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  5. 16 Irresistible Hot Chocolate Recipes You Need to Try

16 Irresistible Hot Chocolate Recipes You Need to Try

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By Katlyn Moncada Updated December 21, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
When cold weather hits, there's little more soothing than curling up with a cozy mug of hot chocolate. We've rounded up some of our greatest hot chocolate recipes to make your cup of cocoa more decadent. Expect some delicious ideas for hot chocolate mix-ins, stir-ins, and of course marshmallows!
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Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate with Almond

Mexican Hot Chocolate
Credit: Andy Lyons
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The secret to this chocolate drink is a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few drops of almond extract. These extra ingredients may not sound like they'd make much difference, but trust us, your cocoa will be more complex than most as a result. Top with a sky-high dollop of whipped cream and a little more cinnamon for a truly indulgent treat.

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Hot Chocolate Seven Ways

Hot Chocolate Seven Ways
Credit: Carson Downing
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If you like decadent homemade cocoa, you'll never get tired of trying out all the combinations this recipe offers. Start with our basic hot chocolate recipe, then transform it into peanut butter, spicy, or even pumpkin variations! You'll have enough hot cocoa recipes to keep you busy all winter long.

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Splatter Paint Cocoa

Splatter Paint Cocoa
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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This is one drink that encourages you to let loose your inner artist! Did we mention it's a slow cooker recipe? That means everyone can create their own hot chocolate design by using a splattering of drizzled hot fudge ice cream topping and a dollop of whipped cream.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Slow Cooker ($40, Target)

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Caramelized Banana Champurrado

Caramelized Banana Champurrado
Credit: Blaine Moats
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This is no ordinary hot chocolate. If you're unfamiliar with the term, a champurrado is a Mexican hot chocolate drink that includes masa (corn flour) to give the beverage a thick texture. This amazing hot chocolate recipe is rich enough to count as dessert, or try it on its own to warm up a chilly afternoon.

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Double Hot Chocolate

Double Hot Chocolate
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Grated chocolate and sweetened whipped cream add an extra special touch to this gourmet hot cocoa recipe made on the stove top. If you want to make an extra dark hot chocolate, swap in bittersweet chocolate for dark. This could easily become a vegan hot chocolate recipe if you substitute all non-dairy chocolate along with your favorite milk alternative.

Buy It: Nonstick 2-Quart Hard-Anodized Aluminum Straining Saucepan ($40, Bed Bath & Beyond)

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Raspberry Cocoa with Hazelnut Cream

Raspberry Cocoa with Hazelnut Cream
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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Turn regular hot cocoa into a grown-up sipper by stirring in raspberry liqueur, whipped cream laced with chocolate-hazelnut spread, and fresh raspberries. And this gourmet hot chocolate is easy to make, too. With help from your slow cooker, it only takes 10 minutes of prep.

Related: 40 Festive and Fun Holiday Drinks You Can't Miss Toasting With

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Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot Chocolate Mix
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Packaged in a cute, homemade reindeer jar, this hot chocolate mix is perfect for gift-giving. Plus, it only calls for five ingredients. This easy hot chocolate recipe won't take you long to make, but it'll be one of the cutest food gift ideas you can share during the holiday season.

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Aztec Hot Chocolate

Aztec Hot Chocolate
Credit: Blaine Moats
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The Aztecs were among the first cultures to enjoy hot cocoa. This tribute to the original sipping chocolate features ground chipotle chile pepper, cinnamon, and espresso powder for a slow cooker hot chocolate you won't forget. Don't worry, that extra spice doesn't really bring the heat, but rather enriches the cocoa flavors.

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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This easy hot chocolate recipe includes a little something extra for the 21+ crowd. To celebrate the season, spike hot chocolate with a dash of peppermint schnapps and sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies on top. This is one hot cocoa recipe that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Related: Warm Up with Our Favorite Alcoholic Hot Drinks

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Vanilla Coffee White Hot Chocolate

Vanilla Coffee White Hot Chocolate
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Skip the coffee shop and serve a white chocolate mocha at home. This white hot chocolate recipe includes a splash of strong coffee, so it'll definitely help jump-start your morning. In the evening, try spiking your mug with a splash of brandy or rum.

Related: 9 Hot Starbucks Drinks That Are 100 Calories or Less

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Bittersweet Hot Chocolate

Bittersweet Hot Chocolate
Credit: Blaine Moats
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If you're looking for a way to make hot chocolate for a crowd, this is it. Add a few cinnamon sticks to this homemade hot chocolate before you fire up your slow cooker to give your cup of cocoa a warm, spiced flavor.

Buy It: Cuisinart 3.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond)

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Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows
Credit: Andy Lyons
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This hot chocolate recipe is a lovely option to enjoy after a frigid day sledding or tackling any other outdoor activity. Check out the four variations for liqueur ideas and other hot chocolate topping ideas. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can dress it up (like with homemade marshmallows).

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Coconut Tres Leches Hot Chocolate

Coconut Tres Leches Hot Chocolate
Credit: Andy Lyons
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This creative hot chocolate recipe might easily become your new favorite. Tres leches is a traditional Latin American cake that means "three milks." Inspired by the tasty dessert, this gourmet hot chocolate features coconut milk, fat-free milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Top this cocoa off with chocolate shavings.

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White Hot Chocolate

White Hot Chocolate
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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This white hot chocolate recipe is anything but bland. In fact, it's full of fall spices. Cinnamon and cardamom add a delicious flavor to this simple vanilla-infused hot cocoa recipe made in a slow cooker. It makes enough for 12, so save the recipe for a day the whole family is gathered.

Related: Decadent White Chocolate Desserts

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Timberline Hot Chocolate

Timberline Hot Chocolate
Credit: Andy Lyons
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This dark chocolate drink is best with a dollop of schlag (the German name for a whipped cream sweetened with vanilla). If you want to get real fancy, add a dusting of cocoa and some crushed toffee. Oh, and don't forget a side of cookies. We can already picture ourselves enjoying a steamy mug in front of a cozy fire.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate

Frozen Hot Chocolate
Credit: Matthew Clark
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No, this isn't hot chocolate, but it sure is just as delicious. This blended version turns hot cocoa into ice cubes before blending them into a delicious, frosty beverage. Change-up the flavors with our variations for mint, salted caramel, and mocha.

Buy It: NutriBullet Blender Combo ($140, NutriBullet)

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    1 of 16 Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate with Almond
    2 of 16 Hot Chocolate Seven Ways
    3 of 16 Splatter Paint Cocoa
    4 of 16 Caramelized Banana Champurrado
    5 of 16 Double Hot Chocolate
    6 of 16 Raspberry Cocoa with Hazelnut Cream
    7 of 16 Hot Chocolate Mix
    8 of 16 Aztec Hot Chocolate
    9 of 16 Peppermint Hot Chocolate
    10 of 16 Vanilla Coffee White Hot Chocolate
    11 of 16 Bittersweet Hot Chocolate
    12 of 16 Hot Cocoa
    13 of 16 Coconut Tres Leches Hot Chocolate
    14 of 16 White Hot Chocolate
    15 of 16 Timberline Hot Chocolate
    16 of 16 Frozen Hot Chocolate

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    16 Irresistible Hot Chocolate Recipes You Need to Try
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