Instant Pot Hot Chocolate recipe

It’s been chilly here in Texas, so it’s time for warm, cozy drinks and sitting by the fire. Since you know I love cooking with my Instant Pot (check out my Instant Pot recipes, as well as my Pressure Cooker Cookbook for Beginners and 30-Minute Instant Pot Cookbook books), I wanted to share a super quick and delicious hot chocolate Instant Pot recipe! In addition to being easy to make, this Instant Pot hot cocoa can also be easily doubled if you’re serving a crowd. Click the Jump to Recipe button above if you want to go straight to the Instant Pot Hot Chocolate recipe, or keep reading for variation tips (including how to adapt the hot cocoa Instant Pot recipe for the stovetop), ingredient tips, and step-by-step photos and tips for how to make hot chocolate in the Instant Pot. My Instant Pot cocoa is already a go-to for my family, and I know it will be for you, too.

More warm beverage ideas like this hot chocolate Instant Pot recipe:

• Sugar-Free Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Keto-Friendly Drink Recipe for the Holidays)
• Keto-Friendly S’mores Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Sugar-Free Hot Pumpkin Cider
• Hot Buttered Rum

What you need to make Instant Pot hot cocoa

Here are the tools and ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe for hot chocolate in the Instant Pot:

• Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and spoon
• 5 cups whole milk, divided. While whole milk is the best choice for this Instant Pot Hot Chocolate recipe, almost any milk will work, however, the texture, richness, and possibly even the flavor may change. For example, skim milk or almond milk will make it less rich and have a lighter consistency, and coconut milk will have a hint of coconut flavor and be thicker.
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Milk chocolate would work as well, but this Instant Pot hot cocoa really is best with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini marshmallows

Variation tips for this hot chocolate in the Instant Pot

Stovetop Variation

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this on the stove! Simply use a large pot on low heat, then follow the recipe steps.

Increasing Quantity

Serving a crowd? You can easily double the hot chocolate Instant Pot recipe with no issues!

Adding Flavors

Want to add some additional flavor to this Instant Pot hot cocoa? It’s delicious with flavored syrups added (like Torani’s S’Mores or Salted Caramel syrups), you can substitute peppermint extract for half of the vanilla extract, or whisk in some pumpkin spice seasoning.

How to make Instant Pot cocoa

To make Instant Pot cocoa, start by turning your Instant Pot on Sauté mode, then add 1 cup of the milk, the cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and salt.

Stir until well combined and the chocolate has completely melted.

Next, add the rest of the milk and the vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture has slightly thickened (about 10 minutes). Don’t leave the pot unattended, as the Sauté mode gets really hot, and you’ll need to keep whisking while it’s thickening. After thickened, turn off the Sauté function, or switch to Keep Warm if not serving all of your Instant Pot Hot Chocolate immediately.

Pour into cups or mugs to serve. Add marshmallows on top and enjoy!

Leftover Instant Pot hot cocoa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days (mason jars work great for storing this drink). Reheat in the microwave until thoroughly warm.

Here’s the Instant Pot Hot Chocolate recipe! If you enjoy it, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe to let others know.