Can You Make Hot Chocolate in a Coffee Maker? Let’s See

There’s nothing better than curling up with an interesting book and a rich, comforting cup of hot cocoa. The creamy, chocolatey beverage is something that many of us love to enjoy. 

But making hot chocolate in the microwave can leave you scrubbing its walls. The fuss and inconvenience of the stove can turn you off to hot chocolate all together. But can you make hot chocolate in a coffee maker?

There are a number of simple ways to make hot chocolate in a coffee maker. However, the type of coffee maker is a major factor in if and how you can. Preparation and the right ingredients are also key factors to getting a better cup of hot chocolate and not ruining your coffee maker.

So, if you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to make hot chocolate, look no further!

How to Make Hot Chocolate in Your Coffee Maker

Now that we’re sure that you can make hot chocolate in your coffee maker, let’s find out more about how. There are a few things that contribute to a great cup of hot chocolate from a coffee maker. From the preparation of your coffee maker to the ingredients you use, every step is critical.

Coffee Makers You Can Use

The truth is there’s pretty much a way to make hot chocolate in almost any coffee maker. However, some machines really struggle to do so and are not ideal options. Here are a few better options:

• Cuisinart CHW-12P1 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
• Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
• Keurig Hot 2.0 K425 Plus Series Single-serve Coffee Maker

Pro Tip: Milk should not be used in any coffee maker to make your hot chocolate. The milk can quickly cool down and spoil, ruining not only your beverage but your machine as well.

Preparing Your Coffee Maker

Preparing your coffee maker is one of the very first steps and arguably just as important as what you use to make your hot chocolate. Properly washing your coffee maker to prepare it for this task is extremely important. 

Then, you simply fill the reservoir with water—about 4 cups should do it. 

Pro Tip: Try to use filtered water in your coffee maker. Not only is it going to make your beverage better, but it’s better for your machine.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The most common way to make hot chocolate in a coffee maker is with the ever-convenient, endlessly simple instant hot cocoa packets. However, for a richer, creamier, more authentic cup of hot chocolate, you could try a bit of a longer process.

For the longer process, you’ll need:

• Chocolate chips
• Milk 
• Sugar
• Water

Make the Hot Chocolate

As mentioned, the more convenient and simple way is to use the instant hot cocoa packets. For this process, you’ll need just packages of instant hot chocolate mix and water.

To use the instant packets:

• Fill the reservoir to about 4 cups.
• Pour one instant hot cocoa packet into the bottom of your mug.
• Brew the water through to the carafe.
• Pour and stir.

Pro Tip: Put a pack and a half of instant hot cocoa mix into your mug for an extra chocolate kick! Cinnamon and marshmallows really bring the cup together.

Pro Tip: To make more than one cup, you could empty the packages directly into the carafe. Use a 1:1 ratio when it comes to cups of water and packages.

To make a creamier, homemade version:

• Add the ingredients (Milk, Sugar, Chocolate chips) to a saucepan to melt.
• Whisk the ingredients together until it becomes syrup.
• Pour the desired amount of syrup into a mug.
• Run water through the coffee machine to get it hot.
• Mix together.

Pro Tip: Stir with a cinnamon stick to add a bit of spice to the cuppa.

More Tips for Making Hot Chocolate in a Coffee Maker

There are a couple of tricks you could try to make a great cup of hot chocolate using your coffee maker. 

Pro Tip: Adjusting your ingredients and measurements to your liking are a great way to create your signature hot chocolate.

Pro Tip: Use a frother to add some texture to your hot chocolate.

Pro Tip: Add instant hot chocolate mix to coffee grounds to add a kick to your hot chocolate or a little extra flavor to your coffee.

Alternatives to Making Hot Chocolate in a Coffee Maker

Of course, there are alternatives to making hot chocolate in a coffee maker. In fact, there are quite a few options. Some can be messy, others tedious. But choosing the best method that works for you is half the fun of your hot chocolate adventure.

Stove-Top Hot Chocolate

One sure-fire way to get a great mug of hot chocolate on a cold wintery day is in a saucepan on a burner. There are dozens of incredible recipes to choose from. But no matter which you choose, most of the ingredients are the same. 

Amounts will vary depending on how you like your hot chocolate. This recipe by The Frugal Girls is a great choice. For most recipes, you will need

• Chocolate chips
• Milk
• Water
• Sugar

Pro Tip: Little ingredients like a splash of vanilla or a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg could drastically improve almost any hot chocolate recipe.

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

Hot chocolate in a slow cooker is a long game that is totally worth it. It’s perfect for a cold, snowy day to curl up with a nice book or maybe a board game. The creamy decadence of slow cooker hot chocolate is just what you’re looking for.

Slow cooker hot chocolate does take about two hours and a bit of preparation. However, this recipe will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator to reheat. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows

Microwave Hot Chocolate

If nothing else can be said about making your hot chocolate in the microwave, it’s definitely convenient. The most convenient situation can also turn out to be a messy, sticky one. But it’s still very much worth it. In fact, all you need to enjoy it is water/milk and your favorite instant hot chocolate mix.

Pro Tip: To avoid mess, microwave in increments of about 30 seconds. This will prevent the beverage from boiling over.

Pro Tip: Use milk to get a richer, creamier hot chocolate.

In Conclusion

So, can you make hot chocolate in a coffee maker? Absolutely, you can. Even better, it’s quite a simple process. With one tiny packet of instant cocoa mix and water, you’re off to the races. Of course, if you don’t like the instant mix, you could always start from scratch. 

Alternative options offer other ways to get that rich, creamy experience. Some are easier than others, but all are completely worth any effort required. So curl up under your favorite snuggly blanket and make yourself a nice mug of hot chocolate!

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