You know that moment when you’re curled up on the couch craving something warm and chocolaty, but don’t want the sugar crash afterward? That’s exactly why I created this bone broth hot chocolate – it’s my guilt-free solution for cozy nights in. As a nutrition coach who’s obsessed with making comfort foods healthier, I was skeptical at first about adding savory broth to sweet cocoa. But trust me, when you whisk them together just right, the result is magical – rich, slightly earthy, and packed with protein. My kids don’t even notice the bone broth (shhh!), they just beg for seconds of this nourishing twist on classic hot cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
This isn’t just another hot chocolate recipe—it’s a hug in a mug with benefits! Here’s why I’m obsessed with this cozy creation (and why you will be too):
- Protein-packed comfort: The bone broth gives you 6g of protein per serving, so it actually keeps you full instead of that sugary crash 20 minutes later.
- 5-minute magic: From saucepan to sofa in less time than it takes to scroll through Netflix options.
- Secret health boost: All those collagen and minerals from the broth sneak in while you’re enjoying chocolatey goodness.
- Totally yours to tweak: Love it spicy? Add cayenne. Prefer minty? Drop in a peppermint tea bag. Dairy-free? Coconut milk works beautifully.
My favorite part? It makes “healthy” taste like dessert—no willpower required.
Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for the coziest, most nourishing mug of hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted (measurements matter here!):
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (shaken well before measuring)
- 1/2 cup bone broth – chicken or beef, preferably homemade (that gelatinous kind from the fridge is gold!)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder – leveled, not heaped (I use Dutch-process for extra richness)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup – optional but oh-so-worth it
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract – the real stuff, not imitation
- Pinch of sea salt – trust me, it makes the chocolate sing
- Pinch of cinnamon – just a whisper to round out the flavors
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Baking is science, but cooking is art—here’s where you can play:
- Swap almond milk for full-fat coconut milk if you want it extra creamy (the canned kind, not the carton)
- For a protein boost, stir in 1 scoop collagen peptides after heating
- Avoid boxed or canned broth if possible—homemade or high-quality store-bought makes all the difference in flavor
- Out of vanilla? A tiny splash of almond extract adds lovely depth
Warning: That powdered “instant broth” stuff? It’ll make your hot chocolate taste like salty disappointment.
How to Make Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! This isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tricks to get that perfect velvety texture. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Heat gently: Combine the almond milk and bone broth in a small saucepan over medium heat—no rushing with high heat here! You want it warm, not boiling.
- Whisk like you mean it: When tiny bubbles form at the edges, add the cocoa powder and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. This prevents those annoying clumps that sink to the bottom.
- Sweeten the deal: Stir in your honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Taste as you go—I often add an extra pinch of salt if it needs more depth.
- Simmer to perfection: Let it bubble gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the spoon leaves a slight coating on the back.
- Pour with love: Transfer to your favorite mug immediately—the froth is the best part!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
After making this weekly for years, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Never boil—high heat destroys the broth’s precious nutrients and makes the texture weird.
- Adjust sweetness after heating—cold honey doesn’t blend well, and flavors change with temperature.
- Use a small whisk or fork—those big balloon whisks are overkill for a single serving.
Serving Suggestions for Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
This cozy drink deserves a little flair! Here’s how I love to serve mine:
- Top with a cinnamon stick for stirring—it adds subtle spice with every sip
- Dust with extra cocoa powder for that café-style look (bonus: it smells amazing)
- Pair with keto shortbread cookies or almond flour biscotti for dunking
My kids go wild when I add mini marshmallows—just don’t tell them it’s packed with bone broth goodness!
Storing and Reheating Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
Got leftovers? No problem! Pour any extra into a mason jar and pop it in the fridge—it’ll keep for 2 days max. When reheating, be patient! Warm it gently on the stovetop and stir often. Microwaving might seem faster, but it causes that gorgeous emulsion to separate into a grainy mess (trust me, I learned this the hard way). If it does separate, a quick whisk usually brings it back together.
Bone Broth Hot Chocolate FAQs
Is bone broth hot chocolate actually good?
Absolutely! The broth adds a subtle savory depth that makes the chocolate taste richer, not “brothy.” My husband—who wrinkles his nose at anything “healthy”—gulps this down and asks for more. The key is using high-quality broth and whisking thoroughly so everything blends seamlessly.
Can I use any bone broth in hot chocolate?
Stick to chicken or beef bone broth for the mildest flavor. Fish or game broths would be… adventurous (read: probably terrible). Homemade is ideal, but if using store-bought, choose low-sodium versions so you control the saltiness. That cheap, watery stuff? It’ll make your hot chocolate taste like regret.
What shouldn’t I add to bone broth hot chocolate?
Skip acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar—they’ll curdle the milk. Also avoid strong spices (think garlic powder or cumin) unless you want your cocoa tasting like taco seasoning. And whatever you do, don’t use gelatin powder instead of broth—it creates a weird, gloopy texture that’s just wrong.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in your mug! This bone broth hot chocolate packs about 6g protein per serving—not bad for something that tastes like dessert! Exact numbers shift based on your ingredients (like using coconut milk adds more fat), but one thing’s certain: it’s way more nourishing than that powdered hot cocoa mix from your childhood.
Final Thoughts
Give this bone broth hot chocolate a whirl—I bet it’ll become your new winter staple! Snap a pic and tag me when you make it; I love seeing your cozy creations.
PrintHeavenly 5-Minute Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe
A nourishing twist on classic hot chocolate, combining rich cocoa with bone broth for added protein and minerals.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup bone broth (chicken or beef)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat almond milk and bone broth in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into a mug and serve warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality bone broth for best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg