Rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent, Decadent Malted Milk Hot Chocolate is the cozy drink you didn’t know you were missing. Malted milk powder adds depth and body, elevating the chocolate and creating an intensely smooth, velvety cup meant for serious chocolate lovers.
I tossed my store-bought instant mixes—making hot chocolate from scratch is easy and tastes far superior. This version uses real chocolate instead of cocoa powder, plus malted milk powder and a hint of espresso powder to intensify the flavor. The result is thick, luxurious, and so satisfying you’ll want to sip it slowly.
Key ingredients
Only a few simple ingredients turn ordinary hot chocolate into a deeply flavorful, comforting drink.
- Milk. Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest texture, but lower-fat milk will work if you prefer.
- Bittersweet chocolate. Use good-quality chocolate for the best flavor and a silky texture. Semisweet will work but offers a milder chocolate note.
- Espresso powder. A small amount sharpens and deepens the chocolate flavor. Instant espresso granules are an easy substitute.
- Malted milk powder. This adds a distinctive malty richness and thicker mouthfeel—look for malted milk powder in the baking aisle and avoid malt syrup or plain malt when a malted milk product is specified.
- Toppings. Whipped cream, marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder, or crushed malted milk balls (Whoppers) make great finishing touches.
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, about 3–5 minutes. Heat until tiny bubbles appear around the edges, but do not boil. Serve immediately with your preferred toppings.
👩🍳Expert tip
- Don’t boil. Gently warm the milk over medium-low heat to avoid scorching or separation—heat until the chocolate is fully melted and small bubbles appear at the edge.
What to serve with hot chocolate
Choose one or combine several toppings to make your hot chocolate extra special.
- Marshmallows. Classic and melty—mini marshmallows or a spoonful of marshmallow fluff work well.
- Whipped cream. A generous swirl adds richness and a pleasant contrast to hot liquid.
- Cocoa powder. A light dusting through a fine mesh sieve creates an elegant finish.
- Crushed malted milk balls. Adds crunch and amplifies the malt flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover hot chocolate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, whisking as it warms to restore a smooth consistency.
FAQ
Malted milk powder is made from evaporated milk, wheat flour, and barley. It adds a nutty, toasty malty flavor and was historically used as a nutrition supplement in the 19th century.
On its own it can taste a little like toasted wheat or barley, but in recipes it enhances and deepens the overall flavor, especially in chocolate and baked goods.
Ovaltine is a branded malted drink mix that contains additional ingredients. For the pure malted milk flavor used in this recipe, use a straight malted milk powder.
More cold weather recipes
Warm up with other cozy recipes perfect for chilly days.
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Bourbon Bacon Chutney
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Sweet Potato Bacon Hash
-
Easy Spiced Eggnog Waffles
-
Apple Pie Oatmeal Brûlée
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment below. If you shared a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Decadent Malted Milk Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- small saucepan and whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup diced bittersweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (or instant espresso granules)
- 4 teaspoons malted milk powder
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, or malted milk balls for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine milk, diced chocolate, espresso powder, and malted milk powder in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and warm, about 3–5 minutes. Bubbles may form at the edges—do not bring to a boil.
- Serve immediately with whipped cream, marshmallows, or crushed malted milk balls if desired.
Notes
- Use a true malted milk powder for best results. Look for products labeled “malted milk powder” in the baking or beverage aisle. Avoid using malt syrup or other malt products that are not specified as malted milk powder.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.