How long do you put milk in the microwave for hot chocolate

Craving a warm rich cup of hot chocolate but don’t feel like breaking out the pots and pans to do so? If you want to microwave your decadent cup of cocoa, you may want to know how long to microwave milk for hot chocolate. We’ve got you covered!

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In this post, you’ll learn all about how long to microwave a cup of traditional milk for hot chocolate as well as how to microwave plant-based milk for your mug. In addition, we’ve included a stellar 90-second microwaved hot chocolate recipe that we’re sure is going to knock your socks off.

Let’s get into the details. 

How long do you put milk in the microwave for hot chocolate

Table of Contents

  • How Long to Microwave 1 Cup Milk For Hot Chocolate
  • How Long to Microwave Cold Milk for Hot Chocolate?
  • How Do You Heat Milk For Hot Chocolate When It’s Plant-Based?
    • How Long to Microwave Oat Milk For Hot Chocolate
    • How Long to Microwave Coconut Milk For Hot Chocolate?
    • How Long to Microwave Almond Milk For Hot Chocolate?
  • How Do You Make Hot Chocolate in the Microwave?
    • 90-Second Microwaved Hot Chocolate Recipe
      • Instructions
  • How Long to Microwave Milk For Hot Chocolate? Enjoy in 90 Seconds or Less! 
  • FAQs

You should microwave a cup of milk for hot chocolate at 15-second intervals on medium-high power for a 700-watt oven. 

In layman’s terms, you’ll basically want to warm your milk a few intervals at a time to ensure that your milk doesn’t scorch, explode, or create an unappetizing film on top. How long this will actually take will depend on the microwave-safe bowl or cup you use, as well as your microwave. 

Remember to only microwave only the milk at first and stir in your goodies last. That way, if your milk does explode in the microwave, your beloved chocolate, and other treats aren’t splattering along with it.

Note: Remember to heat your milk only in microwave-safe cups, bowls, or containers. Be especially careful when placing paper towels in your microwave on top of your cup or bowl. Believe it or not, this practice may cause your microwave to catch fire!

How long do you put milk in the microwave for hot chocolate

How Long to Microwave Cold Milk for Hot Chocolate?

Need to know how long do you put milk in the microwave for hot milk? If your milk is ice cold, it may take anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds to get it completely warm.

If you’re heating the milk at intervals, you can test the milk for warmth every time you stir it. You can use your finger to do so, but of course, this isn’t recommended if you are fixing someone else’s hot chocolate. Using your finger may also burn your skin if the milk is too hot.

Rather than take the risk, you could always use a food thermometer to test for temperature. Temperatures at 130 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit tend to be preferred for warm drinks, but the actual temperature at which you take your hot chocolate is completely up to you. 

No judgment here! 

If your milk is already at room temperature, you should be able to get away with warming the milk for a shorter period of time, maybe only 30 seconds or less. But again, this will depend on your microwave and how cold the milk is. 

If you are choosing to warm room temperature milk, be sure it hasn’t sat out for more than two hours before nuking it. After two hours, milk tends to breed bacteria and can cause you to become sick. 

How Do You Heat Milk For Hot Chocolate When It’s Plant-Based?

Using plant-based milk for your hot chocolate? Sweet!

You can totally heat these up in the microwave, too. Just be aware that the consistency can sometimes change because of the chemical makeup of the milk.

Want more details? Read on to find out more about heating dairy-free milk for hot chocolate. 

How Long to Microwave Oat Milk For Hot Chocolate

You can microwave oat milk for hot chocolate, but make sure you do so gently. By warming it too fast or at too high of a temperature, the milk may become grossly thick.

To counter this, make sure to heat the milk at 10 to 15-second intervals and stir every time to ensure it heats evenly through. As an added precaution, consider lowering your microwave’s power to medium. This will lessen the chances of you acquiring goopy oat milk for your hot chocolate. 

How long do you put milk in the microwave for hot chocolate

How Long to Microwave Coconut Milk For Hot Chocolate?

Eyeballing coconut milk for hot chocolate? Just do it! 

Seriously, coconut milk makes an excellent milk base for hot chocolate because of the rich and flavorful body of the drink.

To warm this delicious milk, do the same as you would with other milk types and test and stir at every 15-second interval. You may also consider lowering the power to medium as you would for oat milk–just to be safe!  

How long do you put milk in the microwave for hot chocolate

How Long to Microwave Almond Milk For Hot Chocolate?

Microwave your almond milk, which is yet another great plant-based milk alternative for hot chocolate, at 15-seconds per interval until warm. Like other milk, it may take 60 seconds or longer to fully achieve the desired temperature. 

How long do you put milk in the microwave for hot chocolate

How Do You Make Hot Chocolate in the Microwave?

Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for! Just how exactly do you make hot chocolate in the microwave? We’ve got the ingredients and techniques you need to make hot chocolate in 90-seconds flat.

Ready? Here we go!

90-Second Microwaved Hot Chocolate Recipe

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup 
  • 1 dash salt
  • 1 dash cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup milk (any kind will do–try coconut milk for a surprisingly awesome coconutty twist!)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (or more) of marshmallow

Instructions

  1. To start, take your cocoa powder and combine it with the maple syrup in a mug. Stir until fully incorporated.
  2. Add your salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir briefly.
  3. Next, pour cold milk into a separate microwave-safe bowl or cup. Microwave at 15-second intervals or until hot. For one cup, this generally takes about 90 seconds or less. 
  4. Once your milk is hot, carefully pour the milk into the mug that contains your chocolate mixture. With a spoon, gently stir until all ingredients are combined. Top with marshmallows, savor and enjoy. 

How Long to Microwave Milk For Hot Chocolate? Enjoy in 90 Seconds or Less!

As you can see, microwaving milk for hot chocolate is a no-brainer when you want something warm and delicious that takes minimal time and effort. Use the milk of your choice, but be careful to microwave the milk in intervals to avoid scorching or altering the milk. Use a food thermometer to test the temperature of the milk to ensure it isn’t too hot or too cold. Add your favorite flavorings to the warm milk and enjoy. 

It really is that simple! 

FAQs

Can you microwave milk?

You can absolutely microwave milk. Just be careful not to do it too fast, as the milk could splatter, explode, or even become scorched on the bottom. 

Is heating up milk in the microwave bad?

No heating up milk in the microwave isn’t bad–usually. When it comes to breast milk or baby formula, however, the practice of microwaving milk should be avoided. Not only can the chemical makeup of the baby drink be affected, but you also risk creating hot pockets that can scorch your baby’s mouth. 

How long to microwave milk for hot chocolate bombs?

A hot chocolate bomb is a chocolate circle usually filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. When using a hot chocolate bomb, warm the milk the same way you would for hot chocolate but for longer. If you are warming one cup of milk, two minutes usually does the trick. Just be sure to stir at 15-second intervals to keep the heat evenly dispersed. 

How long should I microwave milk for?

How long does it take to warm milk in the microwave? A cup or 250ml of whole milk should be microwave for around 45-60 seconds. Use medium heat and intervals of 15 seconds followed by frequent stirring to achieve the best results.

What is the best way to heat milk for hot chocolate?

Slow, even heating ensures the milk won't scald, so whisk often and don't rush the process. Foaming also increases in overall volume so keep this in mind as you go. You can microwave your milk as well, but then you'll have slightly less control over the temperature and the process of heating evenly.

How do I warm milk in the microwave?

How To Heat Milk In Microwave.
Pour the milk into a microwave safe container. ... .
Set the microwave to medium-high and program it for 15 seconds..
Carefully remove the container and stir the milk gently..
Microwave on medium high for another 15 seconds before removing and stirring..

How long do you boil milk for hot chocolate?

Add the milk: Add the milk and set the saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer: Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until hot and smooth, about 5 minutes.