3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (2024)

by Stephanie | Dec 22, 2019 | In the Kitchen, Simple Living | 0 comments

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (1)

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If you are anything like me, the winter season basically means “hot drink season”, and for my kids, that means hot chocolate.

We all love hot chocolate in my family and up until recently, that meant stocking up on packaged powdered hot chocolate. If I am feeling really fancy, I might pick up a more expensive brand than Swiss Miss but that was always our go to.

Since I have really been trying to replace store bought products with from scratch versions, I thought that hot chocolate would be an awesome one to try this winter.

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In my hunt for the best hot chocolate recipe, I came across so many!

What I found is that the recipe that you use really depends on how many people you are serving and how much time you have!

I found three awesome hot chocolate recipes that I am sharing with you here. Regardless of the event or how many people you are serving, I have a recipe for you.

I am sharing a powdered mix to keep on hand, a stovetop version, for a few cups on a special evening, and a slow cooker version to prepare for a larger amount of people just perfect for your holiday party!

Whether you are serving for a large group at a party, or want to make a quick cup for your kids, there is a recipe here!

Enjoy!

1. Powdered Pantry Version

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The first recipe that I am sharing is a great recipe to substitute your powdered packaged mix. With little kids, I do not want to make a large batch of stovetop hot chocolate to only hand out ½ cups of lukewarm chocolate milk.

This recipe is great to mix up at the beginning of the season and have on hand.

I originally found this from scratch recipe over at Little House Living but I feel like it is still a little bitter so you can add gradulated sugar or powdered sugar to each cup to up the sweetness if needed.

  • 1 cup unsweetened Cocoa Powder

  • 2/3 cup sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

I doubled the recipe and put it in a Mason Jar for the season. Add 1-2 Tbls to a cup of warm milk and whisk until blended.

While I am not a fan of powdered sugar hot chocolate, sometime it is hard to wisk in without leaving chucks, and it is never really creamy, this recipe definitely serves the purpose of a quick hot chocolate for the kids.

It does help to sift the mix before putting it into the milk, this breaks up the powder and removes large chucks.

Print

Powdered Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

  • 1cupUnsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 2/3cupSugar
  • 1/2tspSalt

Instructions

  1. Mix together ingredients and place in mason jar.

  2. Can stay on self for several months.

  3. Add 1 T to 1 cup of warm milk and wisk.

  4. To prevent clumps, sift the mixture while adding to milk.

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (4)

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2) Stove top Version

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Now if I want to enjoy some hot chocolate, I go for the stove top version.

This recipe is super easy and so good. If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can leave it out but it does give a really great creaminess to the drink.

This is not my original recipe, I found it and have been using it for awhile. I am not sure where I found it but I did make a few adjustments along the way.

  • 2 cups milk

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • Powdered sugar

Bring milk and heavy cream to heat, just under a boil.

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and add to the heated milk

Wisk until blended

Add vanilla

Add powdered sugar if it needs to be sweetened.

Pour into mugs and enjoy!

Print

Stove Top Hot Cocoa

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2cupsMilk
  • 1/4 cupHeavy Cream
  • 1cupSemi-sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1tspVanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Bring milk and heavy cream to heat, just under a boil. Do not let it boil.

  2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and add to the heated milk.

  3. Wisk until blended.

  4. Add vanilla extract.

  5. Add powdered sugar if it needs to be sweetened.

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (6)

Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

With this FREE eBook, you can easily get started with over 10 quick but effective recipes that use ingredients you already have in your house!

3) Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (7)

This slow cooker recipe, perfect for a party or large number of people and has been a real hit the time I have made it.

  • 1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1/4 c. cocoa powder

  • 1/2 c. sugar

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  • 1 c. heavy cream

  • 6 c. whole milk

Put all ingredients in a slow cooker and put on high for the first hour. Stir it occasionally and lower the heat if it is getting too hot.

I kind of had to monitor it a little because low did not allow it to get warm enough but putting in on high was too much after awhile.

Once chocolate is melted and it is warm, serve. Initially, it was just a tad too bitter for my taste so add some powdered sugar until the sweetness is too your liking, not too much though!

Add whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint schnapps

Can store for a few days in the fridge.

Print

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Cook Time 2 hours

Ingredients

  • 6CupsWhole milk
  • 1CupHeavy Cream
  • 1/2CupSugar
  • 1 1/2CupSemi-sweet Chocolate chips
  • 1/4CupCocoa Powder
  • 1tspVanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a Slow Cooker and put on high for the first hour.

  2. Stir it occasionally and lower the heat if it is getting too hot.

  3. I had to monitor it a little because low did not allow it to get warm enough but putting in on high was too much after awhile.

  4. Once chocolate is melted and it is warm, about two hours. Serve in mugs.

  5. Initially, it was just a tad too bitter for my taste so add some powdered sugar until the sweetness is too your liking, not too much though!

  6. Add whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint schnapps, or peppermint sticks.

  7. Can store for a few days in the fridge.

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (8)

Your 1st Step to a Simple Living Lifestyle!

A great place to start with Simple Living is to start making your own cleaning and personal products!

With this FREE eBook, you can easily get started with over 10 quick but effective recipes that use ingredients you already have in your house!

3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (9)

Stephanie

Welcome to Wingin’ it on the Homestead! My name is Stephanie Leaf. I am a wife to a can-fix-anything husband, mother of two boys under 3, future expert gardener, lover of anything old and dusty, and inspiring homesteader. My family and I are new to this journey and loving every minute of it. Please join me in embracing a simpler life!

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion.

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3 Hot Chocolate Recipes for Every Occasion (2024)

FAQs

What are some good things to put in hot chocolate? ›

The 15 Best Things To Add To Hot Chocolate
  • Add an extract. A quick and easy way to add flavor to your hot chocolate is by adding a splash of your favorite extract. ...
  • Sprinkle in warm spices. ...
  • Mix in Nutella. ...
  • Swirl in caramel. ...
  • Spike it. ...
  • Infuse it with orange. ...
  • Swap regular sugar for maple syrup. ...
  • Add a shot (of coffee)
Dec 4, 2023

What can you put in hot chocolate instead of marshmallows? ›

Sweet add-ins include marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, flavored spreads, and maple syrup. To transform cocoa into a co*cktail, add flavored liqueurs or traditional spirits. Other unique ways to liven up hot chocolate include adding coffee, spices, and extracts.

What Flavours go well with hot chocolate? ›

Nutmeg: A light dusting of nutmeg can add a warm and inviting flavour, perfect for a cosy night in. Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic. Dunk a chocolate chip cookie into your hot chocolate for a match made in heaven. Baileys Irish Cream: For an adults-only version, add a shot of Bailey's.

How to jazz up hot chocolate? ›

An easy way to add extra flavor to any cup of cocoa—be it out of the box or homemade—is to add a touch of your favorite spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg or even cayenne can all be welcome warming additions.

How do you serve hot chocolate at a party? ›

Place the hot cocoa on one side of the table next to a selection of mugs. Turn the slow cooker (if using) to "keep warm" and set a ladle nearby. If using an urn, set a dish under the spout to collect any drips. Adjacent to the hot cocoa, arrange the toppings in bottles or bowls with spoons and tongs for serving.

What are the most popular hot chocolate toppings? ›

Extra-small chunks Almond Butter Crunch were the most popular toppings of choice. Chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, and candy cane pieces, also make great options! To create the ultimate hot chocolate bar, we think, the more topping the better!

What alcohol goes good in hot chocolate? ›

Rum: Dark or spiced rum can give your hot chocolate an exciting Caribbean twist. Rum's natural sweetness and spicy undertones complement the rich cocoa beautifully, creating a blend that is smooth, warming and deeply comforting. Brandy: A shot of brandy can lend an enticing depth of flavour to your hot chocolate.

How do you upgrade hot chocolate? ›

6 Ways to Upgrade Your Hot Chocolate
  1. Start with the Milk. ...
  2. Choose Quality Chocolate. ...
  3. Use Sweeteners to Enhance Flavor. ...
  4. Create Creaminess with a Little Fat. ...
  5. Add a Little Superfood Finesse. ...
  6. Finish Drinks in the Blender.
Jan 30, 2020

What is the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate? ›

Marshmallows: The Unsung Hero

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient in gourmet hot chocolate is none other than marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet confections are the unsung heroes of the hot chocolate world, adding a delightful creaminess and hint of sweetness that takes the drink to a whole new level.

Can I drink hot chocolate at night? ›

Drinking hot chocolate milk at night can potentially help improve sleep quality, thanks to the soothing psychological effects of consuming a warm drink and the tryptophan content in cocoa. Plus, milk contains calcium and vitamin D, nutrients important for overall health, including the regulation of sleep.

What candy goes with hot cocoa? ›

Chocolate candy, such as Hershey Kisses, Ghirardelli, M and Ms, or chocolate chips. Marshmallows of various sizes or festive marshmallows. Candy Canes. Chocolate Hazelnut Rolled Wafers.

Can you add creamer to hot chocolate? ›

You can use any flavored creamer you have to whip up a creamy, flavored hot chocolate. My favorites have been using vanilla or hazelnut creamer. Or you can even get creative and mix creamer flavors to make unique flavor combos…a very good idea.

What should be included in a hot chocolate bar? ›

Here are some of our favorites:
  1. Marshmallows of all different sizes.
  2. Chocolate chips.
  3. Peppermint bark, finely chopped.
  4. Whipped cream.
  5. Caramel sauce.
  6. Chocolate syrup.
  7. Toffee bar, finely chopped.
  8. Peppermint sticks.
Dec 3, 2020

What do you put in a hot chocolate gift? ›

Simply place the mug, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and cookies in a decorative bag, add a ribbon and a tag and you have a great DIY hot chocolate gift.

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