White Hot Chocolate is a vanilla variation of the classic winter drink. Warm and creamy, this mug feels like a special treat – and only takes about five minutes to prepare.

Hot chocolate of all kinds is our family go-to all winter. There’s nothing better than sitting down with a warm mug after playing in the snow! This version has a distinctly different flavor than it’s chocolate cousin, but is equally as well received.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for White Hot Chocolate
- How to Make White Hot Chocolate
- Top Tips for making White Hot Chocolate
- More Cocoa-Inspired Treats
- Recipe for White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Ready to make white hot chocolate? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Marshmallows, optional for serving
- Whipped cream, optional for serving
- Sprinkles, optional for serving

How to Make White Hot Chocolate
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until just below simmering – you should see steam rising, but it shouldn’t be bubbling yet.
- Whisk in the white chocolate chips and vanillla. Stir continuously until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour into mugs and serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream and sprinkles, if desiered.
Top Tips for Making White Hot Chocolate
I’ve sized this recipe for two 8 ounce servings because in my family the kids will rarely actually drink a full 8 ounces. This tends to serve three of us in reality – but can easily be scales up more for a crowd.
Homemade Marshmallows are my favorite addition to any mug of cocoa! For these photos, I used a small cookie cutter & press to cut them marshmallows into snowflakes. This only takes a few extra seconds and if making your own marshmallows isn’t in the cards, it works for store-bought marshmallows too.
If you’re making a large batch for a party, I’d suggest melting the white chocolate into the milk on the stovetop and then transferring to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

More Cocoa-Inspired Treats
For a larger-batch cocoa, my Grinch Cocoa with Peppermint Marshmallows is a really fun option! Leave out the green food coloring and it’s perfect for any occasion.
Making homemade marshmallows is, in my opinion, the most fun was to fancy-up your cocoa. I’ve got tried-and-true recipes for regular marshmallows, chocolate marshmallows, and peppermint marshmallows.
Need a snack to go with your mug of cocoa? Hot Chocolate Sweet Rolls can’t be beat!

Recipe for White Hot Chocolate

White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Marshmallows, optional for serving
- Whipped cream, optional for serving
- Sprinkles, optional for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until just below simmering - you should see steam rising, but it shouldn't be bubbling yet.
- Whisk in the white chocolate chips and vanillla. Stir continuously until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour into mugs and serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream and sprinkles, if desiered.
