30 Best Hot Chocolate Recipes That'll Make You Swear Off Dry Mix Forever
Your winter won't be complete without one of these decadent mugs.
There are so many words to describe hot chocolate: decadent, creamy, velvety, and rich all apply to a piping-hot mug of cocoa. So why would you want to use a packet of dry mix ever again? With one look at our list of the best hot chocolate recipes out there, you'll realize what you've been missing out on. After all, winter only lasts for a few months, so you'll definitely want to make your winter drink indulgences count. Curl up with a Christmas movie and a batch of Nutella hot chocolate, or make a mug of sugar cookie hot chocolate (yes, that's a real thing) to keep you company while wrapping gifts. Whip up two servings of slow cooker hot chocolate when your family and friends come over on Christmas Eve (and maybe even add a spirit to make it into a cocktail). We guarantee there won't be any left.
You can also pair one of these hot chocolate recipes with any Christmas dessert for the ultimate sweet ending to your holiday meal or weeknight dinner. After all, hot cocoa helps to bring out the natural flavors of gingerbread cookies, red velvet cake, and Christmas candy even more, right? Right. Choose your favorite here, and don't forget to pile on plenty of toppings. Those marshmallows, crushed up candy canes, and chocolate shavings won't serve themselves!
Liquid Gold Tahini Hot Chocolate
Anything called "liquid gold" is good in our book. Adding tahini to this hot chocolate gives it a subtle nuttiness while boosting its thickness.
Get the recipe at Broma Bakery.
Kahlúa Hot Chocolate
Cinnamon, nutmeg, salted caramel, and Kahlúa make this hot chocolate a winter staple—guaranteed to keep you warm on a snowy day.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
French Hot Chocolate
Take decadence to a whole new level by using heavy cream and powdered sugar for this dark chocolate treat. Fresh whipped cream tops off the heavenly drink.
Get the recipe at The Sweetest Occasion.
Chocolate Hot Buttered Rum
Who needs milk when you've got butter and rum? Any drink described as "liquid brownie batter" sounds like something we all need in our lives ASAP.
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate
Cayenne pepper plus cinnamon plus hot chocolate equals the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and overall delicious. This recipe has the added plus of being vegan, using coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate.
Get the recipe at Ambitious Kitchen.
Malted Milk Hot Chocolate
Truly enhance your hot chocolate experience by adding malted milk powder as this recipe calls for. Plus, the instructions tell you how to make extra dry mix so you can keep it on hand for a quick treat.
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa
Coffee lovers who want a bold hot chocolate blend will be obsessed with this decadent recipe that combines coffee, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
You love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate in solid form, so trust us when we say it's even better swirling around together in this silky-smooth recipe.
Get the recipe at Nutmeg Nanny.
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe
Think that white hot chocolate won't be as creamy or sweet as milk chocolate varieties? Think again: With three cups of light cream, milk, and plenty of white chocolate chips, this is the indulgent hot cocoa recipe you've been waiting for.
Get the recipe at Le Creme de la Crumb.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
After you find out you can easily prepare this creamy hot chocolate in your slow cooker (and that it tastes so much better than a mix), you'll never want to use another recipe again.
Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.
Nutella Hot Chocolate
As if this hot chocolate recipe doesn't sound perfect in every way already, you'll be even more delighted to know it only calls for two ingredients. Yep—Nutella and milk is all it takes to create total bliss in a mug.
Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
White Hot Chocolate
A dollop of our 7-Minute Frosting makes this delicious drink even more decadent.
Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate
Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient for this extra creamy blend. The best treat to enjoy while sipping this beverage? Sugar cookies, of course!
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Let your slow cooker do all the work whipping up this boozy concoction.
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Anything that can be made in a slow cooker and looks this good is something that should definitely be on your "winter day activities" list.
Get the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.
Blackberry Hot Chocolate
While blackberries might seem like an odd pairing wit hot chocolate, the rich tartness of them helps add another layer an otherwise sweet drink.
Get the recipe at Little Sugar Snaps.
Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa
We never met a snickerdoodle we didn't like.
Get the recipe at Lemon Tree Dwelling.
Cookies and Cream Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate variation packs a two-for-one punch so you can have your cookies and drink them, too.
Get the recipe at Sprinkle Some Sugar.
Red Velvet Hot Cocoa
Can't get enough red velvet? This is the hot chocolate for you.
Get the recipe at Heather's French Press.
Baileys Irish Cream Hot Chocolate
Serve this Baileys hot chocolate at your Christmas party, and everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
Get the recipe at Polka Dot Made.
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