6 Hot Chocolate Recipes To Try This Winter

Cozy season is here, and while you soak in the festivities and count down to the end of the year, your drink of choice is what we’re here to talk about.

Hot chocolate is a treat that’s perfect for the weather. Whether you like it decadent and thick or milky and frothy, there’s a personal favorite hot chocolate rendition for everyone.

We’re taking you through 6 inventive versions of this cold-weather specialty right here! Take a look at them all or skip ahead to how you like your hot chocolate to find the best one for you.

This Real French Hot Chocolate is a whole experience in a cup. The “proper” way to try this hot chocolate is with some sparkling water and a spoonful of whipped cream. Dip a spoon of whipped cream into this cup of hot chocolate to enjoy, and then cleanse your palate between each spoon with a sip of sparkling water.

It tastes as decadent as it sounds. All you need to do is heat the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract over medium heat without letting the mixture boil. Then whisk in the chocolate, top with whipped cream, and serve!

What you’ll need:

1 cup of whole milk

1/2 cup of heavy cream

8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cacao)

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Get started with the full recipe, here.

If you want to try different textures in your hot chocolate, then our Whipped Hot Chocolate may be the perfect recipe for you. This airy whipped topping is a twist on the traditional hot chocolate that’s easy to make and enjoy.

How do you make it? Just beat heavy cream, hot cocoa mix, and powdered sugar together. Move this mixture into a large Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off if you want to nail the presentation of this drink. Fill your mug (or mugs) three-quarters of the way with warm milk, and pipe the whipped mixture onto your milk. Then serve! You or the lucky guests you’re treating to this hot chocolate can opt to stir the whipped chocolate into the milk before they enjoy it.

You’ll need:

1 cup of instant hot cocoa mix

1/2  cup of powdered sugar

2 cups of heavy cream

4 cups of milk

Take a look at the full recipe, here.

This fragrant Rose Hot Chocolate may be a combination you’ve never thought of, but once you’ve tried it you’ll wonder why you never thought of it yourself. It has a gentle sweetness that’s unique to this hot chocolate thanks to the rose water you need for this recipe.

As always, this recipe may seem complex but it’s easy to make. Just mix cocoa and sugar in a mug, then add milk and create a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk and mix it in well before transferring the mixture into a pan and adding your rose water. Once steam starts rising from your pan, this hot chocolate is ready to be served.

This recipe calls for:

3 tablespoons of cocoa powder

2 teaspoons of sugar (dark muscovado sugar)

4 tablespoons of plant-based milk (oat milk)

2 cups of plant milk

6 teaspoons of rose water

Get cooking with the full method, here.

We love unexpected combinations, and this Cheesecake Hot Chocolate recipe is the definition of unique pairings that just work. It goes without saying that this recipe is a dream come true for lovers of hot chocolate and cheesecake. If you’re craving dessert without the hassle of baking, this hot chocolate can itch your scratch.

You’ll be shocked by how easy this recipe is to make. It only takes 3 steps. Warm up your milk in a saucepan, then whisk in the vanilla and cream cheese, followed by the white chocolate. When you’re dishing this out, dress it up with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. If you find your mixture becoming lumpy, a blender can help you smooth it right out.

You’ll need:

1 cup of milk

1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 ounces of white chocolate

2 ounces of cream cheese

Graham cracker crumbs

Whipped cream (for garnish)

Enjoy this warm cup with the full recipe, here.

If you can’t pick between a hot chocolate treat or a cocktail, this one’s for you. This Dark Hot Chocolate with Amaretto is a nutty, chocolatey mix with a boozy kick that’s difficult to resist. Not a fan of alcohol? Feel free to skip the amaretto, or substitute it with an amaretto extract for all the flavor with none of the booze.

Whisk this up on wintry nights by heating the milk, dark chocolate, sugar, and vanilla together. Take it off the heat and stir in the amaretto, and you’re done! Serve it up with whipped cream, almonds, and a generous serving of chocolate sauce if you have a sweet tooth.

This recipe needs:

1 cup of milk

2/3 cup of dark chocolate chips

2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 ounce of amaretto

Whipped cream (for garnish)

1-2 tablespoons of sliced almonds (for garnish)

Chocolate sauce (for garnish)

Get started by checking out the full method, here.

If you want to put a twist on the traditional hot chocolate with an activity that the whole family can enjoy, then turn right to this Hot Chocolate on a Stick recipe. If you’re preparing for an event, this recipe can be stored for a week at room temperature and even longer when refrigerated or frozen!

All you need to do is whisk the heavy cream and condensed milk together, before placing it over medium heat. Once your mixture reaches a simmer, pour it over your chocolate and whisk until you get a nice smooth texture. Pour the mixture into your pre-prepared pan lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Once this block has set, slice it into even squares and skewer each square with a popsicle stick. You can eat it by itself, or dissolve it into hot milk for a creamy hot chocolate that’s perfect for cold days.

To get started, you’ll need:

1/2 cup of heavy cream

1 can or 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk

3 cups or 18 ounces of semisweet chocolate/chocolate chips

3/4 cup or 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate

25 lollipop sticks

Start with the full recipe, here.

Craving hot chocolate now? Don’t forget to tell us which recipe you’re trying in the comments below. Enjoy everyone!