15 Best Hot Chocolate Recipes to Warm Your Soul This Winter
Grab the marshmallows and your cutest mug!
Grab your softest blanket and stoke the fireplace—the winter weather is here! If you're craving extra ways to stay cozy this season, these creamy, dreamy hot chocolate recipes are ready to warm you right up. After all, There's nothing better than a rich, sweet mug of cocoa on a chilly day. Ree Drummond agrees! "I love hot chocolate and really can't be trusted around it," she admits. If you feel the same, you'll find tons of creative twists on the classic cocoa mix. On this list, there's everything from cinnamon roll hot chocolate to indulgent options like a Baileys-spiked version and spiced Mexican hot chocolate for those who want their cozy drink with a little kick. You can even find a decadent drink inspired by Paige's fancy hot chocolate from their vacation to Vail—it has a decorative lacy round of chocolate set over the mug!
Whether you prefer the taste of hot cocoa versus hot chocolate, these homemade drinks are perfect for any snowy day of the season. If you're a chocolate lover of any kind, you might want to check out Ree's white hot chocolate made with white chocolate chips. The sweet after-dinner drink is perfect for sipping on to round out a day of cozy winter activities—and it can even double as dessert! No matter which you choose to warm your soul, these hot chocolate recipes are the best winter drinks to keep you cozy throughout the whole chilly season.
Fancy Hot Chocolate
Made with rich chocolate and creamy milk, this recipe adds an indulgent touch that makes every sip feel special. The finishing touch is a delicate sheet of chocolate set over the mug. Once the hot cocoa is poured in, it melts away, seamlessly becoming part of the drink.
Get Ree's Fancy Hot Chocolate recipe.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Deep, rich chocolate is layered with warm cinnamon and a subtle hint of spice from a pinch of cayenne or ancho chili powder, creating a drink that feels cozy but a little unexpected. Give it a little jolt with espresso, or add a splash of spiced rum for a warm, grown-up version. Serve alongside fresh churros for the ultimate dunking experience.
Get the Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe.
Hot Chocolate Bombs
These fun, chocolate shells literally burst with rich cocoa and melty goodness when you pour hot milk over them. Talk about a whimsical sipping experience! Make things even more fun with garnishes like a jumbo marshmallow, colorful sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or even white chocolate drizzle.
Get the Hot Chocolate Bombs recipe.
White Hot Chocolate
For a drink that reminds you of a winter wonderland, this white hot chocolate definitely delivers, especially when topped with mini marshmallows. Vanilla extract helps to add even more richness.
Get Ree's White Hot Chocolate recipe.
Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate
Skip the stovetop and let your slow cooker do the work! The delicious ingredients including both cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate bars meld together without much effort.
Get the Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate recipe.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
This homemade mix isn't just pretty to look at... it tastes delicious, too! And all you have to do is add water, heat, and serve. It works great for gift giving, too.
Get Ree's Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix recipe.
Delicious Hot Chocolate
Ree's basic hot chocolate recipe is the base for so many fun variations, like citrusy orange hot chocolate, raspberry hot chocolate, mint hot chocolate, and more. You can't go wrong with any of them.
Get Ree's Delicious Hot Chocolate recipe.
Jalapeno Hot Chocolate
Add an extra kick to your hot chocolate... literally! The rich, creamy drink gets subtle spice from jalapeño, creating a sip that's both comforting and a little adventurous. The flavor is balanced out with vanilla bean and a cinnamon stick, too.
Get the Jalapeno Hot Chocolate recipe.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
You only need 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to whip up this classic mix. Keep it stored in the pantry for those unexpected snow days!
Get the Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix recipe.
Whipped Hot Chocolate
Flip hot chocolate on its head! This take features a mug of warm vanilla milk layered with fluffy chocolate cream on top. The result tastes like a creamy, warm milkshake.
Cinnamon Roll Hot Chocolate
It's a tough call on which is more comforting: a cinnamon roll or hot chocolate. So we say combine them! Make white hot chocolate and add a dash of cinnamon and brown sugar.
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Not only is the Irish cream liquor used to spike this hot chocolate recipe, but it's also added to the homemade whipped cream for even more flavor.
French Hot Chocolate
Unlike traditional American hot chocolate which often uses cocoa powder, this French variety (also called Le Chocolat Chaud) is made with a mixture of heavy cream, milk, and real chopped chocolate.
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
There is so much holiday flavor packed into this mug of hot chocolate. It's made with good quality chocolate, molasses, sweetened condensed milk, and warm spices, like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Get the Gingerbread Hot Chocolate recipe at Butter Be Ready.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
While this recipe won't warm you up, it will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth! The frozen drink is a super fun and super scrumptious twist on a winter classic.
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