10 Fancy Hot Chocolate Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate with Almond

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.

Hot Chocolate Seven Ways

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.

DIY Hot Chocolate Bombs with Marshmallows

Hot cocoa bombs bring a party to your mug! There are several varieties of hot chocolate bombs on the market, but it's way more fun to make them from scratch. Fill a spherical mold with chocolate, cocoa mix, marshmallows, and sprinkles for an interactive sweet treat.

Hot Chocolate Mix

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.

Aztec Hot Chocolate

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.

Hot Cocoa

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).

White Hot Chocolate

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.

Timberline Hot Chocolate

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.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

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.

Hot Orange Mocha

When you need an extra boost of caffeine, opt for this hot chocolate recipe. The base is made with strong coffee, but adds cocoa powder, orange, and brown sugar for a zesty-sweet finish. The mocha is delicious on its own, but we highly recommend making the whipped honey-orange topping for a creamy finish.

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