Matcha Hot Chocolate
Matcha hot chocolate is a sweet creamy treat with a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. A better, cheaper, homemade version of a popular Starbucks drink. It’s where a matcha latte meets hot chocolate!
Matcha hot chocolate is not only creamy and delicious but it also has the added benefits of antioxidants and energy-giving, metabolism-boosting properties. Matcha powder supports brain function and promotes heart health. It’s a win-win-win!
Beautifully hued matcha powder itself isn’t sweet but when blended into hot chocolate, it becomes a very enjoyable and drinkable treat. You’ll love the combination of healthy matcha with luscious white chocolate.
About this recipe
Traditionally used in Japan, matcha has become quite popular in the United States, thanks to its health benefits and versatility. Matcha has found its way into many drinks and desserts, including ice cream, cookies, and cakes.
Matcha powder is made from green tea leaves that are processed differently than for tea. The green tea leaves used for matcha get covered earlier on in the harvest which means they don’t get as much sunlight. This results in a higher amount of chlorophyll, giving matcha that beautiful green color. The dried tea leaves are ground into a fine powder that can be blended with hot water to make an energizing and delightful tea.
Thankfully, matcha powder isn’t limited to tea. Good-for-you matcha can be added to hot chocolate to make a creamy, dreamy drink customized to your liking. If you think you’ll miss your morning jolt of caffeine, you’ll be glad to know that matcha has more caffeine than regular green tea (but less than coffee).
What you need
- White Chocolate – The base of this hot chocolate is white chocolate. It gets melted with milk to create a sweet beverage. If you like white chocolate, make sure to check out our white chocolate pancakes.
- Milk – Any milk you have on hand will work, dairy or otherwise.
- Matcha Powder – Matcha can be found at your local bulk food or health food store. Most grocery stores carry it as well.
- Granulated Sugar – You can swap coconut sugar or honey for the granulated sugar, if you prefer. If you don’t have a huge sweet tooth, you may find that the white chocolate adds enough sugar.
- Vanilla Extract – Always adds a nice warming note and delicious flavor.
- Whipped Cream – An optional garnish.
How to make it
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the milk and white chocolate. Heat until chocolate melts but do not boil the milk.
Once the white chocolate is melted, add matcha powder, sugar, and vanilla.
Whisk to combine and continue to simmer over low heat until hot.
Serve immediately and garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
FAQs
Does it ever! Matcha has a bitter, grassy, spinachy, earthy note to it (that’s the scientific explanation). When paired with sweet chocolate, it balances it out like a dream. That is why matcha is used in so many chocolate desserts, such as ice cream, cookies, cakes, and candy.
Matcha powder is definitely made to be mixed with hot water. Having a cup of matcha tea in the morning, perhaps with a bit of honey and some almond milk, is an incredible way to start your day.
Although there are many incredible benefits to drinking matcha, too many to name here, there are also some side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts or too often. Of course, everyone is different, and everyone will experience “health and wellness” differently, but moderation is always key. You can read more on Healthline, and you should always talk to your physician about any health questions.
How to make this white hot chocolate your own
- Add a scoop of collagen powder to increase the benefits for your skin and teeth.
- Substitute almond, oat, coconut, or cashew milk for a dairy-free version.
- For a fun addition, top with toasted marshmallows.
- If you like it a little less sweet, omit the additional sweetener altogether. White chocolate is pretty sweet already.
- Use white chocolate chips if that’s what you have.
- Heavy cream in place of the milk will make your hot chocolate even creamier.
- White chocolate not your thing? Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, raw cacao, or unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Double the recipe for a group!
Other breakfast sips
Get the Recipe: Matcha Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped white chocolate
- 2 cups milk
- 2-3 teaspoons matcha powder
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, add the milk and white chocolate. Heat until chocolate melts but do not boil milk.
- Once the white chocolate is melted, add matcha powder, sugar, and vanilla.
- Whisk to combine, and continue to heat over low heat until hot.
- Serve hot and garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition information does not include whipped cream.