How Long to Microwave Milk for Hot Chocolate? + Single Serve Cocoa Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a rich cup of hot chocolate on a cool day. But making hot chocolate over the stove can feel like a lot of work, especially when you’re only making one cup. Thankfully it’s just as delicious (and easier) to make hot cocoa in the microwave. 

We’ll share our favorite recipe, how long to microwave milk for hot chocolate, and tricks for keeping the hot chocolate mix from clumping.

How to Microwave Milk for Hot Chocolate?

You can use a store-bought hot chocolate mix (I like Ghirardelli) or mix up your own with a few ingredients. All you have to remember is that you use a 1:1 ratio for the cocoa powder and sweetener. From there, you can adjust to taste.

Microwave Hot Chocolate Recipe

• 2 tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• Dash of salt
• 1 cup of milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Don’t be afraid to get creative. For a sugar-free alternative, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. If you don’t mind using sugar, but don’t have powdered sugar on hand, try honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. To make your hot cocoa dairy-free, use almond or soy milk. And top it all off with cinnamon and whipped cream.

While there are ways to make hot chocolate “healthier,” if you have a hot chocolate craving why not try and satisfy it with what you like best? This recipe, using non-fat milk, is only around 170 calories.

How to Make Microwave Hot Chocolate

You may think heating the milk and then adding hot chocolate mix is the way to go, but if you do that the mix won’t blend as well. Follow these instructions for a cup of smooth, rich hot cocoa.

1. Mix dry ingredients together at the bottom of a microwave-safe measuring cup or mug.
2. Add ¼ cup of milk and briskly whisk until the liquid is a smooth consistency. Then add the rest of the milk and mix.
3. Microwave the mixture in 30 second intervals, whisking intermittently until it’s as warm as you’d like it. This takes around 90 seconds, depending on your microwave.
4. Stir in vanilla, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!

I like to microwave hot chocolate in my Pyrex liquid measuring cup. It’s easier to mix, allows you to make multiple cups at a time, and prevents you from making a mess. If you do use a mug, make sure there’s at least an inch of room at the top to allow you to mix without spilling.

How Long Should You Microwave Milk for Hot Chocolate?

You should microwave milk for hot chocolate between 60 to 120 seconds, depending on your microwave and how hot you like your drink.

I have a 1,000-watt Whirlpool, and I microwave my hot chocolate 90-105 seconds. I like it on the hot end so that it will stay warmer for a little longer.

How to Test if Milk is Too Hot?

Again, “too hot” is up to personal preference. I like to feel it with my finger. If it feels luke-warm, I’ll heat it for 15 second intervals until it’s hot to the touch. If it feels hot, but not scorching, I’ll touch my lips to it to double check it won’t burn my tongue.

Remember that kids have a lower heat tolerance than adults. You can test the milk on the back of your hand or your wrist, like you do for baby bottles. If it’s hot, it’s probably too hot for your child.

If you want to get scientific, you can test the drink with a thermometer to get a better understanding of just how hot you like your beverages. Anything over 110℉ can cause a superficial burn and anything 160℉+ will burn adults instantly. Anything over 120℉ can scald children.

How to Tell if Milk is Overheated?

The reason we heat the milk at 30 second intervals is to assure it doesn’t get overheated. 

If you microwave milk (or heat it on the stovetop) for a prolonged period of time, it may overheat. Here are two things that may happen if milk is overheated.

• Milk film: This is the most common sign that your milk was overheated in the microwave. A thin film of protein will form on the top. If you try to mix it in, it will break up and form clumps in your hot chocolate
• Scorched milk: Scorched milk is burned milk. This can happen when milk boils. It will begin to coagulate. In a pan, the milk sticks to the bottom. In a cup, it’s less noticeable, but you may find that the consistency has changed.

Microwaving milk for hot chocolate is easy. Mix in the powder well and microwave it for 30 second intervals, mixing between sets. It will be ready in a minute or two!

More Chocolate Recipes

If you can’t get enough chocolate, here are a few of our favorite chocolate-filled recipes:

• Chocolate protein muffins
• Chocolate protein mug cake
• Flourless banana bread with chocolate chips

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Microwave Hot Chocolate Recipe (Single Serving)

Whip up a warm, rich cup of hot cocoa in minutes!

Course Drinks

Keyword hot chocolate, hot cocoa

Prep Time 1 minute

Cook Time 2 minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1 dash salt
• 1 dash cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

• Mix dry ingredients together at the bottom of a microwave-safe measuring cup or mug.
  
• Add ¼ cup of milk and briskly whisk until the liquid is a smooth consistency. Then add the rest of the milk and mix.
  
• Microwave the mixture in 30 second intervals, whisking intermittently until it’s as warm as you’d like it. This takes around 90 seconds, depending on your microwave.
  
• Stir in vanilla, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!