Easy Homemade Chocolate Milk
Only four simple ingredients stand between you and a glass of rich, homemade chocolate milk – milk, cocoa powder, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. No refined sugar needed!
Quick Look: Homemade Chocolate Milk
🕒 Total time: 5 minutes
🧰 Equipment needed: Microwave-safe mug or glass jar and spoon (or small whisk).
💡 Top tip: After mixing the maple syrup and cocoa powder, microwave for about 10 seconds and stir thoroughly before adding in the milk — this helps avoid any undissolved cocoa chunks.
Store bought chocolate milk can have over ten ingredients and up to 40 grams of sugar. This homemade version keeps things simple with just four wholesome ingredients and about half the sugar. You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. As we head into summertime, this makes the perfect cool, refreshing treat to sip and enjoy!
For the best flavor and creaminess, I recommend using whole milk. The extra fat gives it that rich, classic taste, but feel free to use any milk you have on hand. It’ll be delicious either way.
The best part? You can easily adjust the sweetness or chocolate flavor to your liking. Add a little extra cocoa for a deeper chocolate taste or a touch more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy that chocolate craving in minutes.
Why I love this recipe
I still don’t know how my kids discovered that milk can magically turn into chocolate flavor (chocolate is their absolute favorite!), but once they knew, chocolate milk is frequently requested. So, I set out on a mission to make a simple, healthier version at home. I think this was my fifth attempt—most of the early ones turned out chalky, and the chocolate mixture just wouldn’t blend into the milk. But finally, this version came out perfect! The chocolate milk barely made it out of the kitchen before being devoured.
-Lexi with Our Slice of Home
To read more about Lexi and the heart behind this food blog, visit the about page!
Ingredients in easy homemade chocolate milk
- Milk – I recommend whole milk with the extra fat content
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pure maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
How to make homemade chocolate milk
Step one: In a mug or glass jar (microwave safe), combine maple syrup and cocoa powder in the bottom of the glass. Microwave for 10 seconds. Then stir thoroughly with a spoon or small whisk until combined and smooth. You want the cocoa powder to be smooth and dissolved or else your chocolate milk will be full of small chunks of cocoa powder.
Step two: Add the 2 cups of milk and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon to combine or if in a mason jar, place a lid on and shake.
FAQ
There are two types of unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-process and natural cocoa powder. You can use either type in this recipe.
If you still have chunks of undissolved cocoa powder, you can use a small strainer like this to remove some. I would also try microwaving for 15 seconds and stirring more at the beginning so you have a nice smooth consistency before adding the milk.
Equipment Needed
- Glass jar or mug (microwave safe)
- Spoon for mixing
- Strainer (optional to remove chunks of cocoa powder if needed)
Storing
Store in the fridge and give a good mix before drinking again as the cocoa powder mixture will likely settle in the bottom of the glass.
More homemade drinks
Looking for a hot version? Give this Quick Stovetop Peppermint Hot Chocolate a try! Or some other favorite drink recipes include this Simple Stovetop Wassail Recipe or this Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte .
If you made this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you left a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a quick comment sharing how it turned out. And if you haven’t already, follow along here:
– Lexi with Our Slice of Home
Easy Homemade Chocolate Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mug or glass jar (microwave safe), combine maple syrup and cocoa powder in the bottom of the glass.
- Microwave for 10 seconds. Then stir thoroughly with a spoon or small whisk until combined and smooth. You want the cocoa powder to be smooth and dissolved or else your chocolate milk will be full of small chunks of cocoa powder.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, then stir until well combined. If you’re using a mason jar, simply secure the lid and give it a good shake instead.
- Enjoy!
Great recipe, but this subheading has a typo.
“There is still chunks of cocoa powder” should be “There are still chunks of cocoa powder.”
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe! I was also able to fix the typo. Thanks!
Chocolate milk is the best milk!