16 Irresistible Hot Chocolate Recipes You Need to Try

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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