The Best Hot Chocolate Recipes to Warm Up Your Winter

Winter is the season of hot drinks, cozy sweaters, and crisp air. Hot chocolate is the ultimate go-to treat during this chilly time of year. Luckily, there are a variety of recipes out there to make the perfect cup of hot cocoa.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or looking for something a little more unique, these hot chocolate recipes are sure to warm up your winter. From classic marshmallow-filled hot chocolate to a vegan version made with almond milk, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Plus, with the help of some simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious cup of hot chocolate in no time. So, grab a mug and get ready to experience the warmth of winter with these delicious hot chocolate recipes.

Classic Hot Chocolate Recipe

When it comes to hot chocolate recipes, the classic is a great place to start. With only a few basic ingredients, you can make a delicious cup of hot chocolate in no time.

The best part? It’s super customizable, so you can tailor it to your liking. If you want a rich and creamy hot chocolate, you can use a higher ratio of milk to chocolate. Or, if you prefer a thinner and more watery hot chocolate, use a greater amount of chocolate. As long as you add the right amount of sugar, you’ll be left with a rich and creamy hot chocolate.

To make this classic hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Marshmallows or whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar and cocoa powder in a pan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally and making sure it doesn't boil.
2. Stir in half of the chopped chocolate until melted, then stir in the remaining chocolate until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into cups and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

White Hot Chocolate Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic recipe but want to try something a little different, this white hot chocolate recipe is the perfect choice.

Using white chocolate instead of a dark chocolate like in the classic recipe, this hot chocolate is a bit sweeter and creamier due to the higher amount of fat. This white hot chocolate recipe is made even richer and creamier by the addition of a splash of heavy cream.

To make this vegan white hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces white chocolate chopped into small pieces
• whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
• nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Stir together milk, chocolate, and vanilla in a small saucepan.
2. Slowly cook over a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the white hot chocolate comes to a simmer, and do not let it come to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

For a unique twist on the classic hot chocolate recipe, try this Mexican hot chocolate recipe. Mexican hot chocolate is made with a mix of spices, including cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This unique combination of spices contributes to the rich and delicious flavor of this treat. While Mexican hot chocolate is often served as a beverage, you can also make it into a decadent dessert.

To make this Mexican hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons of sugar

Instructions:

1. Add cinnamon to a saucepan with milk on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and making sure it doesn't boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes before removing from heat.
2. Mix the chocolate, sugar, vanilla, salt and ground chile in a pan over a low heat. Whisk the mixture continuously until it becomes smooth and creamy. Melt the chocolate while you whisk it until it melts.
3. Remove from the heat and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.

Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

For a vegan hot chocolate recipe, you can use any type of milk and any type of chocolate. However, you may want to consider using a vegan chocolate or cocoa to ensure it’s entirely dairy-free.

To make this vegan hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablepoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tablepoons dairy-free semisweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
• 1 tablepoons of sugar
• 1/8 tsp peppermint extract (optional)
• Coconut whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add almond milk to a mug, combine and microwave for 1 minute. Alternatively, add to a saucepan over medium-low heat
2. Once milk is warm, add cocoa powder, chocolate and sweetener and whisk to combine.
3. Put the mixture back in the microwave or on the stovetop until it has reached your desired temperature.
4. Remove from the heat and pour into mugs. Stir, and top with coconut whipped cream.

Almond Joy Hot Chocolate Recipe

For an Asian-inspired hot chocolate recipe, try this almond joy hot chocolate recipe. This recipe adds a bold and rich flavor to the classic hot chocolate with the addition of coconut milk and coconut extract.

This almond joy hot chocolate recipe is made even more decadent by the addition of chopped almonds.

To make this almond joy hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ Tablespoons dark cocoa powder
• 1 ½ Tablespoons monk fruit sweetener
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, divided

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the dark cocoa powder, sweetner, extracts, and 2 Tablespoons almond milk over low heat until everything is dissolved and a syrup forms.
2. Whisk in the rest of the milk and heat over medium heat until hot. Do not boil.
3. Pour into a mug and add toppings, if desired. Makes 1 serving.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Recipe

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is a popular drink that is made with cocoa powder, cream, and red food coloring.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate is traditionally served with whipped cream on top and a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Red velvet is one of those flavors that screams winter, so it makes sense to add it to your hot chocolate recipe. This hot chocolate recipe is a twist on traditional cocoa and is made with a rich and creamy red velvet cake batter. The sweet and creamy hot chocolate is then topped with whipped cream and mini red velvet cakes for a decadent and indulgent treat.

To make this red velvet hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of red velvet cake mix
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup
• 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream
• whipped cream and cherries for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk on medium-low until just before it starts to boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in cake mix. Stir until well blended, then add chocolate syrup and stir until dissolved.
2. Pour blended mixture into a mug or glass that is filled halfway with piping hot water, about 5 minutes after stirring in cocoa powder or coffee (about 2 tablespoons for each).
3. Stir in chocolate chips and cream, then top with whipped cream and cherries.
4. Serve immediately or wait for about 30 minutes for the chocolate to set and enjoy.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe

When the weather starts to cool down, we start craving everything hot. One of the most popular drinks this time of year is Frozen Hot Chocolate. It's a delicious take on hot cocoa with a mixture of ice cream and melted chocolate.

This hot chocolate recipe is made with melted ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. So, it’s basically a frozen treat in a mug.

To make this red velvet hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3-4 cups Ice cubes
• whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave, digesting it every 20 seconds in the process. The pieces should be fairly small and not burnt, but almost runny. Try to avoid stirring it with a metal spoon.
2. Once the chocolate has been melted, add chocolate powder & sugar, stirring to combine. Slowly add ½ a cup of cold milk, stirring until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add ice-cubes for a refreshing treat
3. In a blender, add 1 cup milk, chocolate mixture and ice. Blend till its at the consistency you want. You might need another spoonful of hot chocolate mix for sweetness.
4. Serve immediately, topped with whipped cream if desired, and some chocolate shavings if you prefer.

Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe

If you’re craving a little spice in your winter drinks, try adding some chili powder and cayenne pepper to your hot chocolate recipe.

This hot chocolate recipe is made with melted chocolate and milk and is flavored with chili powder and cayenne pepper. The spicy hot chocolate is then topped with whipped cream and mini marshmallows for a sweet and spicy treat.

To make this red velvet hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 cups milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, or freshly grated

Instructions:

1. Mix cocoa powder, sugar and salt in a small saucepan and stir.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of cold milk to the mixture and whisk until the cocoa powder is dissolved.
3. Add the rest of the milk to the pot. Turn it onto medium heat and then, using a whisk, stir in all the ingredients.
4. When the remaining ingredients are mixed in, it will simmer gently over medium heat. Stirring often, this should take about 10 minutes.
5. For a lighter taste, remove and discard spices, serve immediately. For a stronger taste, remove from heat and allow to cool before placing in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Then remove from fridge and discard the spices before reheating.
6. Warm the chocolate as desired and refrigerate leftover portions promptly.

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Recipe

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is a delicious drink that is perfect for the holiday season. It is a drink that many people enjoy because of its sweet taste and its festive appearance.

This hot chocolate recipe is made with melted chocolate and is flavored with peppermint extract. The hot chocolate is then topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

To make this red velvet hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 peppermint candy canes, crushed
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 4 small peppermint candy canes
• marshmallows for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Warm the milk gently until hot and not boiling. Add the chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, stirring until it's melted and smooth.
2. Pour hot cocoa into 3 mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy-cane stirring stick.

Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate Recipe

This hot chocolate recipe is made with melted chocolate and is flavored with coconut extract. The hot chocolate is then topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

To make this red velvet hot chocolate recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 pinches sea salt
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Toast coconut in oven for 3 minutes, stir, and toast for 3-4 minutes more. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
2. Set aside a ¼ cup of the toasted coconut.
3. Place the remaining toasted coconut and water into a powerful blender. Blend on high until you get a consistent mixture. Strain the mixture through a nut bag, fine strainer or cheese cloth until you're left with a puree.
4. Transfer the saucepan to the stove and turn the heat to medium-low. After it has warmed for a few minutes, whisk in cacao, cinnamon, and salt.
5. When large clumps have dissolved, whisk in maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk periodically until mixture is smooth and desired temperature is achieved. 
6. If you find you prefer it sweeter, add more maple syrup as desired.
7. Remove from the heat and pour into mugs. Top with coconut cream, toasted coconut, and other toppings if desired.

Conclusion

Winter is the season of hot drinks, cozy sweaters, and crisp air. Hot chocolate is the ultimate go-to treat during this chilly time of year. Luckily, there are a variety of recipes out there to make the perfect cup of hot cocoa. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or you’re looking for something a little more unique, these hot chocolate recipes are sure to warm up your winter. From classic marshmallow-filled hot chocolate to a vegan version made with almond milk, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, with the help of some simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious cup of hot chocolate in no time. So, grab a mug and get ready to experience the warmth of winter with these delicious hot chocolate recipes.