Name: Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Drink Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk; 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped; ½ cup (140 g) hazelnut spread (such as Nutella); 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness); Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur (optional, like Frangelico); Whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts, for serving

Indulge in the rich, velvety embrace of this authentic Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Drink, inspired by the classic cioccolata calda with a luxurious hazelnut twist.

This thick, spoonable hot chocolate blends deep cocoa notes with toasted hazelnut warmth, creating a comforting, dessert-like beverage perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As an experienced chef, I can tell you this Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Drink is pure magic in a cup. It transforms ordinary hot chocolate into an indulgent, almost pudding-like experience that’s far thicker and more satisfying than the watery versions you’re used to.

The combination of real chocolate, creamy hazelnut spread, and a hint of liqueur (optional) delivers layers of nutty, chocolatey flavor that feel both elegant and comforting. It’s quick to prepare yet feels incredibly special—like a warm hug from an Italian café on a chilly day.

Perfect for impressing guests, treating yourself after a long day, or creating memorable moments with family. One sip and you’ll understand why Italians cherish their thick hot chocolates; this hazelnut version takes it to the next level with its silky texture and irresistible aroma.

Yield: 2 generous servings

Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Drink Recipe

Rich, thick Italian hot chocolate infused with toasted hazelnut flavor—creamy, indulgent, and utterly comforting.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
½ cup (140 g) hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur (optional, like Frangelico)
Whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts, for serving

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace—this luxurious drink comes together quickly once you start, so having everything ready makes the process joyful and stress-free.
Finely chop the dark chocolate into small pieces so it melts smoothly and evenly into the warm milk, creating that silky Italian texture we all adore.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ¼ cup of the cold milk until completely smooth and lump-free—this slurry is your magic thickener for the signature pudding-like consistency.
Pour the remaining milk into a medium saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Add the butter (if using), cocoa powder, sugar, hazelnut spread, and salt, stirring gently as the milk warms.
Continue stirring until the hazelnut spread fully melts and the mixture becomes fragrant and smooth, filling your kitchen with that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut aroma that feels like stepping into a cozy Italian café.
Once small bubbles appear around the edges (but before it boils), slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly in one direction to avoid lumps and achieve perfect creaminess.
Add the chopped dark chocolate and keep whisking patiently as it melts completely, transforming the drink into a rich, glossy, spoonable delight.
Lower the heat and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring all the while, until the mixture thickens beautifully to your desired consistency—think velvety hot pudding you can almost eat with a spoon.
Remove from heat and, if desired, stir in the hazelnut liqueur for that extra layer of sophisticated, nutty warmth that elevates this drink to something truly special.
Pour into warmed mugs, top generously with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts, then serve immediately while it's steaming hot and invite everyone to savor this Italian indulgence together.

Notes

Serve with a small spoon alongside the mug so guests can enjoy it as both a drink and a light dessert. Adjust thickness by cooking longer or adding more milk. For children or non-alcoholic version, simply omit the liqueur and add a drop of vanilla extract instead.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 1124Total Fat 78gSaturated Fat 21gUnsaturated Fat 57gCholesterol 44mgSodium 119mgCarbohydrates 85gFiber 14gSugar 55gProtein 25g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the silkiest results, always chop your chocolate finely so it melts evenly without lumps. Stir constantly in the same direction to prevent scorching or separation. If the drink thickens too much, add a splash of warm milk to adjust.

Use a whisk for best results, and never let it reach a full rolling boil once the thickener is added. Taste and adjust sweetness early, as flavors intensify as it cooks. For an extra professional touch, warm your serving cups beforehand so the drink stays hot longer.

Ingredients Notes

High-quality ingredients make all the difference in this recipe. Use whole milk for maximum creaminess—its fat content helps create that signature thick, luxurious mouthfeel of authentic Italian cioccolata calda. Dark chocolate (around 70% cacao) provides intense, bittersweet depth that balances the sweetness, while milk chocolate or a hazelnut spread like Nutella adds smooth, familiar chocolate-hazelnut harmony.

Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without extra sugar. Cornstarch is the secret to the pudding-like thickness; it activates as the mixture heats, transforming the drink into something spoonable yet sippable.

A touch of butter (optional) enriches the texture, and a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the hazelnut notes pop. If using hazelnut liqueur, it adds sophisticated depth and aroma—Frangelico is ideal, but you can skip it for a family-friendly version.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a dairy-free version, swap whole milk with oat milk or hazelnut milk for even more nutty flavor, and use dairy-free chocolate and spread. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the hazelnut spread and add more dark chocolate or a pinch of espresso powder for bold intensity.

Make it adult-only by stirring in a shot of hazelnut liqueur or amaretto at the end. For a vegan twist, use plant-based milk, vegan chocolate, and cornstarch as usual. Add a hint of cinnamon or orange zest for warm spice notes, or blend in a spoonful of ground toasted hazelnuts for extra crunch and authenticity.

If you can’t find hazelnut spread, homemade gianduja or finely ground toasted hazelnuts with a bit of oil work beautifully as a substitute.

Storage Options

This Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Drink is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the stove. If you have leftovers, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking in a splash of milk to loosen the thickened texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause separation. It does not freeze well due to the dairy and starch content, which may affect the silky consistency upon thawing.