You know those days when you need something warm, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent—but also secretly good for you? That’s exactly why I created this Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want the rich, chocolatey hug of classic hot cocoa but with an extra boost of nourishment from bone broth. Trust me, the first sip will make you forget there’s anything “healthy” about it—it’s just pure, velvety deliciousness. The broth adds this incredible depth of flavor that makes ordinary hot chocolate taste flat in comparison. And the best part? It comes together in about 15 minutes, so you can satisfy those cravings fast. My kids don’t even realize they’re sipping on something packed with protein and collagen—they just know it’s the coziest drink mom makes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe
Listen, I know “bone broth” and “hot chocolate” sound like an odd couple, but once you try this combo, you’ll be hooked. Here’s why:
- Secretly nourishing: It’s like giving your body a warm hug with all that collagen and protein hiding under chocolatey goodness
- Next-level cozy: The broth adds a richness that makes regular hot cocoa taste thin—imagine sipping liquid velvet
- 15-minute magic: From pantry to mug faster than you can say “I need chocolate”
- Your rules: Use dairy milk for creaminess or almond milk for dairy-free, adjust sweetness, add chili flakes if you’re brave—it’s all fair game
Seriously, this recipe is the ultimate winter wellness hack—comfort food that actually comforts your whole body.

Ingredients for Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just a handful of ingredients you probably already have. But trust me, each one plays a starring role:
- 2 cups bone broth (chicken or beef – homemade if you’ve got it, but store-bought works great too)
- 1 cup milk (I use whole dairy milk for creaminess, but almond or oat milk make fantastic dairy-free options)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (the good stuff – not Dutch processed for this recipe)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweet tooth – I sometimes do 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, not imitation)
- Pinch of salt (don’t skip this! It makes the chocolate flavor pop)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds such a cozy depth)
See? Nothing weird or complicated – just real ingredients that work magic together.
How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – actually making this magical elixir! Don’t let the fancy name fool you – it’s just about as easy as making instant hot cocoa, but with way more love (and nutrition) stirred in.
Step 1: Heat the Bone Broth
Grab your favorite small saucepan – I use my little 1-quart one for this. Pour in that glorious bone broth and turn the heat to medium. Here’s the key: you want it to just start simmering, with those tiny bubbles around the edges, but never let it come to a full boil. (Boiling can make the broth taste too strong and might break down some of those precious nutrients.) This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on my stove.
Step 2: Whisk in Cocoa and Sweeteners
Now for the transformation! Take your whisk (a fork works in a pinch, but a whisk is better) and sprinkle in the cocoa powder. Here’s my pro tip: add it slowly while whisking constantly – this prevents those annoying little cocoa lumps that can ruin the smooth texture. Once the cocoa is fully dissolved (no dry spots!), stir in your honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and that all-important pinch of salt. Keep whisking for about 30 seconds until everything is beautifully combined and your kitchen smells like chocolate heaven.
Step 3: Add Milk and Warm Through
Pour in your milk of choice and stir gently. Now just heat it until it’s steaming hot but not boiling – I usually go another 2-3 minutes max. You’ll know it’s ready when you dip a spoon in and it coats the back lightly. Turn off the heat immediately to preserve that perfect silky texture. (Overheating can make the milk separate, and nobody wants that.)

That’s it! Pour into your favorite mugs – I like to use big ones so I don’t have to make seconds – and enjoy immediately while it’s piping hot. The whole process takes less time than waiting for your coffee to brew, but the payoff is so much better.
Tips for the Best Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
After making this dozens of times (yes, I’m slightly obsessed), here are my foolproof tips for bone broth hot chocolate perfection:
- Broth matters: Use the best quality bone broth you can find—homemade if possible. The flavor difference is huge! I always taste my broth straight before using it.
- Sweetness is personal: Start with 1 tbsp sweetener, then add more to taste. The broth’s savoriness means you might need less than regular hot chocolate.
- Want it thicker? Simmer the broth alone for 5 extra minutes to reduce slightly before adding other ingredients—it creates this luscious, almost pudding-like texture.
- Whisk like you mean it: Really put some elbow grease into blending that cocoa powder to avoid any grittiness. I do figure-8 motions for a minute straight.
And my golden rule? Always make extra—you’ll want seconds, I promise!
Variations for Your Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Dairy-free dream: Swap in coconut milk for ultra-creamy richness or almond milk for lightness
- Sweet twists: Try coconut sugar for caramel notes or date syrup for deeper flavor
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or cardamom turns this into a grown-up treat
- Mocha magic: Stir in 1 tsp instant espresso powder with the cocoa for a coffee kick
My current obsession? Adding a splash of orange zest right before serving—it’s like drinking a chocolate-orange dream!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let’s talk presentation! This bone broth hot chocolate deserves a little flair. My kids go wild when I top theirs with whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a grown-up touch, try a cinnamon stick stirrer or a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s heavenly with shortbread cookies for dipping—the buttery crunch against the silky chocolate is pure bliss. On extra chilly nights, I’ll even float a marshmallow on top and watch it melt slowly into the warm depths. Pure magic in a mug!

Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – if by some miracle you have leftovers (I rarely do), this bone broth hot chocolate keeps beautifully! Just pour it into a mason jar and pop it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop – medium-low heat with frequent stirring prevents separation. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stop every 30 seconds to stir. You’ll know it’s ready when tiny steam curls rise from the surface – that’s your signal to grab a cozy blanket and enjoy round two!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers—but remember, these are estimates that’ll change based on your specific ingredients (especially the type of milk and sweetener you use). For one generous cup made with whole milk and honey, you’re looking at:
- 180 calories – cozy fuel for your body
- 8g protein – thank you, bone broth!
- 12g sugar – less than most hot chocolates
- 2g fiber – bonus from the cocoa
Not bad for something that tastes like dessert, right? The collagen from the broth is the real unsung hero here—it doesn’t show up in nutrition labels, but your joints will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this bone broth hot chocolate recipe all the time! Here are the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use vegetable broth instead?
Honestly? It won’t be the same. The magic happens when bone broth’s richness meets chocolate. Vegetable broth makes it taste… well, like vegetables in your cocoa (not my idea of cozy!). If you must, try mushroom broth—it has more umami depth.
Is this dairy-free?
It can be! Just swap regular milk for your favorite plant-based version. Almond and coconut milk work beautifully—they actually complement the broth’s savoriness in a lovely way.
Why does my hot chocolate taste bitter?
Two likely culprits: overboiled broth (keep it at a gentle simmer!) or not enough sweetener. Bone broth’s natural savoriness means you might need an extra teaspoon of honey compared to regular cocoa.
Can kids drink this?
Absolutely! My picky eaters adore it. Just use a mild-flavored chicken bone broth—beef can be too strong for little taste buds. They’ll never guess it’s packed with nutrients!
Try this recipe and share your thoughts below! Did you add any fun twists? I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy this cozy drink.
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Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and comforting hot chocolate made with bone broth for added nutrition and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Heat bone broth in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Add milk and stir well. Heat until warm but not boiling.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality bone broth for best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- For a thicker texture, reduce broth slightly before adding milk.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg