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When it is chilly outside, homemade hot chocolate is one of the easiest ways to warm up. These recipes use simple ingredients, no mix from a packet and most are ready on the stove in minutes. One of them lives in the slow cooker and quietly cooks until you are ready to pour.
There are classic chocolate versions, spiced twists, dairy free options and a few boozy mugs for adults. Make one for a quiet evening at home, bring out a big pot for family movie night or holiday gatherings or turn a few of these into a small hot chocolate bar with toppings so everyone can finish their mug the way they like it.
What kind of hot chocolate recipes will you find here?
Slow cooker hot chocolate for a crowd
Flavored hot chocolate with peanut butter or dulce de leche
Dairy free hot cocoa with almond milk
Christmas spiced and boozy hot chocolate for adults
Pick the one that fits your mood today or save the list for the colder months.
This 3-ingredient slow cooker hot chocolate is great when you are serving more than a couple of mugs. Milk, chocolate chips and cocoa go straight into the slow cooker, then you let it cook on low heat until everything melts into a smooth drink.Keep it on the warm setting, set out bowls with toppings and let everyone adjust their mug with extra whipped cream, marshmallows or syrup. It works very well for a hot chocolate bar, kids parties or winter gatherings.
If you have never tried peanut butter in hot chocolate, start here. This version gives you a rich drink with a nutty flavor that feels like dessert in a mug. It is quick to make on the stove and a good change from regular hot cocoa.
Dulce de leche melts straight into the milk and cocoa and turns a basic hot chocolate into a caramel style drink. It is sweet, smooth and very cozy. No dulce de leche in the pantry? Use a good caramel sauce and you still get that caramel note.
Turmeric gives this hot drink a warm golden color and gentle spice. It is a fun twist on classic hot chocolate, especially on cold evenings. You can adjust the amount of spice and sweetness so it suits your taste.
This almond milk hot cocoa is made without regular milk, so it is a good option for anyone who prefers dairy free or vegan drinks. You only need a few ingredients and a few minutes on the stove. The result is a smooth mug of cocoa that still feels like a treat.
Boozy hot chocolate recipes for adults
These are the recipes to bring out once the kids have gone to bed or when you want something a little stronger for guests.
Italian lemon liqueur gives this hot chocolate a light citrus twist that works surprisingly well with chocolate. It comes together easily and feels a bit special, so it is a nice choice for holiday dinners and winter evenings with friends.
Here you start with a rich hot chocolate and finish it with a splash of rum. Extra chocolate makes the drink thicker and creamier. You can adjust the amount of rum and serve it in smaller mugs if you like.
Baileys and chocolate are a classic match. This recipe gives you a smooth drink with that familiar Irish cream flavor. It is an easy way to turn regular hot chocolate into more of a dessert style drink for grown ups.
Christmas spices, cocoa and milk come together in this gingerbread hot chocolate. The spices give the drink gingerbread cookie flavor and make the kitchen smell like Christmas. It is an easy drink to serve during the holidays and a nice alternative to mulled wine.
What can I add to hot chocolate?
Toppings:
Marshmallows
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips
Crushed candy canes or other candies
Sprinkles
Caramel drizzle
Stir ins:
Maple syrup or honey
Caramel, chocolate or gingerbread syrup
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Liqueurs such as Baileys, rum or limoncello
Set everything out in small bowls and let everyone mix and match until they find their favorite mug.
Is hot chocolate better with milk or water?
For these recipes I like using milk. It gives hot chocolate a fuller flavor and a creamier texture, especially for the slow cooker version and the richer drinks.
You can use water if you prefer a lighter drink or if that is what you have on hand. Plant based milk drinks such as almond, soy or coconut also work well and are handy when you need a dairy free option.
