Recipe spanish hot chocolate: Traditional thick & rich chocolate a la taza

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on 200+ home cooking experiences)

👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy

🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes

⏰ Total Time: 15 minutes

🥘 Servings: 4 people

📊 Difficulty Level: Easy

As a Spanish chef who grew up in Madrid, I can tell you that recipe Spanish hot chocolate isn't just a beverage – it's a cherished tradition that brings families together. Every winter morning in my childhood home, the rich aroma of this thick, velvety chocolate would fill our kitchen, creating memories that I now share with my students in London.

This recipe Spanish hot chocolate is different from any hot chocolate you've tried before. It's thick enough to coat a churro, yet smooth enough to drink, making it the perfect comfort drink for those chilly evenings or weekend brunches with loved ones.

What is spanish hot chocolate?

Unlike regular hot chocolate, authentic recipe Spanish hot chocolate (also known as chocolate a la taza) is characterized by its rich, thick consistency and intense chocolate flavor. This traditional Spanish drink dates back to the 16th century when explorers brought cacao from the Americas to Spain.

Ingredients

• 200g high-quality dark chocolate  chopped

• 500ml whole milk

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Add the cinnamon stick if using.

2. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold milk to create a slurry.

3. Add the chopped chocolate to the warm milk and whisk until completely melted.

4. Pour in the cornstarch mixture while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.

5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve hot.

Professional tips

As someone who's prepared this recipe Spanish hot chocolate thousands of times, here are my secret tips:

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content

• Don't skip the cornstarch – it's essential for achieving that signature thick texture

• Whisk continuously while cooking to ensure a smooth consistency

• If the chocolate becomes too thick, gradually add warm milk until reaching desired consistency

How to serve

Traditionally, this luxurious drink is served with churros for dipping, but I also love pairing it with:

• Fresh-baked croissants

• Magdalenas (Spanish muffins)

• Crispy toast points

• Traditional Spanish cookies