1-First Step: Prepare Your Milk. Pour 4 cups of plain milk (dairy or plant-based) into a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and allow it to warm gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Continue heating until the milk almost reaches a simmer. You’ll know it’s ready when tiny bubbles begin forming around the edges of the pan, but the milk is not yet actively boiling. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.

2-Second Step: Add the Key Ingredients. Once your milk is properly heated, add 1/2 cup of hazelnut cocoa spread and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the saucepan. This is where the magic happens! The cocoa spread will melt into the warm milk, creating that signature creamy chocolate flavor that makes nutella hot chocolate so irresistible.

3-Third Step: Whisk Until Smooth. Using a wire whisk, stir the mixture constantly until the cocoa spread is completely dissolved and fully combined with the milk. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth texture without any lumps. Continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes, making sure to scrape the bottom and corners of the saucepan to prevent any cocoa spread from sticking.

4-Fourth Step: Remove From Heat at the Right Time. As soon as the ingredients are combined and the mixture is hot, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat source. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can cause the milk to scorch or develop an undesirable skin on top. The residual heat will continue to warm the drink even after removing it from the stove.

5-Final Step: Serve and Garnish. Pour the hot chocolate into two cozy mugs, dividing it evenly. Now comes the fun part adding your favorite toppings! Garnish with marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon according to your preference. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting bliss of homemade nutella hot chocolate.