In a small saucepan, add your milk, cream, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Stir them together gently as you bring the heat to medium. Whisk frequently to ensure the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, preventing any lumps. It should take just a few minutes for the mixture to start warming up, and that’s when the lovely aroma begins to fill your kitchen.
Once it’s warm, add in the chocolate chips along with the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the chocolate chips melt completely, and you see a smooth, creamy texture.
After ensuring everything is well combined, remove the saucepan from the heat. It’s important not to let it boil, as that can alter the texture of your hot chocolate.
Pour the hot chocolate into your mugs and take a moment to appreciate the aroma before diving in. If you want to make it even more special, consider adding whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top.