"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.
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.
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!
4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This recipe is made with peppermint extract, making it the ultimate holiday beverage.
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.
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.
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.
8. White Hot Chocolate
If you find yourself craving white chocolate more than milk chocolate, this decadent recipe is for you!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
15. S’mores Hot Chocolate Bombs
All the fun of hot cocoa bombs plus s’mores flavor? Sign us up!
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.
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!