Food & Drink

The Best Hot Cocoa Recipes to Make This Winter

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN
best hot cocoa recipes"
best hot cocoa recipes
Source: No. 2 Pencil, Oh Sweet Basil & Half Baked Harvest
Source: No. 2 Pencil, Oh Sweet Basil & Half Baked Harvest

Winter certainly comes with lots of hustle-and-bustle during the holidays, but the rest of the season can also give us some much-needed time to clear our schedules and unwind after a busy year. While we’re often on-the-go during the warmer months, when the temperatures drop, we’re given a much-needed excuse to stay inside and relax a little bit. And these slower-paced moments go hand-in-hand with all-things cozy: like a delicious cup of warm hot cocoa.

Nothing makes us want to relax quite like an indulgent cup of the season’s tastiest drink. And while we’ve got nothing against a classic packet of Swiss Miss hot chocolate, there are other easy and fun ways to make our hot cocoa experiences even more enjoyable with easy-to-make yet decadent recipes. If you’re looking to step-up your hot cocoa game, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the best hot cocoa recipes to try this year.

Hot Cocoa Drink Recipes

1. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate + Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your hot chocolate! This red velvet hot chocolate recipe is as unique as it is delicious. 

winter drinks
Source: The Toasted Pine Nut

2. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Just when you thought hot chocolate couldn’t get any better, they added peanut butter to make it the beverage of our dreams. 

hot chocolate recipes
Source: Homemade in the Kitchen

3. Mexican Hot Chocolate

What makes Mexican hot chocolate so special, you ask? The unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of chili powder—that’s what! 

winter drinks
Source: Isabel Eats

4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This recipe is made with peppermint extract, making it the ultimate holiday beverage.

winter drinks
Source: No. 2 Pencil

5. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

The salty sweetness of salted caramel can’t be beat—especially in hot cocoa. This recipe utilizes a slow cooker, so not only will you have delicious hot chocolate at the end of the night, but the house will be smelling heavenly.

hot cocoa recipes
Source: With Salt & Wit

6. Gingerbread Vegan Hot Chocolate

It wouldn’t be holiday time without the distinct flavor of gingerbread in our homes. This recipe is great not only because of the ginger flavoring, but because it’s vegan too.

gingerbread vegan hot chocolate
Source: Gingerbread Vegan Hot Chocolate

7. French Hot Chocolate

Say “oh là là!” to this ultra-indulgent slow sipper. Filled with heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and plenty of chocolate, this drink is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

French hot chocolate
Source: Grandbaby Cakes

8. White Hot Chocolate

If you find yourself craving white chocolate more than milk chocolate, this decadent recipe is for you!

white hot chocolate
Source: Celebrating Sweets

9. Dreamy Homemade Hot Chocolate

The saying “don’t fix what isn’t broken” was made for moments like this. This classic hot chocolate recipe is perfect for when you want to indulge in the original.

hot chocolate
Source: Oh Sweet Basil

10. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Nothing meshes with peppermint quite as well as white chocolate. The two meet in perfect, delicious harmony in this recipe.

peppermint white hot chocolate
Source: A Classic Twist

11. Healthy Hot Chocolate

On a list of the best hot cocoa recipes we had to include a healthier option. And while hot cocoa is meant to be an indulgent drink, that doesn’t mean it can’t be on the healthier side. This recipe utilizes almond milk and maple syrup as alternatives to popular ingredients.

healthy hot cocoa recipes
Source: Well Plated

12. Almond Milk Hot Chocolate

Many of us can appreciate the rich creaminess of almond milk. This recipe incorporates all the best aspects of the dairy alternative in one delicious drink.

almond milk hot chocolate
Source: The Toasted Pine Nut

13. Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate

We know Santa can’t get enough of this—and neither will your family! All the sweet goodness of a sugar cookie meets delicious hot chocolate, what could be better?

hot cocoa recipes
Source: Half Baked Harvest

Hot Cocoa Bombs

14. Hot Chocolate Bombs

Kids will love these hot chocolate bombs! They’ll have so much fun watching them melt in warm milk before sipping on the sweet chocolate flavor.

hot cocoa bombs
Source: Sugar Spun Run

15. S’mores Hot Chocolate Bombs

All the fun of hot cocoa bombs plus s’mores flavor? Sign us up!

hot cocoa bombs
Source: Bless This Mess

16. Candy Cane Cocoa Bombs

These colorful cocoa bombs are as adorable as they are delicious. With the flavor of your favorite holiday candy, you’ll want to make these again and again.

hot cocoa recipes
Source: Girl Vs Dough
brett nicole hayden
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor

As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!