• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

I Knead to Eat

A food blog with recipes from around the world

  • Recipe Index
  • Pakistani / Indian Recipes
  • Cooking/Baking
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Pakistani / Indian Recipes
  • Cooking/Baking
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
×
Home » All Recipes » Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent!

Italian Hot Chocolate Recipe - Thick and Decadent!

Published: Jun 9, 2022 by Wajeeha Nadeem · This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Italian Hot Chocolate is a thick, decadent drink made from real chocolate. Instead of using only cocoa, this heavenly beverage is made with Lindt chocolate. 

This Lindt hot chocolate recipe is similar to French Hot Chocolate, but the method is different. One thing's for sure, both are super delicious, warming drinks that are perfect for the winter!

Hot chocolate in a cup with a chocolate-covered spoon.

My hot chocolate recipe collection is growing fast and furiously thanks to the awesome Hot Chocolate Extravaganza that I’m running on my blog these days. Whether it’s this Three-Ingredient Creamy Homemade White Hot Chocolate, or this citrusy Orange Hot Chocolate that you first choose to make, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

About this Recipe

What is hot chocolate called in Italy? Picture this: You're walking down a cobbled street in a small Italian town at dusk. The wind is cold and blustery. You come across a small cafe and ask for coffee, but your Italian is poor and the barista asks, “Cioccolata Calda?”

You have no idea what it is, but nod your head in agreement, hoping it's warm and comforting. The barista soon hands you a big, warm mug of liquid chocolate. 

And then you take a sip, and you die and go to chocolate heaven.

Ciccolata Calda is the creamy, thick Italian hot chocolate made from real chocolate, cocoa, milk and sugar. If you’ve never tried to make hot chocolate this way before, well, your life is about to change!

Italian Hot Chocolate in a white cup with Lindt chocolate pieces on the side.

Why this Recipe Works 

  • Real Chocolate: While using just cocoa powder yields a pretty good result, when we use high quality chocolate for this recipe, the results are simply amazing. The flavor is rich and you can taste the chocolate in each sip.
  • Secret ingredient: For this recipe we use just a bit of cornstarch to make the consistency of the hot chocolate thick and decadent. This makes a big difference in how indulgent the drink turns out. 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Italian hot chocolate ingredients in bowls: milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and chocolate bar.
  • Chocolate: Use high quality such as Lindt. For an intense flavor I recommend using dark chocolate, but you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter result. 
  • Milk: For the best results, I recommend using whole milk. It makes the hot chocolate so luxurious and indulgent. 
  • Cocoa Powder: We need only a bit, to further intensify the chocolate flavor. 
  • Sugar: Adjust the amount according to your taste. You will need to use less if using milk chocolate, as that is already sweetened. 
  • Corn starch: This is the magic ingredient that helps thicken up the hot chocolate to give it an almost pudding-like consistency. 

How to Make Italian Hot Chocolate

Step-by-Step photos making hot chocolate.
  1. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate with two tablespoons of milk, on low heat. 
  2. Now add the remaining milk, and mix continuously, until well incorporated. 
  3. Add the cocoa powder and sugar, and stir until combined.
  4. Mix the cornstarch with milk to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the hot chocolate, while whisking continuously. 
  5. Mix until the hot chocolate has thickened and it coats the back of a wooden spoon. 
  6. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy! 

Topping Suggestions:

You can enjoy this Lindt hot cocoa as is, or use as many toppings as you like! Here are some suggestions:  

  • Whipped cream
  • Mini marshmallows 
  • Peppermint candies 
  • Sprinkles, for the little ones!
  • A sprinkle of sea salt 
  • Candied ginger 
Cup of hot chocolate on a blue saucer with chocolate shavings on top and chocolate pieces on the plate.

Recipe Tips 

Sift the cocoa: To ensure a lump free Italian hot chocolate, I recommend that you sift the cocoa powder before adding it. 

Cornstarch: Also known as cornflour, be sure to mix it with a bit of milk to make a slurry. When you add this to the hot chocolate, keep whisking, for a smooth and silky texture. 

Storage: As the hot chocolate cools down, it will thicken. You can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days, and slowly warm it in a saucepan on the stove. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of milk and whisk to thin it out a bit. 

Cook on low heat: It’s easy to scald milk, so I highly recommend that you make this recipe using medium-low heat. 

Recipe FAQs 

What is the difference between Italian and American hot chocolate? 

Italian hot chocolate is thicker and creamier than the American version. It’s typically made with real chocolate, while American hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and has a thinner consistency. 

Can you make Italian hot chocolate with chocolate chips?

Yes, the process is the same. I suggest using dark chocolate chips.

How do you reheat hot chocolate? 

You can either slowly reheat it on the stovetop or warm it in the slow cooker on the low heat setting.

Italian Hot Chocolate-Ciccolata Calda

Lindt Italian Hot Chocolate - Cioccolata Calda

Italian Hot Chocolate is a thick decadent hot chocolate that is perfect for all chocolate lovers – it’s made from real chocolate after all! Ready in five minutes, using only five ingredients! 
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Italian
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 487kcal
Author: Wajeeha Nadeem

Ingredients

  • 4 oz milk or dark chocolate I used Lindt Milk Chocolate, but you can use your favorite brand
  • 1 1/2 cups full fat milk 3 tablespoons of milk separated
  • 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder See notes
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate with two tablespoons of milk on medium heat.
  • Slowly add in the milk, continuously mixing with a wooden spoon.
  • Add in the cocoa powder and sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl mix the corn starch with one tablespoon of milk, and pour this mixture to the saucepan and mix until the hot chocolate has become thick and coats the back of your spoon.
  • Top with cocoa powder, mini marshmallows or even sea salt.

Notes

I used 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder because the milk chocolate itself is very sweet. If you are making this hot chocolate with dark chocolate then you may add less cocoa powder, depending on your taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 7mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ikneadtoeat or tag #ikneadtoeat!
Italian Hot Chocolate in a delicate teacup with a book and some chocolates on the side.

Recipe Inspired by Bell'Alimento

« Authentic Chai Masala: How To Make Spiced Tea!
Easy Mango Mousse Recipe (With Step by Step Photos) »

Sharing is caring!

25.8K shares
  • Share
  • Twitter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Breanna

    November 15, 2015 at 2:45 am

    FYI chocolate in Italian is spelled "cioccolato" just in case you wanna change that 🙂 excited to try out this recipe, I had many hot chocolates during my year in Italy and it's true, so much better than the normal kind!

    Reply
  2. Jane @ littlesugarsnaps

    November 08, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    I have officially died and gone to heaven. I love the thick Italian style hot chocolate, which I first tasted in Florence, on honeymoon. Making with Lindt is the way to hot chocolate perfection. Pinning, yumming and making... several times over.

    Reply
    • waj.nad@gmail.com

      November 09, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Haha now you're my kind of a person...can we best friends? Thank you for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Noel

    November 07, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    Looking at your photos made me feel like I was in that Italian cafe.
    who cares what the waiter was saying .. this is worth trying!!

    Reply
    • waj.nad@gmail.com

      November 08, 2015 at 7:57 am

      Haha! All that matters is that mug of thick hot chocolate, right? Thank you for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  4. Johlene@FlavoursandFrosting

    October 28, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    Lindt Hot Chocolate... YES PLEASE!! I know I would love this!

    Reply
    • waj.nad@gmail.com

      October 29, 2015 at 2:31 am

      Seriously it's so good, I literally had to hide it from myself because I have a massive sweet tooth!

      Reply
  5. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago

    October 26, 2015 at 2:47 am

    Wow - this looks delicious! Definitely on my list for the holiday season.

    Reply
  6. Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner

    October 25, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    I could see myself sipping on this decadent drink while reading a good book!

    Reply
  7. Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness

    October 24, 2015 at 11:25 pm

    5 stars
    I love my chocolate. This would make my day to have one of these. Yum!!

    Reply
  8. Linda

    October 24, 2015 at 1:38 am

    I'm in chocolate heaven just reading about it ... can't wait to try it this way and experimenting with different kinds of chocolate too (i.e. chocolate caramel).

    Reply
  9. Rachel @ Simple Seasonal

    October 23, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    5 stars
    YUM! This looks so rich and chocolatey. I need to remember this one for the holiday season!

    Reply
  10. Hillary @ 918 Plate

    October 23, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    yumyumyum! I love hot chocolate recipes and this looks goooood!!!

    Reply
  11. Jillian

    October 23, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Hi Wajeeha, your homemade hot chocolate looks delicious! I was just wondering how much sugar to use? Perhaps the amount is there but I just couldn't find it.

    Reply
    • waj.nad@gmail.com

      October 23, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      Hi Jillian, thanks for pointing it out! I forgot to add sugar to the recipe. I've fixed that now 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kathrina

    October 23, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    Liquid, molten, Lindt Chocolate? Yes, yes, and YES! I can certainly see myself cozying up to this on a cold day.

    Reply
  13. Felesha

    October 23, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    Oh my! The pure decadence of it all is pouring right off of the screen! I need a cup of this right now! Heading to the kitchen! Yum! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Khadija

    October 23, 2015 at 10:48 am

    OMG!!! Lindt chocolate & cocoa?? ok thank you very much.
    do you think skipping the cornstarch matters? i dont mind not being heavy if it doesnt affect the taste.

    Reply
    • waj.nad@gmail.com

      October 23, 2015 at 10:53 am

      Hi Khadjia! I know, right? Like lindt chocolate + cocoa = love! Lol. Yes, you do need to use corn starch because that's what makes the hot chocolate thick...you won't taste it, promise! Also, if you don't mind a thinner consistency I suppose you could leave the corn starch out but that thick consistency is omg SO good! Can you tell I'm high on chocolate? Haha :p

      Reply
  15. Farida

    October 23, 2015 at 7:35 am

    love the story , and the chocolate too 🙂 never tried it this way ! This is a must try!

    Reply
    • waj.nad@gmail.com

      October 23, 2015 at 10:25 am

      Thanks Farida! Glad you liked the recipe 🙂 The hot chocolate really is delicious and so simple to make too!

      Reply
Newer Comments »
5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

As Featured In

Categories

Signup for Email Updates

Footer

^ back to top

About

About Me

Privacy Policy

Contact

Contact

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework

25.8K shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.