When the air gets chilly and you want something warm and comforting, nothing beats a cup of hot chocolate. I love making a mug of this sweet drink to warm up after a cold day or to enjoy during holiday movie nights.
I have three of my favorite hot chocolate recipes here for you today. Each one is a little different, but they all promise to bring a smile to your face. Let’s make some delicious hot chocolate together!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Recipe
- 2. Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
- 3. Christmas Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Recipe
This candy cane hot chocolate is a holiday favorite. It has a lovely minty flavor that pairs so well with rich chocolate. This drink is perfect for cozy nights.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Chocolate Type: Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich and smooth hot chocolate base.
- Peppermint Extract: A little bit of pure peppermint extract gives a strong mint flavor. Add just a few drops at first, then more if you like a stronger mint taste.
- Candy Cane Garnish: Crush some extra candy canes to sprinkle on top of your whipped cream for a festive look and added crunch.
What You Need
- 2 cups milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
⏱️ Time: 10 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Heat Milk and Dry Goods
Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the cocoa powder and sugar, stirring until everything is well mixed. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it is warm and starts to steam, but do not let it boil.
Step 2: Add Chocolate and Peppermint
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chocolate chips until they are completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth. Then, add the peppermint extract and stir it in.
Step 3: Serve Warm
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Serve immediately and enjoy your warm drink.
📝 Final Note
If you have any hot chocolate left, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
This crockpot hot chocolate is perfect for serving a group. You just put everything in your slow cooker, and it stays warm for hours. It makes holiday gatherings easy.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Creamy Base: Using a mix of whole milk and heavy cream gives this hot chocolate a very rich and smooth texture that everyone will love.
- Chocolate Variety: A blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips creates a balanced and sweet chocolate flavor that is not too bitter or too sweet.
- Slow Cooker Setting: Once the hot chocolate is fully heated, switch your slow cooker to the “warm” setting. This keeps it at a good serving temperature without it getting too hot or burning.
What You Need
- 8 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups milk chocolate chips
⏱️ Time: 2-3 hours🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Add the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and milk chocolate chips to your slow cooker. Stir everything together well to mix.
Step 2: Cook Slowly
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir the mixture every 30 minutes or so to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the bottom and to help it melt evenly. The hot chocolate is ready when the chocolate chips are fully melted and the drink is hot.
Step 3: Serve Warm
Once ready, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. This will keep the hot chocolate warm for several hours. Serve it in mugs with your favorite toppings like marshmallows or whipped cream.
📝 Final Note
This hot chocolate is great for parties because it stays warm without extra effort. Set up a topping bar with whipped cream, sprinkles, and mini marshmallows for your guests.
Christmas Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
This peppermint hot chocolate is a festive and comforting drink. The bright mint flavor mixes perfectly with the deep chocolate. It’s an easy way to make your day feel special.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Quality Cocoa: Using good quality unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a deep and rich chocolate flavor for your hot chocolate base.
- Fresh Peppermint: Make sure your peppermint extract is fresh, as older extracts can lose their strength. A little goes a long way to give that classic mint taste.
- Toppings Fun: Whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips make this drink even better. You can also add a small candy cane for decoration.
What You Need
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping
⏱️ Time: 12 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until they are well combined. This helps prevent lumps when you add the milk.
Step 2: Heat Milk and Chocolate
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go to make sure everything mixes well. Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the dark chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is hot and smooth. Do not let it boil.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Serve
Remove the hot chocolate from the heat. Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra special treat.
📝 Final Note
This hot chocolate is extra nice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream placed right in the middle, letting it slowly melt into the warm drink.
