Gluten-Free | Refined Sugar-Free | Sugar-Free | Keto-Friendly | Low-Carb | Dairy-Free Option
If you love the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Ferrero Rocher, this Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate takes that combination to another level, turning those classic flavors into the ultimate cozy drink. It’s luxuriously silky, thick and creamy, with deep dark chocolate and roasted hazelnut flavor in every sip, yet it’s sugar-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and high-protein with collagen. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
If you prefer not to use xanthan gum, arrowroot or cornstarch can be used instead, although these options will add some carbohydrates and will not be as keto-friendly.
And don’t worry if you don’t have hazelnut butter. Hazelnut extract works beautifully too, while the chocolate-dipped rim coated in chopped roasted hazelnuts adds a little crunch with every sip, giving you that irresistible combination of creamy chocolate and roasted hazelnut.
This is my healthy hot chocolate for those moments when you want something that feels truly indulgent. Rich 90% dark chocolate, cocoa, warm cinnamon, star anise, and hazelnut come together in a sugar-free hot chocolate that tastes anything but “healthy.” Once you try this rich, café-style version at home, you may never look at your usual coffee-shop hot chocolate quite the same way again.
It’s perfect for chilly mornings, cozy afternoons, after-dinner chocolate cravings, movie nights, and holiday entertaining. And because it takes only a few simple steps, you can enjoy a luxuriousthick and creamy hot chocolatewhenever the craving hits, without leaving home.
Why You’ll Love This Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate
✔️Rich Chocolate-Hazelnut Flavor:Deep dark chocolate and cocoa pair with hazelnut butter or hazelnut extract for that irresistible Ferrero Rocher-inspired flavor.
✔️Chocolate-Hazelnut Rim:The glass is dipped in melted dark chocolate and coated with chopped roasted hazelnuts, adding a delicious nutty crunch with every sip.
✔️Thick & Creamy:Real dark chocolate and a touch of xanthan gum create an incredibly smooth, velvety texture that feels just as indulgent as a coffee-shop hot chocolate.
✔️Sugar-Free & Low-Carb:Made without refined sugar and sweetened with your preferred sugar-free sweetener, making it a delicioussugar-free hot chocolatethat can also fit a keto or low-carb diet.
✔️Gluten-Free, Grain-Free & Wholesome: Made with simple ingredients like almond milk, dark chocolate, cocoa, roasted hazelnuts and warming spices.
✔️Warm & Cozy:Cinnamon and star anise add subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
✔️Optional Protein Boost:Add collagen peptides for extra protein without changing the rich chocolate flavor.
✔️Easy to Customize:Use hazelnut butter for a richer, nuttier flavor or hazelnut extract as an easy alternative. You can also choose your preferred milk and toppings.
✔️No Special Equipment: No blender or fancy hot chocolate maker needed, just a saucepan and whisk.
✔️Coffee-Shop Style at Home:Finished with whipped cream, chocolate, and roasted hazelnuts, thisthick and creamy hot chocolatelooks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
How to Adapt This Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate to Your Diet
Keto & Low-Carb: This recipe is already keto-friendly and low-carb as written.
Gluten-Free & Grain-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and grain-free.
Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe is already refined sugar-free. You can also use brown monk fruit, coconut sugar or another refined sugar-free sweetener of choice.
Sugar-Free: This recipe is already sugar-free when made with brown stevia and sugar-free dark chocolate. Check that your chocolate is specifically labeled sugar-free.
Paleo: Use Paleo-friendly dark chocolate and replace the whipped dairy cream with whipped coconut cream.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free dark chocolate and whipped coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
Vegetarian: Omit the collagen peptides or replace them with an unflavored vegetarian protein powder.
Higher Protein:The collagen peptides already add extra protein. For more, you can add an unflavored protein powder of choice.
Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Chocolate Hazelnut Rim
- 2 tbsp roasted hazelnuts finely chopped (about 15 g)
- 2 tbsp sugar-free 90% dark chocolate finely chopped (10 g)
Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk 480 ml, or milk of choice
- 3 tbsp unsweetened Belgian cocoa powder about 15 g
- ¾ cup finely chopped sugar-free 90% dark chocolate 75 to 80 g
- 1 tbsp roasted hazelnut butter 15 g, or ⅓ tsp hazelnut extract
- 2 tbsp brown stevia or granulated sweetener of choice, to taste
- ⅓ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ⅕ tsp xanthan gum
- 2 scoops unflavored collagen peptides
For Serving
- 2 tbsp full-fat whipping cream whipped, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Hazelnut Glasses: Melt the 10 g dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring between each, or gently melt over a double boiler. Dip or carefully roll the rim of each glass in the melted chocolate, then immediately coat with the finely chopped roasted hazelnuts. Set the prepared glasses aside while you make the hot chocolate.
- Warm the Almond Milk: Pour the almond milk into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise and warm over medium-low heat until steaming, but do not bring it to a rapid boil.
- Add the Cocoa & Chocolate: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the xanthan gum with the brown stevia. This helps distribute the xanthan evenly and prevents it from forming lumps. Gradually whisk the sweetener mixture into the warm almond milk, followed by the cocoa powder, chopped dark chocolate, hazelnut butter and ground cinnamon. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Make It Thick & Creamy: Bring the hot chocolate to a very gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until smooth, glossy and luxuriously thick and creamy. The mixture will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Add the Collagen: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the collagen peptides until completely dissolved and smooth. Remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Whip the Cream: If using, whip the cream until soft and thick.
- Pour & Serve: Carefully pour the hot chocolate into the prepared chocolate-hazelnut glasses. Top with a spoonful of whipped cream and a few chopped roasted hazelnuts, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.
