Christmas Hot Chocolate

This Christmas Hot Chocolate is easily made on the stovetop and is super rich, decadent, and creamy. Making homemade hot chocolate for Christmas is such a fun holiday tradition. Your family can each top their own mug with their favorite toppings.

This recipe is VERY rich and creamy. It's kind of halfway between the regular hot chocolate you may be used to from a mix and the very decadent European Sipping Chocolate. I recommend making the recipe as written, but you can always add a little more milk to make it slightly less rich.

Why I Love It:

• Decadent - This is NOT your average hot cocoa made from mix. It is rich, creamy, and indulgent.
• Easy Ingredients - You only need 4 easy-to-find ingredients (plus salt) to make a batch.
• Simple To Make - Just add it all to one pot and bring to a simmer until the chocolate is melted and it's all combined.
• Fun Holiday Tradition - If you've never made homemade hot chocolate for Christmas, this is your sign to start!

Ingredients

• Whole Milk - You can swap in a low fat milk, but using whole milk makes it super decadent and rich
• Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk - This serves as the 'sweetener' for the hot chocolate instead of using granulated sugar and it makes the texture thicker and creamier.
• Bittersweet or Semisweet Chocolate Bar or Chips - Using a dark chocolate is my favorite to make it extra chocolatey. I like to buy a bar and chop it up as it melts easier, but you can swap in chocolate chips.
• Vanilla Extract
• Kosher Salt - Adding a pinch of salt really helps balance the flavor, I promise!

How To Make Christmas Hot Chocolate

1. Add Ingredients to Pot - Add all of the ingredients to a medium pot.
2. Bring to Gentle Simmer - Turn the heat on a low-medium and stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a very gentle simmer, the chocolate is melted, and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy. It will thicken up a little as it simmers, but do not let it get close to a boil or the mixture could scorch.
3. Serve - When ready to serve, either remove from heat or turn the heat way down to keep warm. Spoon into mugs and serve with the toppings or mix-ins of choice. Enjoy!

Set Up a Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar!

For a fun way to serve, set up a hot cocoa bar! Put out lots of toppings and mix-in options for everyone to customize their own mug!

• Whipped Cream - Either a can of aerosol whipped cream or a tub of whipped topping
• Shaved Chocolate
• Crushed Peppermint Candies
• Chocolate Syrup or Caramel Sauce - For guests to drizzle over the top (especially over the whipped cream)
• Bailey's or Peppermint Schnapps
• Mini Marshmallows

Substitutions

• Other Milk - I like to use regular whole milk so that it is richer, but you can swap in 2% milk if you want it to be lighter.
• Chocolate Chips - You can make homemade hot chocolate with chocolate chips! While I prefer using a bar of chocolate or baking wafers because it melts easier, in a pinch you can swap in chips!

Variations

• Slow Cooker - If you prefer to make Crockpot Hot Chocolate instead of on the stovetop, you can just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on Low for 2-3 hours. Give it a stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted and the hot chocolate is warmed and smooth
• Espresso Powder - Try adding a teaspoon or two of espresso powder to give it a mocha-like flavor!
• Spicy Hot Chocolate - Want to make a Mexican Hot Chocolate? Add a little ground cayenne pepper!
• Peppermint - A small splash of peppermint extract is another fun holiday spin. You can also garnish the mugs with crushed peppermint candies.
• Boozy Hot Chocolate - For an adults only Christmas Hot Cocoa, add some Bailey's, Peppermint Schnapps, or Kahlua (to taste) to the whole pot or add splashes to each mug.

Equipment

Medium Pot - I used a 4qt dutch oven. You can use any pot that is large enough to fit all of the liquid and chocolate. You don't need a lid.

Leftovers and Storage

Although I recommend making the batch right before serving, you can store leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in a pot on the stove until warmed.

Recipe Tips

• Simmer, do not boil - It's very important to use only medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and not boil it. You don't want to scorch the milk or chocolate.
• Chop up the Chocolate Finely - If you want the chocolate to melt faster and incorporate into the milk, then it's best to finely chop up the chocolate.
• Additional Milk - As written, this recipe is super decadent and indulgent which I LOVE! If you want it less rich for yourself or your kids, you can easily add a little more milk to thin it out slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Christmas Recipes

• Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board - Use a variety of cheese, meat, and fruit and arrange in the shape of a Christmas tree.
• Nutella Puff Pastry Tree - Make an easy Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with just THREE ingredients – store-bought puff pastry, Nutella, and an egg for the egg wash! Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. 
• Christmas Cranberry Gin Cocktail - This Christmas Gin drink is a spin on the classic Gin and Tonic with the addition of cranberry.
• Dessert 'Charcuterie' Board - Use a variety of cookies and treats (store-bought or homemade!) and arrange on a board of your choice. It’s easy to put together and the presentation will be sure to impress your guests!

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