Using just one square of high-quality chocolate and frothed milk, this steamed hot chocolate is as luxurious as it is simple!
When we moved back from Germany, I brought plenty of recipes with me, including this one. German-style steamed hot chocolate, which we first had at the Ritter Sport Chocolate Factory, is going to be a winter favorite for years to come.
We were lucky enough to live near the Ritter factory and would often go there to stock up on chocolate and maybe have a bite to eat. I always love to get a behind the scenes look at where my food comes from.
My kids immediately fell in love with this steamed hot chocolate, and the whole process at the cafe. A square of chocolate goes in the bottom of the mug, and warm milk is poured over top, almost like a hot chocolate cappuccino. Even when stirred, this stays foamy. I am really excited to share this with you!
Steamed Hot Chocolate Ingredients//
Chocolate: Luckily, I can still get our beloved Ritter chocolate here in the states, but there are so many other options! The key is to have a high-quality piece of chocolate, which will be far richer and smoother. Of course, if you have a great local chocolatier that is a great choice.
Milk: Any and all milks work here, including full fat and 1%. If you are looking for an alternative, coconut and oat milk are the creamiest when warm.
Frother: I bought this milk frother a few years ago and I have most certainly gotten my money’s worth. (Here is a less expensive option that gets great reviews.) If you don’t have, or want, one of these you can warm the milk on the stove. Then, you can froth with a fork or whisk! Though, you do have to work fast to make sure it doesn’t cool too much!
How to Make – The Steps
- Once you have picked out your chocolate, pick out your most exciting mug and plop your chocolate right in!
- Next, use your steamer to froth your milk, and keep a spoon nearby for the foam!
- Pour the hot milk over the chocolate, and spoon some of the frothy goodness on top.
- Let it sit for a minute or two and stir.
- Add any toppings you may want and get ready to enjoy.
What makes this steamed hot chocolate recipe so good?
- Simple: With this only taking a few minutes, using only two ingredients, it can be made any time.
- Kid-friendly: After learning how to use the frother, or a whisk, this is a really simple thing for kids to make on their own. Of course, if they can start making them for you as well, it’s even better!
- Lower sugar: Since this is using a small amount of high-quality chocolate, there is no need for added sugars. Compared to store-bought hot chocolate mix, this is a much healthier option.
- Great for gatherings: A simple alternative to an after-dinner coffee, this steamed hot chocolate is great for family dinners or holiday parties.
- Lots of mix-ins and variations! A make-your-own steamed hot chocolate station will be a hit with visitors and family alike. I have some suggestions for what to stock below!
Serving and Reheating Ideas
- At the Ritter Sport Chocolate Factory, they serve hot chocolate is with a warm, salted pretzel. The salty/sweet combination is incredible with this simple drink, so if you can pair this with a salty treat, you’ll be in heaven!
- If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence, I am sure) you can cover the mug and store this for up to a day in the refrigerator. However, it should be mentioned that the texture of this will change after being chilled. It will still be delicious, though!
- You can reheat in 30 second increments in the microwave, to avoid bringing it to a boil.
Variations and Mix-Ins
- Crushed peppermint is awesome added to the mug along with the chocolate square.
- Drizzle some caramel sauce in the mug before adding the milk.
- Whipped cream (as well as flavored whipped cream) is not used in Germany, but we love to add it to ours!
- Sprinkles and chocolate flakes added to the top will melt down into the steamed hot chocolate as you drink it.
- Make some snowman marshmallow hot chocolate toppers for some extra fun!
More Chocolate Recipes
- Peppermint Brownie Bars
- The Most Amazing Chocolate Fudge
- White Chocolate Ginger Drops
- Hot Chocolate Cookies
Originally published in February 2018, updated November 2020 with updated images and updated recipe card.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it goes! Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, too!
Steamed Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 squares 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. chocolate of your choice
Instructions
- Use a milk frother to steam and froth milk.
- Add a piece of chocolate to each cup.
- Pour milk evenly between the two cups. Let sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir gently and top with whipped cream.
Nutrition
Finding milk fother is hard at my local store.
I don’t have it at home
I have a solution for you. If you do not have a frother, you can either poor hot (but not boiling!) milk into a blender and blend until you start seeing foam. The other way is a bit more manual, you can poor the hot milk in a jar and shake well. Just make sure to not fill up the jar completely. That should do the trick!