A delicious and nourishing hot cocoa made with bone broth, packed with collagen and healing ingredients, and naturally sweetened with raw honey. The perfect comforting treat for a cozy afternoon, or for soothing a cold or flu.
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Let’s be honest, hot cocoa made with bone broth might not sound very appealing at first. But give this recipe a try, and you’ll be surprised at how delicious it is!
With warming cinnamon and bright orange peel, this nourishing hot cocoa is the perfect cozy treat for the colder months. Thanks to the collagen-rich bone broth (and optional added collagen), it supports gut, skin, and joint health, while soothing cold and flu symptoms, all in one comforting cup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious, nourishing, and deeply comforting, this bone broth hot cocoa is the perfect cozy drink for the colder season. It makes a nutrient-rich breakfast, a soothing afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting remedy when you’re under the weather.
It’s also kid-friendly: you’ll love the health benefits, and they’ll love the taste!
This recipe strikes a wonderful balance between flavor and nourishment. The bone broth provides a mineral-rich, collagen-packed base, while the cocoa, spices, and honey transform it into a decadent treat with natural antioxidant and antibacterial benefits and a good source of minerals and vitamins.
If you want to read more about the benefits of eating collagen and gelatin read this post! Find out all about bone broth, its benefits, and a simple Instant Pot recipe here.
And the best part? This hot cocoa is ready in just 10 minutes and is a simple way to get more bone broth in, even if you don’t enjoy sipping it plain.
What’s The Best Bone Broth For Hot Cocoa?
The secret to bone broth hot cocoa that tastes like chocolate comfort (and not soup!) lies in choosing the right broth.
For the best results:
- Chicken feet bone broth is my top choice. Mild in flavor, packed with collagen, and perfectly neutral for sweet recipes. Find an easy and extra gelatinous recipe here.
- Traditional chicken (or turkey) bone broth is slightly more savory but still works beautifully.
- Pork bone broth has a natural sweetness that can pair surprisingly well with cocoa.
- Beef bone broth rich and bold, wonderful for soups, but not ideal for hot cocoa.
Find my simple Instant Pot bone broth recipe here!
Tip: When making broth for hot cocoa, keep it plain. Use just bones (or chicken feet), filtered water, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Skip the veggies, herbs, and spices: you want a clean, neutral base.
Ingredients For This Healthy Bone Broth Hot Cocoa
Bone broth. Homemade or store-bought, chicken bone broth is better than beef to keep the flavor mild. If you have chicken feet bone broth, that’s the best choice for a super collagen-rich, neutral base. Traditional chicken bone broth also works great. If you don’t have homemade bone broth, Kettle and Fire chicken bone broth is a good option.
Milk. Whole raw milk is my preferred choice, but any milk works. Use a non-dairy option if you’re dairy-free.
Cocoa powder. Gives this cocoa its delicious chocolate flavor. Choose good quality: organic, fair-trade, and without additives.
Honey. Naturally sweetens the hot cocoa. Prefer raw (unpasteurized) honey and add it in once the hot cocoa is off the stove.
Collagen powder (optional). I like adding a scoop for extra protein and gut-healing collagen.
Grated orange peel (optional). Perfect if you love the chocolate-orange combo, and adds vitamin C. You can swap for grated ginger for a warming, spicy version.
Cinnamon (optional). Adds a cozy flavor boost with extra health benefits.
Salt. Just a pinch enhances all flavors. I love Redmond Real salt for the best flavor and nutrients.
Black pepper (optional). A tiny pinch adds warmth and depth.
Tools You May Need
Saucepan and whisk.
Milk frothier or immersion blender (optional).
How To Make This Healthy Bone Broth Hot Cocoa
Step 1: Whisk together all ingredients except honey in a small saucepan.
Step 2: Warm gently over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot (but not boiling).
Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in honey. Froth with a milk frother or blend with an immersion blender for extra creaminess (optional).
Step 4: Serve hot in your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a little orange zest if you’d like.
Notes
Use chicken feet bone broth or traditional chicken bone broth for the best flavor.
Use whole raw milk, or any other milk you want, including non-dairy options.
Flavor twists: Try vanilla extract for a classic hot chocolate flavor. Add grated ginger for a warming, immune-supportive version. Add peppermint extract for a festive Christmas cocoa.
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Printable Recipe Card
Healthy Bone Broth Hot Cocoa Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Frother or immersion blender optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 scoop collagen peptides optional
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp grated orange peel
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 small pinch black pepper optional
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients except honey in a small saucepan.
- Warm gently over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot (but not boiling).
- Remove from heat and stir in honey. Froth with a milk frother or blend with an immersion blender for extra creaminess (optional).
- Serve hot in your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a little orange zest if you’d like.
