A luscious and easy-to-make chocolate syrup perfect for desserts and beverages.
Combine the cocoa powder and milk in a saucepan, whisking until smooth.
Use a whisk to break up any lumps in the cocoa powder for a smoother mixture.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until warmed through.
Avoid boiling at this stage to prevent scorching the milk.
Add the sugar and salt, stirring until fully dissolved.
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Keep an eye on the mixture to prevent it from boiling over.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Adding vanilla after removing from heat preserves its flavor.
Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Allowing the syrup to cool ensures it thickens to the right consistency.