Difference between Italian and American Hot Chocolate?
Italian hot chocolate is thicker, creamier, and richer than American and French hot chocolate. Traditionally, it has a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot added along with some dark chocolate.
American hot chocolate is less dense, milkier, and made with cocoa powder versus chocolate.
How Do You Eat Cioccolata Calda?
Since it’s so decadent, serve in small cups. Offer a spoon, but it’s also perfectly appropriate to sip from the cup.
Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate or even mini marshmallows for an American twist.
Tips for Making Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Use good quality chocolate for the best results.
- Make sure to cook the hot chocolate for 3-4 minutes to remove any starchy flavor (when making the Italian version).
- Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or even marshmallows.
- Serve in demitasse cups as a little goes a long way.
- Offer spoons for those who’d like to eat rather than sip!
My family got their first taste of European hot chocolate while in Paris. We didn’t try the world-renowned version from Angelina’s but instead followed my friend, and fellow blogger, Jill of Mad About Macarons, to an exquisite pastry shop and restaurant nestled in a narrow lane off of the Boulevard Saint-Germain.
It was at Une Dimanche à Paris where my family gorged on sweets and ordered their thick and luscious hot chocolate to wash those down. It was definitely a chocolate overload for my generally bottomless pit sons! Now we need to get back to Italy and enjoy the real deal, Italian Hot Chocolate. Cioccolata Calda here we come!!
This dreamy beverage was almost like drinking thick, hot, melted chocolate ice cream. Totally decadent. Totally divine. I don’t think there were any regrets.
Perfect After Dinner Treat!
I’ve been known to use those hot chocolate packets or mix a generous scoop of Nestles’ Quik into some hot milk for a treat after sledding or snow blowing. If you want to up the ante for company or a special occasion, serve this decadent Italian Hot Chocolate.
Topped with marshmallows or whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s even suitable for dessert!
Hot Chocolate Ingredient Notes:
- Half and Half – Richer than whole milk but not as rich as heavy cream
- Arrowroot – A thickening agent like cornstarch. I found it at Whole Foods and Fresh Market locally.
- Sugar – Just a touch of additional sweetness
- Semisweet Chocolate – The quality will be reflected in the taste of your hot chocolate so use the best you can afford. I used Ghirardelli brand.
- Real Vanilla Extract – Never use imitation vanilla. Check the label. I use Nielsen-Massey brand.
- Whipped cream, candies and/or mini marshmallows – to garnish, optional
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Homemade Hot Buttered Rum Recipe from Today’s Creative Life
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Latte from Inside BruCrew Life
- White Chocolate Coconut Latte from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
- Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Mulled Apple Cider
- Triple Chocolate Fudge Cookies
- More Beverage Recipes
Italian Hot Chocolate or Cioccolata Calda
A rich and delectable Italian hot chocolate!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 teaspoons arrowroot (I found at Whole Foods and Fresh Market)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- Whipped cream or mini marshmallows, to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Mix 1/4 cup of the half and half with the arrowroot in a small cup till well blended and smooth. Set aside.
- Put the remaining half and half and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- When bubbles begin forming around the edges of the pan, add the arrowroot mixture and whisk until blended and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and vanilla and continue to whisk until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Serve in demitasse cups with whipped cream or mini marshmallows.
Notes
Use 2 teaspoons of arrowroot for extra thick hot chocolate!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 151Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 2g
33 Comments on “Italian Hot Chocolate or Cioccolata Calda”
Glad you get to serve this homemade hot chocolate so there is now dessert at home! I love the topping, it’s so cute!
OMG, this hot chocolate sounds and looks fabulous Liz…and yes, I think I can have this for dessert!
Thanks for the recipe…have a great week 🙂
What? No dessert at your place? Nothing beats a homemade hot chocolate. Will have to try this, interesting with the arrowroot! Looks great.
What a treat Liz, and so pretty all garnished up! If shovelling snow after dinner a dash of bailey’s might be lovely too!
I’ve never had arrowroot, thanks for the inspiration!
This is my kind of hot chocolate! Bring happiness in every sip
We’re supposed to be getting lots of snow today so this is perfect!!!! love the arrowroot!!! Wow, great add! Beautiful hot chocolate!!!!
I need to have one too!
Do believe Bill would be quite comfortable in our guest apartment should he ever be called for business…I always have a stash of double cream Oreos! And dark chocolate bars…If you ever decided to accompany him, I promise Liz, I’d buy a stash of caramels for your comfort,too =) Speaking of comfort, Mon Dieu! Jill instructed you well as you have inspired me to try this delectable chocolate drink…I should say gorgeous and delectable looking drink!
Hot chocolate seems to be making the rounds and I am so happy about that! This looks great Liz and would make my daughter very happy. She still orders “hot choco” from Starbucks whenever she visits!
I would love a cup of this hot chocolate. It looks so rich and chocolatey.
No homemade treats! That’s a crime 😉 But this awesome drink would make up for it – yum!
What a sad day in your house. You should have sent them around here as I had half a raspberry pie leftover that no one would eat because we’d run out of ice cream. First world problems??? I had a hot chocolate at the airport this morning and I’m telling you now, it was nothing like the one you described in Paris. Two sips and it was binned xx
So glad winter is not over yet so I can enjoy a cup of this!
It certainly is the weather for this decadent ItaliN Hot Chocolate. Absolutely delicious and thick enough to hold lots of topping. Fantastic recipe, thank you for sharing. Sammie.
Arrowroot- interesting! What does it taste like? I love hot chocolate and trying different chocolate recipes! I’ll have to try this one asap!! I just posted a yummy chocolate recipe on my blog too 🙂 Thanks for sharing this one!
How was your trip in Europe? What was your favorite part?
Such an adorable idea. We will drink hot chocolate no matter what the weather! 🙂
While it is warm here in Florida, I know if I served this up to my grandchildren they would be asking for seconds. 😀
This looks like the perfect cup of hot chocolate, Liz 🙂 So decadent and delicious just what I need to warm up with on a cold day.
Now this is the way to do hot chocolate! I could go for a big mug this evening!