Happy December, friends! Hard to believe the holiday season is in full swing already! I’ve begun some of my cookie baking, have you? In addition to all the cookies and pies and desserts that we all enjoy, I’ve also been thinking about HOT CHOCOLATE.
Hot Chocolate is a must during the month of December. Hardly anything makes you feel more festive than enjoying a hot, delicious cup of your favorite cocoa alongside a favorite treat or during a favorite movie.
Now we are all familiar with the single serving packets of Swiss Miss, but there are a few different ways to enjoy hot chocolate, and I’ve listed some below. But first, here’s a look at some of our favorite hot chocolate toppings:
Hot Chocolate Toppings
You all have seen those hot cocoa bars, right? A hostess sets out a beautiful spread with lots of toppings and additions to add to hot chocolate. It’s a great idea for the holidays. However, If you’re not going to host this year, use this list to pare it down to just a few for you and your family to enjoy. I promise that a large dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon will elevate any of these hot chocolate recipes! Here’s my topping suggestions:
- marshmallows, of course. These include Oreo and coconut covered.
- whipped cream
- chocolate sauce
- caramel sauce
- peppermint sticks
- candy cane “dust” (candy canes pulverized in food processor until fine)
- cinnamon
- chocolate curls and shavings
- chocolate chips
- Andes mints (or peppermint patties), chopped
- a drizzle of Nutella or peanut butter
- flaked coconut
- raspberry sauce (especially good with white chocolate)
- graham cracker crumbs
- cookie crumbs
- seasonal sprinkles
- maraschino cherries
- Shot of espresso
- For a more “adult” option, add 2 ozs. kahlua or Irish cream
As you can see, there’s ways to be creative with your hot chocolate!
Below I’ve listed 5 tried and true, family favorite recipes for hot chocolate. Enjoy and many blessings to you!
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
This recipe is what I recommend for family sized gatherings.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Turn slow cooker setting to low.
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker and whisk thoroughly until combined.
- Cover with the lid and allow to warm approximately 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes.
- Stir before ladling into mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed peppermints.
Notes
White Hot Chocolate
Yes, we know white chocolate isn’t technically chocolate (there’s no cocoa solids in white chocolate), however, we still include it on our list! It’s delicious!
White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole mik (almond milk may be substituted.)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, peppermint extract, or almond extract
Instructions
- Warm milk in a small saucepan over medium low heat until the temp reaches 140-150. Turn heat to low
- Add chocolate chips and extract. Whisk until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and ladle into mugs. Top with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and/or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
Lindt Hot Chocolate
Oh yes, those Lindt balls, everyone’s favorite chocolate to give and receive. I go easy on this rich treat during the holidays, but the indulgence is incredible. Lindt has lots of varieties of truffles, but my favorite is the milk chocolate, and the white peppermint.
Lindt Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5-6 Lindt Lindor truffle balls of your choice
- whipped cream to top
Instructions
- Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium low heat until the temperature reaches about 140.
- Unwrap and add 5-6 Lindt Lindor truffles to the milk and stir until melted and creamy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream and various other toppings of your choice.
Single Serving Hot Chocolate
For those times when it’s just you, a good book, or a good movie! My children also love making this whenever the urge strikes. Simple and delicious!
Single Serving Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat milk in microwave safe measuring cup for 1-1 1/2 minutes until hot.
- While milk is heating, whisk cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a large mug.
- Pour hot milk over cocoa mixture and stir well to combine.
- Stir in vanilla. Enjoy!
Italian Hot Chocolate
This is a bit darker than the other drinks, and so divine. Try to use finer chocolate such as Ghirardelli or Lindt for an exquisite taste.
Italian Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 3.5 ounces fine dark chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips (equal to almost half a cup)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups milk, plus 2 tablespoons
- 4 teaspoons corn starch
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
- Add chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until melted.
- Make a cornstarch slurry uning 2 tablespoons milk and 4 teaspoons corn starch. Slowly pour into hot chocolate, whisking until thick and smooth.
- Pour into mugs and add a small pinch of salt over each.
Always remember this most important tip:
When making hot chocolate on the stove or in the microwave, it is very easy to scald the milk and/or the chocolate. Low and slow is best. Happy Holidays!
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