If you’re looking for a cozy twist on your regular cup of hot cocoa, this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe might just become your new favorite indulgence. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with nourishing goodness—perfect when you want a warm, soothing drink that feels a little special. I love making this on chilly evenings, especially when I need that extra cozy hug in a mug.
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Why You’ll Love This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe
This isn’t your typical hot chocolate. The addition of bone broth adds a subtly savory depth that beautifully balances the rich cacao, while also bringing in gut-friendly collagen and nutrients. It’s a comforting, nourishing treat that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
- Texture you want: Smooth, velvety, with a slight richness from the broth.
- Flavor that pops: Deep, earthy cacao with a gentle savory note from the bone broth that lifts the sweetness.
- Everyday ingredients: Easy to find staples—bone broth, cacao powder, and a touch of natural sweetener.
- Works for any night: Perfect before bed or as an afternoon pick-me-up with added nourishment.
Ingredient Spotlight
Choosing quality bone broth and cacao powder sets the foundation for this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe. You can swap dairy milk for any plant-based variety, and sweeteners can flex according to your pantry or dietary preferences.
- Bone Broth: Look for a clean, well-simmered broth—chicken bone broth brings gentle flavor, beef will be more robust.
- Cacao Powder: Use unsweetened, preferably raw cacao for the deepest chocolate flavor without bitterness.
- Sweetener: Maple butter adds richness and a hint of maple, but syrup or honey work well too for sweetness.
Seasonality & Sourcing
Bone broth is easily found year-round in most grocery stores or can be homemade—something I enjoy making in winter to have on hand for warming recipes. For the best flavor, pick fresh, organic broth if possible. Cacao powder doesn't fluctuate with seasons, but sourcing fair trade options supports sustainable farming. If you want to save a bit, buying bone broth in bulk or frozen portions works wonders without compromising quality.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Gather your ingredients and measure them out—1 cup bone broth, ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons cacao powder, and your sweetener. Add everything to a blender right away. Blending helps the cacao and sweetener dissolve smoothly without clumps. A common mistake is skipping this step and stirring by hand, which can leave gritty powder bits. Once blended, pour the mixture into a small saucepan and warm gently on low.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
Heat your hot chocolate mixture just until steam rises and it feels warm to the touch—don’t let it boil or you’ll risk separating the milk and losing the cozy texture. If you find it too thin, stirring in a little more cacao or a small splash of cream can thicken things up. If it’s too bitter, add a touch more maple butter or sweetener to soften the edge.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
Once warm, remove your Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe from the heat and let it rest for about a minute. This pause lets the flavors marry beautifully. Pour into your favorite mug and garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both if you’re feeling decadent. You'll notice the unique blend of savory and sweet—the perfect way to cap off your day.
Troubleshooting Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe
If your hot chocolate turns out too savory or strong on the broth, balance with a bit more sweetener or milk. Too watery? Freeze a few extra marshmallows in ahead of time and drop one or two in for a thicker, richer feel as they melt slowly. If gritty cacao appears, remember to blend thoroughly next time or sift your powder before mixing—it makes a big difference!
Pro Tips
In my kitchen, I always keep a jar of homemade bone broth stocked, so this recipe is quick and nourishing. A powerful trick is blending first—no lumps and velvety every time!
- Heat control: Warm on low heat to prevent separating the milk and keep the texture silky.
- Timing window: Serve immediately after resting to enjoy that perfectly balanced blend of flavors.
- Make-ahead move: Blend all ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; reheat gently when ready.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t boil the mixture or you’ll lose that creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
Variations & Substitutions
You can switch up the milk to almond, oat, or coconut to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a little spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to give your Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe a warming kick. If you want it richer, drizzle in a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter right before serving—it’s a game changer.
Great Debates
One common debate is whether to sweeten this drink heavily or keep it low-sugar. I tend to keep it on the lighter side so the broth’s natural savoriness shines, but you can adjust according to your cravings. Another is using collagen powder—optional, but I love the silky texture it adds and the boost it gives for skin and joints.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe stores well in a sealed container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in portions—thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly to keep flavors intact without breaking.
Yield & Conversions
This recipe yields one generous mug of Bone Broth Hot Chocolate. Feel free to double or halve it—just maintain the same ratios. For metric measurements, use 240 ml bone broth and 120 ml milk. I find scaling up is perfect when sharing a relaxing night with a friend or two.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Pair this rich hot chocolate with lightly spiced biscotti, oat cookies, or even a slice of banana bread to complement its hearty flavor. A dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon or cacao nibs will elevate the experience and make it feel like a special treat. I often enjoy it just as it is, savoring every toasty sip.
FAQs
Absolutely! Store-bought bone broth works well—just opt for a high-quality, low-sodium version to control the flavor. Homemade broth is lovely but not required.
Yes, simply swap regular milk for your favorite plant-based option like almond, oat, or coconut milk. It still tastes amazing, and the broth adds a nice depth.
Collagen is optional but adds a silky texture and a boost of protein that’s good for joints, skin, and gut health. It dissolves easily and doesn’t alter the taste.
Heat slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling, which can cause separation. Blending the ingredients first helps keep it smooth.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
Use a blender that can handle hot liquids or be cautious to vent steam when blending warm ingredients. A small saucepan with a heavy bottom distributes heat evenly without scorching. A thermometer's nice for beginners—aim for around 60-70°C (140-160°F) when warming. I rely on my immersion blender for quick blending and cleanup.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe
A nourishing and comforting Bone Broth Hot Chocolate combining the rich flavors of bone broth and cacao, sweetened naturally with maple butter and optionally boosted with collagen for an enriching warm drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup bone broth (chicken or beef)
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon maple butter (can substitute maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar)
- 1 scoop collagen of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Add the bone broth, milk, cacao powder, maple butter, and optional collagen into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat Warm: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and gently heat over medium-low heat until warm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Serve: Pour the warm hot chocolate into a mug and enjoy immediately. Optionally, top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use bone broth of your preference—chicken, beef, or vegetable—to match your flavor preference or dietary needs.
- Maple butter can be substituted with other natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or maple syrup depending on sweetness preference and dietary restrictions.
- Collagen is optional but adds protein and potential health benefits; choose hydrolyzed collagen powder for easy mixing.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk such as almond, oat or coconut milk.
- Heat gently to avoid boiling which can alter the flavor and reduce nutritional benefits of bone broth.
- Customize toppings with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
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