30 Creative Hot Chocolate Recipes To Warm You Up All Winter Long (2024)

Homemade hot chocolate is infinitely better than boxed mix. And our recipe is extra decadent, thanks to the cup of actual chocolate (not just cocoa powder). Top tip: Don't forget the whipped cream!

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We know that white chocolate can be divisive—you either love it or you can’t stand it. This hot chocolate recipe was created for those in the "love it" camp, though it's so totally wonderful that it might just create converts out of white chocolate haters too.

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For those who may have missed this hot cocoa trend, you're essentially dealing with molds of chocolate filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows that explode after being dropped into hot milk. And although they're extremely fun to watch unfold, it's not just a novelty thing. The melted chocolate, along with the hot chocolate mix, makes the creamiest drink.

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We love the addition of cinnamon and cayenne in this Mexican version, meant for true spice lovers. If you prefer your drinks on the milder side, feel free to forgo the cayenne in favor of a spice that adds less heat, like chili powder.

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Who wouldn't want a bit of fudgy brownie batter added to their hot chocolate? Warning: This makes plenty of the chocolatey, brownie batter sauce. Pour any extra over ice cream, or just make a ton of hot chocolate for a crowd. 😉

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We knew the slow cooker could work magic in the dinner department, but we think we've discovered the ultimate hack for the gadget: creamy hot cocoa. The best part? It keeps for a couple hours, so you can come back from playing in the snow for seconds (or thirds... or fourths).

Get the Slow-Cooker Hot Cocoa recipe.

Let the Crockpot do all the work in preparing your new fave party drink. To give the favorite cold-weather drink a boozy boost, we added a bottle of red wine to really make this cozy drink a party favorite.

Get the Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa recipe.

We can't get enough of RumChata. Hence the RumChata cupcakes, eggnog, and pudding shots. But adding RumChata to hot cocoa = a match made in heaven.

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Homemade hot chocolate is super-fudgy and wayyyy more delish than packaged mix, but it's also insanely easy to make on the stovetop. Top each mug off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a hot fudge rim for the most decadent cocoa out there.

Get the Hot Chocolate Floats recipe.

The best way to enjoy s'mores in the winter? With boozy floats! This campfire-inspired float is a mix between hot chocolate and milkshakes, and we can't get enough.

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If you're all about the famous frozen hot chocolate but don't feel like making the trip all the way to New York City, we have the best solution right here. This frozen hot chocolate recipe is the easiest chocolatey dessert when you want something simple, fast, and still impressive.

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Everything you love about a Reese's, but in sippable, hot chocolate form. AKA, a peanut butter lover's dream.

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We don't know about you, but we crave pecan pie long after Thanksgiving ends. Our solution? We added all the flavors you know and love to this boozy, chilled hot chocolate.

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Even when the fall season is ends, we still can't get enough of pumpkin spice. From that enduring love, this pumpkin spice hot cocoa was born. It adds a boost of fall coziness to this winter classic.

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Upgrade your favorite hot drink with these customizable hot chocolate dippers. Feel free to top the dippers with whatever you please: marshmallows, crushed candy canes, peanut butter cups... the world is your oyster!

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Give this holiday favorite an island getaway vibe with toasted coconut and rum. Perfect for all year round, or when you need a tropical escape during those cold, cold winter days.

Get the Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate recipe.

If you can't get enough of the famous Butterbeer, why not combine it with classic hot chocolate for a sweet, butterscotch twist? We promise: It's actually kind of magical.

Get the Butterbeer Hot Cocoa recipe.

Most frozen hot chocolate recipes are kinda complicated and involve making a fudge sauce over a double-boiler. It's a lovely method, if you have time, but not completely necessary. Here, you just throw everything into the blender all at once!

Get the Bailey's Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe.

This cozy winter co*cktail will be the cherry on top of the entire winter season. Pair them with our chocolate-covered cherries for the sweetest, most decadent dessert spread to share.

Get the Chocolate-Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate recipe.

While classic hot chocolate is an eternal favorite, the addition of vodka is always welcome, however! This extra-rich and chocolatey hot cocoa has not only vodka, but also Baileys and Kahlúa. Safe to say it's our new favorite winter co*cktail.

Get the Boozy Death By Hot Cocoa recipe.