13 Hot Chocolate Recipes That Will Change the Way You Feel About Winter

by Justina Huddleston
Dec 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm EST

Dec 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm EST

Hot chocolate with marsmallow candies; Shutterstock — Image: Soloviova Liudmyl/Shutterstock.

Other than shopping for presents, decorating the tree, and enjoying that first snowfall, nothing makes it feel more like the cheery winter season than sipping on a warm mug of creamy, sweet hot chocolate.

We’re not talking the powdered stuff from a packet, either. Making hot chocolate from scratch is surprisingly easy, and you’ll definitely want to whip up a batch to pair with your favorite traditional holiday cookies.

Making it from scratch also means you can play with the flavors a bit. Add a dash of cinnamon, or a bar of melted white chocolate; stir in some espresso and peppermint, or keep things classic. Either way you’ll have something in your mug that will warm you through and through and put a smile on your face. Just don’t forget the whipped cream.

Image: Inquiring Chef.

This silky hot chocolate is made with melted chocolate bars for an epic boost of cocoa flavor, and it’s sweetened with brown sugar.

Get the recipe from Inquiring Chef.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: Ginger With Spice.

Save yourself the trip to Starbucks and learn how to make your own rich peppermint mocha at home. It’s best to use strong coffee when making this delectable treat.

Get the recipe from Ginger With Spice.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: The Banana Diaries.

This recipe uses non-dairy milk, pea protein, and paleo chocolate for a soothing sip. Perfect for people who are dairy-free or trying out Whole30.

Get the recipe from The Banana Diaries.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: Krazy Kitchen Mom.

Chai spices make this hot chocolate taste like more than it seems at first glance. The warm spices used in this brew are exactly what you need to warm up on a chilly night.

Get the recipe from Krazy Kitchen Mom.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: Mom Needs Chocolate.

This hot chocolate tastes like a slice of homemade pumpkin pie was melted into it, and the addition of white chocolate makes it extra creamy.

Get the recipe from Mom Needs Chocolate.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: The Natural Nurturer.

You wouldn’t believe it, but this hot chocolate has a few leaves of spinach blended into it. Totally counts as a veggie, right?

Get the recipe from The Natural Nurturer.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Slow Cooker Condensed Milk Hot Chocolate

Image: Sugar and Soul.

Two types of chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream make this a celebration-worthy drink. Because it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s also great for big crowds.

Get the recipe from Sugar and Soul.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: 5 Star Cookies.

Melt hazelnut truffles into milk and heavy cream for a decadent, dessert-like drink. Now you finally know what to do with all those candies sitting in your desk drawer.

Get the recipe from 5 Star Cookies.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: Fig and Olive Platter.

Spike your hot chocolate with maple syrup, cinnamon, and cloves to give it a warming vibe.

Get the recipe from Fig and Olive Platter.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: Gathered At My Table.

Put a floral twist on your evening treat by adding a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender. The delicate flavor will give you subtle warm-weather vibes.

Get the recipe from Gathered At My Table.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l

Image: KJ & Company.

If the kitchen gets too hot, make yourself a frozen cocoa treat instead. This one is actually a malt that will totally make you forget about snow and feel like you’re downing a chocolate shake on a warm summer day.

Get the recipe from KJ & Company.

https://recirculation.spot.im/spot/sp_p7iXOO8l