It's only October and hot chocolate season is already upon us here in Northern Wisconsin. Cold winter nights are meant for a warm and comforting hot chocolate drink, don't you think?
A longtime lifetime WW, I know that the best way for sustaining my weight loss while indulging my sweet tooth requires finding a low calorie hot cocoa recipe that's low in Weight Watchers Points. Fortunately there are lots of easy ways to lighten up hot chocolate so chocolate lovers don't feel deprived which is what the Weight Watchers plan is all about.
This hot chocolate is a perfect example. Tasting rich and decadent, it's a new recipe I found it in the Eat What You Love (affiliate link) Cookbook by Marlene Koch. She calls it an Italian style hot chocolate because it's thicker than what we typically drink here in the US. Adding a little cornstarch is the secret.
While the recipe is written for the microwave (affiliate link) you could easily adapt it for the stovetop by heating gently in a small saucepan. You'll want to follow the directions carefully to ensure that the mixture doesn't bubble over on you!
Hot Chocolate Photo by Mason Summers on Unsplash
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Rich & Creamy WW Hot Chocolate Recipe?
According to my calculations, each serving of this rich and creamy hot chocolate has 110 calories.
To see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here!
How to Make this Low Calorie Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Assemble your ingredients:
- 1 rounded tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon Truvia (affiliate link) sweetener (or 2 tablespoons Splenda granulated sweetener)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Hot Cocoa Ingredients
Step 2: Combine the cocoa powder, sweetener and cornstarch in a microwave-safe mug. (You'll want a 12-ounce or larger mug because the drink bubbles up as it heats and thickens in the microwave.
Stirring together ingredients for low calorie hot chocolate
Step 3: Add ¼ cup of the milk to the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk until smooth. (I used my beloved aerolatte milk frother for this.) Continue to stir while you pour in the rest of the milk.
Whisking hot chocolate
Step 4: Place the mug in the microwave and heat on high for 1-½ to 2 minutes, or until you see the hot chocolate bubble up to the rim of the cup. Immediately turn off the microwave and stir the hot chocolate well. Return to the microwave and continue to heat until it is warmed to your liking. Stir in the vanilla and enjoy.
Rich, dark and delicious WW hot chocolate
Recipe Notes, Substitutions & Variations
- While the recipe calls for low fat milk, feel free to substitute whatever milk you prefer. Skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk beverage, whole milk, etc.
- Use whatever sweetener of choice you prefer. I used Truvia (affiliate link) since it's what I had on hand. My brother's a fan of Lankanto Monk Fruit sweetener. Some folks swear by Splenda and Swerve.
- Enjoy your hot chocolate plain or doll it up with a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip topping. A few mini marshmallows are also a nice addition.
- You can also add flavorings to your hot chocolate. Favorites include ½ teaspoon instant coffee, 3-4 drops of mint extract, coconut extract or almond extract.
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Weight Watchers Low Calorie Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 rounded tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons Splenda granulated sweetener (I used 1 tablespoon Truvia Baking Blend (affiliate link))
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Add ¼ cup of the milk to the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk until smooth. Continue to stir while you pour in the rest of the milk.
- Place the mug in the microwave (affiliate link) and heat on high for 1-½ to 2 minutes, or until you see the hot chocolate bubble up to the rim of the cup. Immediately turn off the microwave (affiliate link) and stir the hot chocolate well. Return to the microwave (affiliate link) and continue to heat until it is warmed to your liking. Stir in the vanilla and enjoy.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- While the recipe calls for low fat milk, feel free to substitute whatever milk you prefer. Skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk beverage, whole milk, etc.
- Use whatever sweetener of choice you prefer. I used Truvia (affiliate link) since it's what I had on hand. My brother's a fan of Lankanto Monk Fruit sweetener. Some folks swear by Splenda and Swerve.
- Enjoy your hot chocolate plain or doll it up with a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip topping. A few mini marshmallows are also a nice addition.
- You can also add flavorings to your hot chocolate. Favorites include ½ teaspoon instant coffee, 3-4 drops of mint extract, coconut extract or almond extract. Spices like cinnamon and cayenne are nice too.
Recipe source: Eat What You Love (affiliate link) by Marlene Koch
Photo by Anuja Mary Tilj on Unsplash
WW Hot Chocolate FAQs
How Many points is a cup of hot chocolate on WW?
The points in a cup of hot chocolate can vary widely depending on the recipe and ingredients used. When I checked the WW App I saw points values ranging from 2 to 29. If weight loss is a concern you'll want to check your APP before indulging.
How many points is a Swiss Miss hot chocolate?
According to the WW APP Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate has points ranging from 3 to 5 depending on the specific kind you choose.
What can I add to hot chocolate to make it better?
- You can also add flavorings to your hot chocolate. Favorites include ½ teaspoon instant coffee, 3-4 drops of mint extract, coconut extract or almond extract. Spices like cinnamon and cayenne are nice too.
- Certain liquors are yummy additions to hot chocolate. Favorites include Bailey's Irish Cream, Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, Caramel Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur, Orange Liqueur, Brandy, Rum, Whisky and Bourbon.
- Don't forget toppings like mini marshmallow, whipped cream, shaved dark chocolate, crushed candy canes, toffee bits, to make your chocolate treat extra special.
Does cocoa powder have points on Weight Watchers?
Unsweetened cocoa powder does have WW Points. A 2 tablespoon serving will have 1-2 points depending on the brand you choose
*Points® calculated by WW. *PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® calculated by Simple Nourished Living; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc. All recipe ingredients except optional items included in determining nutritional estimates. SmartPoints® values calculated WITHOUT each plan's ZeroPoint Foods (Green plan, Blue plan, Purple plan) using the WW Recipe Builder.
More Winning Low Calorie Hot Chocolate Recipes and A Chocolate Treat
- Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Mix
- Caramel CrockPot Hot Chocolate
- Skinny Spiced Crock Pot Mocha
- WW Creamy Chocolate Yogurt
Martha is the founder and main content writer for Simple-Nourished-Living.
A longtime lifetime WW at goal, she is committed to balancing her love of food and desire to stay slim while savoring life and helping others do the same.
She is the author of the Smart Start 28-Day Weight Loss Challenge.
A huge fan of the slow cooker and confessed cookbook addict, when she's not experimenting in the kitchen, you're likely to find Martha on her yoga mat.
This post contains affiliate links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links or other (affiliate links), I receive a small commission that helps support this site. Thank you for your purchase!
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Paula Zalewski
Hi Martha I agree that the older programs were better. Weight Watchers has changed their approach from quantity to quality & for me that does not work.
I been tracking with Atkins tracker with much more success.
I would love to see a copy of the original 1960s diet . In the summer before my senior year I went to weight watchers with my aunt and we got a mimographed copy of the diet. I love to see that again.
Paula Zalewski
Martha McKinnon
Hi Paula, You can find the old original program and cookbook written by Jeanne Nidetch on Amazon. ~Martha
Carrie
Was looking for a weight watcher friendly hot chocolate and found your recipe. I made with almond milk and caramel extract and it just hits the spot. Anything to avoid finding and eating a cookie. Thanks for curbing my warm chocolate craving!
Jacqueline
This is so yummy! I made it with vanilla and will also be sure to try with a little cinnamon, peppermint extract, and almond extract at other times.