50 Hot Cocoa Recipes for Christmas Morning

Hot cocoa is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day, and it’s even better when it’s homemade! These hot cocoa recipes are sure to keep you cozy this holiday season. And don’t worry – we’ve included some variations for every type of chocolate lover out there.

Basic

If you’re looking for a simple hot cocoa recipe, this is the one for you. This basic hot chocolate recipe calls for just five ingredients: chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, milk or water (or both), sugar, and marshmallows for topping.

You can use your favorite store-bought chocolate syrup in this recipe or make your own by adding shaved chocolate to a saucepan with cream or half and a half (or milk). Whisk gently over medium-low heat until melted into a smooth sauce. Pour it into a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also make your own marshmallows if they’re on sale at the grocery store!

Peanut butter hot cocoa

Peanut butter hot cocoa is a favorite of kids and adults alike. This simple recipe uses up leftover peanut butter, so it’s a great way to use up that jar you’ve been holding onto. Peanut butter hot cocoa is also perfect for using up leftover marshmallows during the holiday season when you can’t get enough of those sweet treats!

Peanut butter and jelly hot cocoa

This one is for all the kids out there who are afraid that Christmas isn’t going to be as exciting without their favorite jar of peanut butter and jelly. It’s super simple, but it’s also a fun twist on your usual hot cocoa flavor.

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

Nutella (or even better, homemade Nutella)
A few drops of food coloring (we used red)
Vanilla extract (optional)

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

1/2 cup milk or half & half for creamier texture if desired. You could also use almond milk if you’re vegan!

Caramel hot cocoa

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Heat until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan, about 5 minutes (do not let it boil). Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together 3 cups cocoa powder and ¼ cup sugar with 2 cups boiling water until smooth.
When your milk is hot enough to dissolve both sugars, remove from heat and add this mixture to your chocolate mixture along with 1 cup cold water; whisk until smooth and well combined. Serve immediately in mugs topped with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired!

Peppermint hot cocoa

Peppermint hot cocoa is a classic holiday drink that can be made in minutes and will warm you up inside and out. To make it, simply add a few drops of peppermint extract to your cocoa. If you want something richer and creamier, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half before serving. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top!

Marshmallow hot cocoa

1 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened and natural (I use Hershey’s Special Dark)

1/2 cup marshmallows (mini are perfect for this recipe) if you want a sweeter drink, add another tablespoon of sugar to the mixture and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds more. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and graham crackers!

Gingerbread hot cocoa

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, gingerbread hot cocoa is a great way to start. This festive drink blends together bold spices and creamy milk to create a delicious cup of holiday cheer. Gingerbread hot cocoa is also a great option if you’re looking for something warm and comforting on cold winter nights.

White chocolate hot cocoa

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (or half and half)
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions: Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cheesecake has melted. Pour into cups, and top with whipped cream and marshmallows if you’d like!

Almond joy hot cocoa (coconut, almond and chocolate)

Add the milk and coconut milk to a pot. Heat until the mixture begins to boil, then whisk in the sugar and chocolate chips until they’re melted. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat and adding in almonds (and whipped cream if you so desire). Serve warm in mugs garnished with more almonds on top of whipped cream.

S’mores hot cocoa (chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker)

This hot chocolate recipe features an entire s’more in a mug. You can make it with homemade marshmallows or keep it simple and use store-bought marshmallow fluff. To ensure that your hot cocoa comes together quickly and easily, we recommend using pre-made graham cracker crumbs instead of crushing your own graham crackers.

Cookie dough hot cocoa (chocolate chip cookie dough pieces)

Ingredients:

Chocolate chips
Crumbled Oreos
Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Milk (2 cups)
Salt (1/4 tsp)
Peppermint extract (optional, 1 tsp)

Cookies ‘n Cream hot cocoa (crumbled Oreos)

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

3/4 cup of milk
1/2 cup of heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (optional)

Now follow these easy steps:

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until simmering. Reduce heat to low and add in vanilla extract, salt and crushed Oreos. Stir until combined. Top with whipped cream if desired!

Coffee-flavored hot chocolate (espresso powder or espresso beans)

You can use espresso powder or espresso beans to add a coffee-like flavor to your hot chocolate. You can make this hot chocolate with any type of milk, but I recommend using whole milk for the richest flavor and texture.

Espresso powder is an easy way to add coffee flavor to your food and drinks (as well as ice cream). It’s made by grinding roasted coffee beans into a fine powder that dissolves quickly in liquid. You can buy espresso powder alone or in blends that include other spices such as cinnamon or cocoa for added flavor complexity.

To make this recipe, place 1 tablespoon of ground espresso in a mug and stir it into 1 cup (240 ml) heated whole milk until dissolved; add sugar if desired and stir again until dissolved before topping with whipped cream if desired.

You haven’t lived until you try one of these delicious recipes.

We all know that hot cocoa is a Christmas tradition, but there’s no need to settle for the same old recipes you’ve grown accustomed to. There are countless ways to make your own hot cocoa at home, and each one is more delicious than the last. Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic or a crafty new twist on an old favorite (like chocolate-covered marshmallows), we’ve got you covered with these 50 mouthwatering recipes!

Classic Hot Cocoa (via Meringue)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa (via This Gal Cooks)
Mint Hot Cocoa Mix (via Averie Cooks)

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious way to warm up this Christmas morning, give these hot cocoa recipes a try. They are all easy and delicious, but the best part is they require very little effort on your part!