It’s the time of year for hot drinks, and that means hot chocolate if you know what I mean. But, instant cocoa is so terribly boring! Sure, it’s quick and easy to rip open an envelope of the cheap stuff and add hot water. Sometimes even pouring in a shot of Bailey’s makes it a little bit more interesting.
But, wouldn’t you rather have a mug of hot chocolate that tasted like a decadent dessert? How does coconut tres leches or orange pisco sound? Or better yet, how about a fluffernutter with peanut butter and boozy marshmallow vodka!
These 40 hot chocolate recipes redefine what a good cup of cocoa is supposed to be. Oh, and there’s no such thing as “skinny” anything here! So go ahead and unbutton your jeans and make some room for one of these treats!
This cocoa-nutty delight borrows almost every single ingredient from its cool summer cousin, the pina colada. But, this version will leave your belly all warm and fuzzy with the addition of both hot chocolate and spiced rum. And yes, there actually is pineapple juice in this unusual after-dinner drink!
Get the full recipe on this blog here.
2) Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate
Are you tired of pouring Irish cream, peppermint schnapps, or whipped vodka into your nightly cuppa choco? Then go rogue with this black cherry bourbon blend!
Get the full recipe on this blog here.
3) Lemongrass-Lavender White Chocolate
Admittedly, the combination of lemongrass and white chocolate sounds pretty gross. But, if you’re willing to go on a culinary adventure, and you also happen to like Thai food, this unique specialty drink might actually surprise you.
Get the full recipe here.
4) Melted Hot Chocolate With Sea Salt Whipped Cream
Good lord have mercy, now this is what every hot chocolate lover’s dream is made of! It has sweet, savory, and salty all wrapped up into one, and did you see the part where it said ‘melted’? Are you feeling all gooey inside yet?
Get the recipe on this blog here.
5) Peppermint Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing wrong with digging into an oldie but goodie, especially when you’re in the mood for some instant Christmas spirit! This classic has everything you’d expect, but it also comes with a special surprise treat: crushed candy cane!
Get the full recipe here.
6) Orange Pisco Hot Chocolate
Want to serve your guests a dessert drink that’s reminiscent of those foiled-wrapped chocolate orange balls? Then check out this citrus-infused toddy! It’s spiked with Grand Marnier, which makes any drink a hundred times better.
Get the full recipe here.
7) Coconut Tres Leches Hot Chocolate
If winter always makes you feel like you’re living in the frozen tundra of far northern climes, then heat things up with this tropical tres leches brew. The combination of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and regular milk will warm you up from the inside out, times three.
Get the full recipe on this blog here.
8) 2-Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate
If you’re one of those people who hates following a recipe and you just want a quick fix with little fuss, then how does two ingredients sound? Spoiler alert: both ingredients are already listed in the title.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
9) Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
The peanut butter and chocolate combo that makes Reese’s candy taste so amazing is even better when put it in a cup with sweet cream and top it with marshmallows. You’ll never go back to using chalky powder after you sip on this upgraded chocolate chip version.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
10) Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
Run, run, run as fast as you can! You don’t want to miss out on drinking this cinnamon, allspice, and sea salt-infused cocoa with the gingerbread man!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
If you like your hot chocolate with a spicy kick, then check out this old school Aztec recipe. Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and bitter dark chocolate are what made this drink the “food of the gods” back in the old days, but the puffy marshmallows are what make it taste even in modern times.
12) Egg Nog Mexican Chocolate
Mixing together egg nog and hot chocolate may not be everyone’s cup of cocoa, but if you’re willing to give two of the holiday season’s favorite drinks a whirl, you might be pleasantly surprised at how well these two drinks blend together. But, who knows, maybe it’s actually biscotti biscuit that makes it taste so good!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
13) Dairy-Free Spiked Hot Chocolate
Boozy hot chocolate might be on Santa’s no-fly list, but for everyone else who just wants to get buzzed without putting on the pounds, this skinny version is just the ticket! Amaretto liquor pairs well with the unsweetened almond milk that makes this sip of paradise totally vegan friendly.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
14) Raspberry Hot White Chocolate
Even though this looks more like a frozen milkshake instead of the hot chocolate we’re used to, it’s definitely hot enough to melt the socks off the Wicked Witch of the West! It’s actually the raspberry puree in this fresh and fruity concoction that makes this look so deceiving.
Get the full recipe on this blog here.
15) Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
When you can no longer find pumpkin spice hot chocolate at your favorite cafe, just make it yourself at home. Since you’ll be saving money by cutting out the middle man, don’t skimp on the brand of white chocolate you use in your drink – go with Ghirardelli if you can find it!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
16) Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Starbucks smarbucks! Who needs an overpriced coffee shop with long lines, when you can cozy with this salted caramel treat while wearing your jammies.
Get the full recipe on this blog here.
17) White Fudge Oreo Hot Cocoa
If you love Oreo cookie milkshakes but don’t want to get brain freeze during the middle of winter, then check out this warm and toasty hot cocoa version. It’s made with smooth and creamy white fudge Oreo’s, and if you add some peppermint, it’ll give your drink a slightly cooling kick!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
If you’re one of those people who love their hot chocolate with a bunch of sweet toppings, then you won’t believe how many different ones are in this recipe! You’ll never go back to chicken noodle after you dig into this intensely fun marshmallow cream + candy + cocoa “soup.”
Get the full recipe here.
19) Fluffernutter Hot Chocolate
This dessert drink takes its inspiration from the classic peanut butter and marshmallow cream sandwich that you may remember from your childhood. But, the fluffed marshmallow vodka, whipped cream, and salty peanuts give this version a grown-up twist!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
20) Vanilla White Hot Chocolate
For some reason white chocolate doesn’t get nearly as much love as milk or dark chocolate varieties. But, in some ways its superior because it blends easily with so many different flavors – especially teh boozy kind! Pour in some vanilla vodka and top it off with whipped cream, cacao nibs, and a maraschino cherry to transform this drink into something extra special.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
21) Vegan Chai Hot Chocolate
Some of the tastiest hot chocolate recipes out there, including the ones on this list, have dairy. That’s a total bummer if you’re vegan, but you’ll be glad to know that no animals will be harmed if you satisfy your sweet tooth with this chai hot chocolate recipe.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
If you don’t know what tahini is, it’s a ground sesame seed paste that’s used to make both hummus and halva. It sounds nuts to put it in a dessert drink, but the thick, creamy texture it imparts may be what hot chocolate has been missing all this time!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
The same people that brought us French food, wine, and the language of love also invented one of the most mouth-watering drinks on the planet! Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients (whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, dark chocolate, and whipped cream) in this hot chocolate fool you. The French conquered the culinary world for a reason.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
24) KahlĂșa Hot Chocolate
Not a lot needs to be said when “KahlĂșa” and “chocolate” are used in the same sentence. Your mouth is probably already in a frenzy at the thought of indulging in this cinnamon-sprinkled, salted caramel-drizzled, marshmallow-topped, boozy hot chocolate drink!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
25) Chocolate Hot Buttered Rum
Raise your hand if you want some liquid brownie batter! Because that’s exactly what you’ll find in this hot toddy. It’s more buttered rum than chocolate, but don’t let semantics get in the way of you enjoying this toasty winter cocktail.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
26) Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate
Sugar cookies and hot chocolate are staples during the winter months, so why not combine the two into this sublime, edible drink? Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient that gives this hot chocolate that sugar cookie-like taste.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
27) Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Unlike other pumpkin spice drinks out there, this recipe actually uses real pumpkin puree! Even better, you can just let the low cooker can do all the work for you while you sit back and reap the rewards. The only cooking you’ll have to do is toasting the marshmallows, and that’s the best part anyways!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
28) Blackberry Hot Chocolate
If you’re bored of pumpkin spice everything, then this hot chocolate might be more to your liking. It’s dark, mysterious, and intensely fun, but unlike your standard cup of cocoa this one comes with a surprising berry zing!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
29) Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
Do you know anyone who doesn’t love snickerdoodle cookies? The combination of sugar and spices makes everything nice, while the white chocolate makes it deliciously creamy. You deserve to treat yourself to something sweet!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
Forget skinny hot chocolate recipes, no one is going to see you underneath that heavy sweater anyways. Now is the perfect time to indulge and treat yourself to this velvety mug of heaven.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
31) Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
If you’re in a hurry and want to keep things simple without resorting to using a packet of instant hot cocoa, then you’ll want to check out this super easy recipe. It’s made with milk and real bits of chocolate, which is easy to heat up in a saucepan on the stove. Add some Bailey’s, and everyone will be showing up on your front doorstep for cocktail Friday’s from now on!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
32) Cheesecake Hot Chocolate
It seems like the deluge of delicious dessert drinks is never ending, but yeah, bring it on! Because no one is going to argue with cheesecake hot chocolate. It’s made with real cream cheese and white chocolate, which means you can eat with a spoon or just slurp it like soup – it’s all up to you!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
If you’re adventurous and want to try a “hot” chocolate recipe that’s a little bit on the cooler side, then look no further than this frozen whipped topping & chocolate sprinkles treat. It’ll taste way better if you left a cup of cocoa sitting on the counter for hour, promise!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
34) Homemade White Hot Chocolate
Say hello to your new favorite hot chocolate recipe! It’s so satisfyingly creamy and easy to make, you’ll want to always keep your pantry and fridge stocked with white chocolate chips and milk.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
This unique drink is almost exactly like the root beer float we’re familiar with, but it’s better because it’s made with hot chocolate! And yes, that’s real chocolate chip mint ice cream you see floating on top.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
Did someone say S’mores hot cocoa? Yes please! Who doesn’t want to indulge in a cup of melted chocolate that comes with graham cracker crumbs and gooey marshmallows that stick to the roof of your mouth?!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
37) Spicy Maple Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
While sugar can certainly be used to sweeten just about anything, next time you’re in the mood for some hot cocoa, try some maple syrup. It actually pairs very well with the cinnamon, cayenne, and chili pepper in this spicy recipe!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
38) Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Some people think that milk chocolate is the gold standard when it comes to a good cup of hot chocolate. But, with its combination of milk, cream, and crushed peppermint pieces, this white hot version has so much more going for it!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
39) Peanut Butter Hot chocolate
When peanut butter first met chocolate, peanut butter cups were born and all was good in the world. Then this crazy peanut butter hot chocolate thing happened, and the universe exploded with awesomeness!
Get the recipe on this blog here.
40) Vanilla Mocha Hot Chocolate
Coffee lovers unite! If you want the best of both worlds, this blend of instant coffee, decadent dark chocolate, real maple syrup, and a pinch of flaky salt will leave you milk frothing at the mouth.
Get the recipe on this blog here.
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