Forget everything you thought you knew about hot chocolate. What if I told you that your favorite comforting beverage could also be a powerhouse of health benefits? Enter bone broth hot chocolate – a surprisingly delicious and incredibly nourishing concoction that’s about to become your new favorite warm drink.

Bone broth hot chocolate.

This unique recipe blends the rich, familiar taste of cocoa with the subtle goodness of bone broth, offering a delightful way to support your gut health, skin, and joints, all while satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to experience comfort and wellness in every sip!

Why You Will Love This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe

You might be thinking, “Bone broth in my hot chocolate? Really?” And my answer is a resounding YES! Here’s why this unexpected pairing will win you over.

  • Gut-Healing Goodness: Bone broth is renowned for its collagen and gelatin content, which can help soothe and repair the gut lining, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Immune System Support: Packed with amino acids like glycine and proline, bone broth can help bolster your immune system, making this a perfect drink for colder months or when you need a little extra support.
  • Skin, Hair & Joint Health: The collagen in bone broth is a vital protein for healthy skin elasticity, strong hair, and supple joints. Sip your way to a natural glow!
  • Hidden Nutrition: It’s an ingenious way to incorporate more nutrient-dense bone broth into your diet without even realizing it. The cocoa and honey cleverly mask any savory notes.
  • Naturally Sweet & Satisfying: With just the right amount of honey, this hot chocolate is sweet without being overly so, and the healthy fats from your milk of choice (and the broth itself) make it incredibly satisfying.
  • Quick & Easy: With minimal ingredients and a simple preparation process, you can whip up this nourishing drink in minutes.
  • Check out this Oat Milk Hot Chocolate for another comforting beverage!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this bone broth hot chocolate. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

First, choose unflavored bone broth. I typically use the beef broth from Trader Joe’s.

Next, select your milk of choice. Both regular and dairy free milk work well.

Cocoa powder adds the delicious chocolate flavor! I prefer dark cocoa powder, but feel free to use regular.

A little honey adds the natural sweetness. Replace with maple syrup if desired.

A pinch of cinnamon adds a delicious warmth.

If desired, top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Ingredients for bone broth hot chocolate.

Taste & Texture

This bone broth hot chocolate is all about comfort and sweetness. The rich cocoa, golden honey, and a pinch of cinnamon create a taste that’s totally familiar and comforting.

Our special ingredient, the plain bone broth, just makes it extra rich and satisfying, without any savory taste. The texture is simply dreamy—velvety smooth and wonderfully warm. It’s truly a cozy treat!

How to Make

Step 1

First, in a small saucepan over low medium heat, add the bone broth and milk.

Step 2

Once lightly simmering, add in the cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon.

Step 3

Stir together. Continue stirring until creamy.

Chocolate mixture in bowl.

Step 4

Finally, pour into a mug and enjoy your bone broth hot chocolate!

High protein cocoa.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

To make the perfect bone broth hot chocolate, keep these tips in mind.

  • Choose Your Broth Wisely: This is key!
  • Unflavored is Best: Look for bone broth that states “unflavored” or “plain.”
  • No Added Garlic or Onion: Avoid brands with added garlic, onion, or other strong savory aromatics, as these flavors will likely conflict with the sweet profile.
  • Check Ingredients: Always read the label to ensure there are no added sugars, artificial flavors, or excessive sodium. High-quality, long-simmered bone broth will yield the best results.
  • Gentle Heat is Your Friend: Simmer, don’t boil. Heating the bone broth and milk over low to medium heat ensures everything combines smoothly and prevents burning the milk.
  • Whisk for Creaminess: While the recipe calls for stirring, a small whisk can help ensure the cocoa powder and honey fully dissolve, creating an even creamier and lump-free texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The 2 tablespoons of honey provide a moderate sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add a little more honey to your liking.
  • Quality Cocoa Matters: Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Healthy hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

While delicious as is, this bone broth hot chocolate is also a fantastic canvas for creative additions:

  • Spiced Sensations:
    • Pinch of Cayenne: For a subtle spicy kick.
    • Cardamom or Nutmeg: A tiny pinch can add a unique aromatic depth.
  • Creamy Boosts:
    • Coconut Cream: For an extra rich, dairy-free option.
    • Ghee or Coconut Oil: A teaspoon can add healthy fats and enhance creaminess.
  • Sweet Enhancements:
    • Maple Syrup: A natural alternative to honey.
    • Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract complements the chocolate beautifully.
    • Collagen Peptides (Extra Boost): If you want to supercharge the collagen content, add an extra scoop of unflavored collagen peptides. They dissolve seamlessly.
  • Herbal Infusions: Consider adding a small amount of adaptogenic herbs like reishi or ashwagandha powder for an added wellness boost (start with a tiny amount and taste).

How to Serve & Store

Serving: This recipe makes one generous mug of bone broth hot chocolate. While marshmallows are an optional topping, they add a fun and classic hot chocolate touch. You can also top with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream (dairy or coconut), or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Storing: Bone broth hot chocolate is best enjoyed immediately. If you have any leftovers, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 24 hours.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my bone broth hot chocolate taste savory?

No, when made with unflavored bone broth and the specified sweet ingredients, it will taste like a rich and creamy hot chocolate with a very subtle savory touch that enhances the overall flavor.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of bone broth?

While you could technically make a hot chocolate with vegetable broth, you wouldn’t get the same gut-healing and collagen benefits that bone broth provides. The nutritional profile would be entirely different.

What kind of milk should I use?

Any milk of choice works! Dairy milk (whole milk for extra creaminess), almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk (from a carton, not canned full-fat coconut milk unless you want a very rich, tropical flavor) are all great options.

Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, bone broth hot chocolate can be a nutritious drink for children, especially if they enjoy the taste of regular hot chocolate. Always check with a pediatrician if you have any concerns.

Cocoa with bone broth.

Equipment Needed

Mugs: Pour your bone broth hot chocolate into this big mug.

Check out all of my kitchen favorites!

You May Also Enjoy

If you make this bone broth hot chocolate recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! 

Bone broth hot chocolate.
At a Glance:
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Get the Recipe: Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

Sip cozy comfort! This Bone Broth Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, and wonderfully sweet. You'll taste deep cocoa and warm cinnamon, with a velvety smooth feel. The secret bone broth simply adds richness, not a savory taste. It's a comforting hug in a mug!
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Ingredients

1 serving
  • ½ cup unflavored bone broth, chicken or beef
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • pinch cinnamon
  • marshmallows, optional topping

Instructions 

  • First, in a small saucepan over low medium heat, add the bone broth and the milk.
  • Once lightly simmering, add in the cocoa powder, honey, and the cinnamon.
  • Stir together. Continue stirring until creamy and warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Finally, pour into a mug and enjoy!

Notes

  • Choose a brand of bone broth without added sugar or artificial flavors.
  • Look for a neutral flavored bone broth. 
  • Feel free to use any type of milk. The creamier the milk, the creamier the hot chocolate.
  • This recipe makes one large mug of hot chocolate.
  • Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: American