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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    5-Minute Starbucks White Hot Chocolate (Copycat)

    5 from 2 votes

    Published Dec 7, 2023 (updated Apr 21, 2025) by Chandice Probst · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate in a clear cup with marshmallows pin image

    Indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of a Starbucks white hot chocolate copycat from home with this simple recipe. In a matter of minutes, you can recreate this iconic drink right in your kitchen.

    Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or if you're craving a soothing festive drink. The combination of white chocolate, vanilla, and nutmeg is something the whole family will love.

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate in a clear cup with marshmallows and white chocolate chips

    As the cooler weather sets in, there's nothing like a warm drink to satisfy your sweet tooth. Our white hot chocolate recipe is a delicious drink that wraps you in coziness.

    Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 5 minutes, this copycat recipe will become a winter favorite. And if you love white chocolate, our Christmas crack chex mix, Easter Bark, or our Christmas tree snack cakes are a winners that are covered in the good stuff!

    Pair this creamy white hot chocolate with easy Christmas popcorn, Christmas cookie bars, or our Christmas reindeer chex mix during your next movie marathon for the ultimate festive experience. If you're watching the Grinch, I recommend serving green Christmas drinks as well!

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Ready in just 5 minutes, it's a quick and easy recipe the whole family will love.
    • From movie nights and our Bethlehem dinner to Christmas parties, this easy drink is perfect for any festive occasion.
    • You can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
    • This dessert like drink hits the spot on a cold day.
    • With many different ways to customize, you can make a version for everyone.
    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate in a clear cup with marshmallows and white chocolate chips

    What you'll need for this Starbucks copycat recipe

    • White chocolate chips - These provide a rich, creamy base. Use high quality chocolate chips for a smoother taste and texture.
    • Milk - Any milk will work. Whole milk will give you extra creaminess while skim will lighten the drink. The choice is yours.
    • Vanilla
    • Nutmeg - Adds a subtle, natural flavor that complements the white chocolate. Feel free to omit.
    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate ingredients

    Can I use regular chocolate chips?

    While milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips will work, you'll just end up making regular hot chocolate. If you want to make a traditional hot chocolate beverage, try this festive hot cocoa bar recipe. 

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate step by step instructions

    How to make Starbucks white hot chocolate

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate step by step instructions

    Step 1: Heat

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk, vanilla, and nutmeg until hot, but not boiling.

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    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate step by step instructions

    Step 2: Chocolate

    Remove from heat and stir the chocolate chips into the hot milk until melted.

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate step by step instructions

    Step 3: Serve

    Once fully melted, serve warm with whipped cream and extra nutmeg.

    Pro tip: For an extra touch, use a frother to create a foamy layer on top of your hot chocolate.

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate being poured into in a clear cup

    Can I make a dairy free hot chocolate?

    Yes, you can make a dairy free hot chocolate by using a plant based milk and vegan chocolate chips. Almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk, etc. will all work in place of regular milk. Do note, that the texture and taste might vary slightly depending on the type of milk you choose.

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate in a clear cup with marshmallows and white chocolate chips

    Variations

    • Mocha - If you're a coffee drinker or need a little extra boost, feel free to brew a shot of espresso and stir it in for a white chocolate mocha.
    • Peppermint - There's nothing better than a peppermint hot chocolate during the holiday season. Stir in candy canes or add a few drops of peppermint extract for some Christmas cheer.
    • Cinnamon - Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the milk as it warms up for a subtle warmth that takes this hot chocolate from good to great.
    • Syrups and sauces - Experiment with raspberry simple syrup, vanilla syrup, white mocha syrup, white chocolate syrup or even peppermint syrup to add extra flavor.

    What's the best way to store hot chocolate?

    Store this  delicious white hot chocolate in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge. It will stay good for 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in intervals in the microwave until desired temperature is reached.

    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate in a clear cup with marshmallows and white chocolate chips

    More recipes you'll love

    • Cranberry mocktail
    • White chocolate Christmas crack
    • Christmas charcuterie board
    • Fall charcuterie board
    • Pancake spaghetti
    • Creamy velvet fudge.
    • Christmas tree sugar cookies
    Starbucks White Hot Chocolate in a clear cup with marshmallows

    5-Minute Starbucks White Hot Chocolate (Copycat)

    Author: Chandice
    Indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of a Starbucks white hot chocolate from home with this simple recipe. In a matter of minutes, you can recreate this iconic drink right in your kitchen.
    Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or if you're craving a soothing festive drink. The combination of white chocolate, vanilla, and nutmeg is something the whole family will love.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 392 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup white chocolate chips
    • 4 cups milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/16 teaspoon nutmeg

    Instructions
     

    • Heat milk, nutmeg and vanilla over medium-low heat until scalding but not boiling
    • Once that hot, remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate
    • Continue stirring until fully melted

    Notes

    Variations

    • Mocha - If you're a coffee drinker or need a little extra boost, feel free to brew a shot of espresso and stir it in for a white chocolate mocha.
    • Peppermint - There's nothing better than a peppermint hot chocolate during the holiday season. Stir in candy canes or add a few drops of peppermint extract for some Christmas cheer.
    • Cinnamon - Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the milk as it warms up for a subtle warmth that takes this hot chocolate from good to great.
    • Syrups and sauces - Experiment with raspberry simple syrup, vanilla syrup, white mocha syrup, white chocolate syrup or even peppermint syrup to add extra flavor.

    What's the best way to store hot chocolate?

    Store this  delicious white hot chocolate in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge. It will stay good for 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in intervals in the microwave until desired temperature is reached.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 11gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 133mgPotassium: 496mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 409IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 390mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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