This Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate recipe is the ultimate cozy drink, offering a rich, velvety texture with deep cocoa flavors. Made with real chocolate and a hint of warming spices, it’s far superior to store-bought hot cocoa. Whether you’re sipping it on a chilly evening or treating yourself to a luxurious dessert-like drink, this homemade hot chocolate is pure indulgence. Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to prepare!
What is Jamie Oliver’s Hot Chocolate?
Jamie Oliver’s Hot Chocolate is a creamy, homemade beverage made with real chocolate, milk, and a touch of cinnamon or vanilla for extra depth. Unlike instant hot cocoa, this version is thick, smooth, and incredibly rich, making it perfect for chocolate lovers.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Uses real chocolate – Delivers a deep, authentic chocolate flavor.
- Thick and creamy – A luxurious texture that’s far better than instant mixes.
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness and flavors to your preference.
- Perfect for winter – A warm, comforting treat for cold days.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 500ml whole milk
- 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
For Toppings (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini marshmallows
- A dusting of cocoa powder
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof mugs
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate
- Warm the milk – Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over low-medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Melt the chocolate – Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and whisk continuously until it melts completely into the milk.
- Add cocoa powder and sugar – Sift in the cocoa powder and add sugar, whisking well to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate spices and vanilla – Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
- Simmer to thicken – Let the mixture gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes rich and creamy.
- Serve immediately – Pour into heatproof mugs and top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or marshmallows for an extra indulgent touch.

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate
- Freshly baked cookies – Chocolate chip or shortbread cookies complement the richness.
- Buttery croissants – A perfect pairing for dipping into the creamy drink.
- Whipped cream and marshmallows – Classic toppings for extra indulgence.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg – Adds a warm, aromatic twist.
- Dark chocolate pieces – Enjoy alongside your drink for an intense chocolate experience.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate
- Use high-quality chocolate – A good dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) enhances the flavor.
- Whisk constantly – Prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth consistency.
- Don’t let it boil – Overheating can cause the chocolate to become grainy.
- Adjust sweetness – Taste before serving and add more sugar if needed.
- Make it extra thick – Simmer for a few extra minutes or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Experiment with flavors – Try adding a dash of chili powder for a Mexican-style hot chocolate.
- Serve immediately – Hot chocolate tastes best when freshly made and piping hot.
What are Variations of Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate?
- White hot chocolate – Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweet, creamy alternative.
- Vegan version – Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate.
- Peppermint hot chocolate – Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
- Salted caramel hot chocolate – Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt for a sweet-savory twist.
- Nutty flavor – Add a spoonful of hazelnut or almond butter for extra richness.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate?
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, whisking continuously.
- Avoid microwaving for long periods – Reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, to maintain smoothness.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Hot Chocolate?
- Stovetop method – Heat gently over low heat while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Microwave method – Warm in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each interval.
- Add a splash of milk – If the chocolate thickens too much when stored, stir in a little milk to loosen it.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate Healthier?
- Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content – Less sugar and more antioxidants.
- Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk – Reduces calories and dairy content.
- Reduce sugar – Dark chocolate is naturally bitter, so adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Add natural sweeteners – Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
- Skip the whipped cream – Eliminates extra fat and calories while keeping it delicious.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
FAQs
How do you make Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate thicker?
To make Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate thicker, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly. You can also stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little milk before adding it to the saucepan. Another method is to use a higher ratio of chocolate to milk, making it naturally richer and creamier.
Can you make Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate without dairy?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Hot Chocolate can be made dairy-free by swapping whole milk for plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free dark chocolate to maintain the rich texture while keeping it vegan-friendly.
What is the best chocolate to use for Jamie Oliver’s Hot Chocolate?
For the best Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This provides a deep, rich flavor without being overly sweet. If you prefer a milder taste, a mix of dark and milk chocolate works well.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Hot Chocolate is a luxurious, creamy drink that elevates your classic hot cocoa experience. Made with real chocolate and warming flavors, it’s the perfect way to indulge on a cozy evening. Try it today and enjoy the best homemade hot chocolate you’ve ever had!
PrintJamie Oliver Hot Chocolate Recipe – A Rich and Creamy Delight
Jamie Oliver’s Hot Chocolate is a creamy, homemade beverage made with real chocolate, milk, and a touch of cinnamon or vanilla for extra depth. Unlike instant hot cocoa, this version is thick, smooth, and incredibly rich, making it perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 500ml whole milk
- 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
For Toppings (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini marshmallows
- A dusting of cocoa powder
Instructions
- Warm the milk – Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over low-medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Melt the chocolate – Add the finely chopped dark chocolate and whisk continuously until it melts completely into the milk.
- Add cocoa powder and sugar – Sift in the cocoa powder and add sugar, whisking well to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate spices and vanilla – Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
- Simmer to thicken – Let the mixture gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes rich and creamy.
- Serve immediately – Pour into heatproof mugs and top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or marshmallows for an extra indulgent touch.