10 Cozy Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try This Winter

During the winter time, hot chocolate is my absolute favorite drink. I think I make this almost daily around this time of year! That's how much I love hot cocoa! So, I'm sharing 10 hot chocolate recipes to try this winter!

When I had my bake shop, we had an extensive hot cocoa menu, which was even larger than our coffee menu! So, just to give you an idea, I'm a hot chocolate aficionado! I'm constantly coming up with new hot chocolate recipes, because I drink it all the time! So, I'm sharing my top picks for cozy hot cocoa that you can sip by the fire this winter. Everything from single serve hot cocoa to hot chocolate bombs (no mold required!). I got you covered for the ultimate cozy winter drink.

History of Hot Chocolate

I looked up the history of hot cocoa, because I was curious. And, I found that it's very complex, dating back over 5,000 years ago! It seems that it originated in South America. The Mayans and Aztecs added spices to their cocoa and poured it back and forth between cups to make it frothy! Wow, what luxury we have now just by having a frother! And shortly after, Europeans brought Mexican hot chocolate back home to Europe where Spanish chefs added sugar and cinnamon.

We have Americanized the drink by making it thinner and removing spices. European hot cocoa is much thicker compared to drinks made here in America where many people make hot chocolate with (dare I say) water! While many people are perfectly happy pouring hot water over a packet mix, I revel in gourmet hot chocolate that is made with real milk and chocolate or cocoa! Imagine what the Mayans and Aztecs would think now if they could taste their creations in the modern world!

Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate

• Use a high quality milk. This can be organic grassfed milk or even organic coconut milk if you are dairy free. The key being use a full fat milk as this will create a creamy and smooth hot cocoa and it won't be watery. So, stay away from lowfat milk or nut milks that are watery.
• Use high quality organic cocoa powder. My favorite is NuNaturals Organic Dutch Cocoa Powder, it's perfect for gourmet hot chocolate!
• Use high quality organic cane sugar. Organic sugar is less processed, allowing a more true natural sweetness to prevail instead of being overly sweet as white granulated sugar can be.
• Heat cocoa in a pot over the stovetop (not the microwave!).
• Use a drink thermometer to ensure you know when your cocoa is ready. Milk is drinking temperature at 140°F and when it goes above 160°F it will burn. Burnt milk has a burnt flavor that will transfer to your cocoa. To ensure hot chocolate perfection, using a drink thermometer is best! Heat your cocoa until it reaches 140°F to 160°F and no higher.
• Finish your hot chocolate with Homemade Whipped Cream. This is so much better than that from a can! It only has 3 ingredients, takes a few minutes to whip up in your stand mixer, and it's free of stabilizers and other additives that are in store bought versions.

10 Cozy Hot Chocolate Recipes

1

Caramel Hot Cocoa

Creamy chocolate and smooth caramel come together in this Caramel Hot Cocoa. This single serve hot cocoa was the most popular drink at my bake shop! Add salt for a salted caramel hot chocolate or leave it plain. No matter how you customize this drink, it is sure to become a favorite in your house!

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2

Chai Tea Hot Chocolate

This Chai Tea Hot Chocolate is the best of both worlds. If you love tea, like me, but also crave rich and creamy hot cocoa you don't need to decide between the two with this recipe!

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3

Coconut Hot Chocolate

This naturally vegan hot chocolate is made with coconut milk and whipped cream for a dairy free delight that has sweet coconut flavor!

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4

Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

If you're feeling lazy, but still want a cozy drink then this Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate is just what you need. With just 2 ingredients, this creamy, dreamy hot cocoa with a cool peppermint finish will hit the spot.

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5

Bone Broth Hot Cocoa

This may sound odd at first, but hear me out. I use bone broth in this hot cocoa for added protein and nutrients, but this tastes just like Swiss Miss hot cocoa! I kid you not, it is so nostalgic and so delicious, but so much better for you!

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6

Dark Hot Chocolate

This Dark Hot Chocolate is rich and creamy. I use both dark chocolate and cocoa powder for that extra decadent coffee shop hot cocoa vibes.

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7

Sweet Orange Chili Hot Chocolate

This Sweet Orange Chili Hot Chocolate gives a little sweetness and a little kick to traditional cocoa. If you're a fan of Mexican hot chocolate, then you'll love this take on the traditional hot cocoa!

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8

Healthy Gingerbread Hot Cocoa

Indulge every day with this Healthy Gingerbread Hot Cocoa! Made with bone broth, this protein packed drink is warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced. Enjoy a warm, cozy, and healthy drink with this delicious cocoa!

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9

Hot Chocolate Bombs Without a Mold

If you want to prep hot chocolate in advance so you can make it even easier when your craving strikes, then this recipe for Hot Chocolate Bombs Without a Mold is just what you need. No mold required to make ready to go hot cocoa bombs that you can drop in warm milk anytime!

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10

Boozy Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

This Boozy Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is the best way to unwind. Serve this at a cocktail party or even just enjoy on your own with a movie in front of the fire.

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Craving More?

• Easy Hot Chocolate Dip
• Hot Chocolate Versus Hot Chocolate Milk
• How to Make Hot Cocoa Mix for Gifts
• Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Honey Vanilla Marshmallows

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