Ready to make an easy gluten- and dairy-free hot chocolate from scratch in under 10 minutes?
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About This Hot Chocolate Recipe
This recipe is so simple — I can’t believe I didn’t try it sooner!
We’re deep into holiday treats, and nothing feels cozier than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Whether you top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, shaved chocolate, peppermint, or a gluten-free cookie, it’s a perfect winter indulgence.
I don’t usually buy pre-made hot cocoa mixes, many of which may contain gluten, so I made my own. Because I’m sensitive to lactose, I used non-dairy options and ended up with a rich, comforting hot chocolate in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients You Will Need
– Pure cocoa powder: Use a gluten-free brand. I use Hershey’s.
– Non-dairy milk: I used oat milk (Oatly is certified gluten-free). If you have celiac disease and avoid oats, use almond, soy, coconut, or another non-dairy milk you prefer.
– Chocolate chips: Choose non-dairy chips such as Enjoy Life or another allergen-free option.
– Granulated sugar: For sweetness.
– Vanilla extract: Adds depth and sweetness.
– Optional: Non-dairy whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, or gluten-free cookies for garnish.
How To Make Gluten & Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
This recipe is straightforward.
Combine the ingredients on the stovetop and whisk until smooth. Add your favorite toppings — whipped cream, cookies, candy canes, or marshmallows — and enjoy.
How To Serve Gluten & Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
You can buy non-dairy whipped topping, but making it at home is quick and rewarding. I used a non-dairy creamer as a base and adapted a simple whipped topping recipe. The recipe card below includes full details for preparing the whipped cream.
I also like adding a candy cane and a gluten-free gingerbread cookie. Use any gluten-free cookie or garnish you prefer to make it festive.
More Holiday Gluten-Free Baking Recipes
If you enjoy holiday baking, try a gluten-free pretzel bark for a sweet-and-salty treat, or a classic homemade gluten-free apple pie. For cookie fans, there are collections of gluten-free Christmas cookie recipes to explore.
Here’s how to make this tasty hot chocolate — gluten and dairy free!
If you love this recipe, please leave a review! Thank you so much!
Gluten Free and Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
Gluten and Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
1 serving
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Recipe adapted from Celebrating Sweets and Silk.
Ingredients
- For the Hot Chocolate
- 1 cup non-dairy milk of your choice
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream (Non-Dairy)
- ½ cup non-dairy heavy whipping cream alternative
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Toppings: marshmallows, chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, candy canes, cookies — any gluten-free garnish you like
Instructions
To make the hot chocolate:
In a small saucepan, combine the non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar over medium to medium-low heat. Whisk frequently until the mixture is warm but not boiling (no bubbles), about 2–3 minutes. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla, and continue whisking until the chocolate melts and the drink is smooth, about another minute. Pour into a mug and serve immediately.
To make dairy-free whipped cream:
Keep the non-dairy creamer cold in the refrigerator until ready to use. In a chilled bowl (stand mixer or medium bowl), pour the creamer and add cinnamon, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat on high with a hand mixer for about 2–3 minutes, or with a stand mixer for 75–90 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overbeating. The whipped cream should hold its shape and form peaks. Cover and refrigerate; best used within a day.
Note: Some instructions recommend chilling the bowl and beaters for a couple of hours before whipping. If the whipped cream doesn’t set, try chilling your equipment and creamer before attempting again.
Notes
More servings: Multiply the ingredient amounts by 2 or 4 to serve more people.
Nutrition Information
Yield 1
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 948Total Fat 47gSaturated Fat 25gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 55mgSodium 300mgCarbohydrates 124gFiber 6gSugar 97gProtein 18g
The nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and was calculated using an external tool. Please calculate based on your ingredients if you need exact values.
Do you like hot chocolate?
Do you add marshmallows or whipped cream?
Tell me in the comments below!