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    Home » Recipes » Drink Recipes

    Christmas Hot Chocolate

    Published: Nov 25, 2023 by Kathleen Hansen · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    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.

    Christmas Hot Chocolate with whipped cream in a red mug

    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 (try these hot chocolate brownies or hot chocolate mug cake if you have hot cocoa mix lying around) 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.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐Why I Love It:
    • 🍫Ingredients and Equipment
    • 📖Substitutions and Variations
    • 🎅🏻Set Up a Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar!
    • 🔪Step By Step Instructions
    • 🍽Leftovers and Storage
    • 💭Recipe Tips
    • 👩‍🍳Recipe FAQs
    • 🎄Other Christmas Recipes
    • ☕️Related Drink Recipes...
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    ⭐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! Serve it alongside your favorite holiday cookies like brown butter sugar cookies or Christmas pretzels. Or even a small batch holiday cookie for just you like these Single Serve Ginger Molasses Cookies!

    🍫Ingredients and Equipment

    chopped dark chocolate in a bowl
    • 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. Also try making this copycat Starbucks White Hot Chocolate recipe.
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Kosher Salt - Adding a pinch of salt really helps balance the flavor, I promise!
    • 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.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    📖Substitutions and 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
    • 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!
    • 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.
    hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings in a mug

    🎅🏻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

    🔪Step By Step Instructions

    Making homemade Christmas Hot Cocoa is easy! Just add all of the ingredients to a pot and bring to a gentle simmer.

    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!
    milk and chopped chocolate in a pot
    finished homemade hot chocolate in a pot

    🍽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. If you choose to reheat in the microwave, I recommend reheating in 30 second increments and stirring in between.

    💭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.

    👩‍🍳Recipe FAQs

    What goes with hot chocolate at Christmas?

    I love to pair Hot Chocolate with a variety of Christmas Cookies - especially sweets that aren't chocolate based like sugar cookies, peppermint cookies, etc.

    Is hot chocolate a Christmas tradition?

    For many families, hot chocolate is a Christmas tradition! And in some countries, like Peru, it is a very common tradition.

    How do you set up a hot chocolate bar for Christmas?

    The key to a great hot chocolate bar is to have lots of options for toppings and mix-ins. You can either arrange them in small bowls near the pot of hot cocoa or arrange them on a board in a pretty presentation. See above in the blog post for ideas of things to include!

    🎄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. 
    • 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!
    hand holding mug of Christmas Hot Chocolate

    ☕️Related Drink Recipes...

    • vegan banana pineapple smoothie in a glass
      Vegan Banana Pineapple Smoothie
    • raspberry tequila cooler cocktails with basil
      Raspberry Tequila Cooler
    • mango orange smoothie with chia seeds
      Mango Orange Smoothie
    • blueberry smoothie in a glass
      Blueberry Almond Smoothie

    Those ads on the page? A portion of all ad revenue is being donated to Warrior Dog Rescue. A MN-based dog rescue that I foster and volunteer with.

    Print

    Recipe

    Christmas Hot Chocolate

    homemade hot chocolate in a red Christmas mug
    Print Recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 3 reviews

    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.

    • Author: Kathleen
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 8-10 servings
    • Category: Drinks
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    • 6 cups whole milk
    • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
    • 12 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, a bar finely chopped or chips
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Whipped Cream, Marshmallows, and Other Toppings

    Instructions

    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!

    Notes

    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!

    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

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cup
    • Calories: 432
    • Sugar: 56 g
    • Sodium: 192.9 mg
    • Fat: 19.2 g
    • Carbohydrates: 58 g
    • Fiber: 2.4 g
    • Protein: 11.3 g
    • Cholesterol: 32.8 mg

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    Comments

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    1. Connie F Porter says

      December 14, 2022 at 4:34 am

      Can this be made in a crockpot?
      If so, how long and on what setting?

      Reply
      • Kathleen says

        December 17, 2022 at 6:02 pm

        Hi Connie! It can be made in the crockpot! You can see further details in the 'variations' section of the blog post, but it should take 2-3 hours on LOW (time will vary depending on your slow cooker).

        Reply
    2. Kelsey says

      December 12, 2022 at 8:45 pm

      This was the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had! It tasted just like the hot chocolate I had in Paris! Rich and absolutely perfect. I had mine with homemade whipped cream on top. I will be making this again soon!

      Reply
      • Kathleen says

        December 13, 2022 at 5:26 pm

        Glad you loved it!

        Reply
    3. Robin Hansen says

      December 07, 2022 at 8:38 pm

      Simply put—there aren’t enough adjectives to describe this decadent hot cocoa! I had to force myself to drink it slowly to enjoy every moment! The absolute best cocoa I’ve ever tasted!!!

      Reply
      • Kathleen says

        December 09, 2022 at 10:14 pm

        Yay! It definitely is decadent - glad you loved it!

        Reply
    4. Matt says

      December 07, 2022 at 8:26 pm

      This incredibly decadent hot chocolate recipe is amazing! It reminded me of the iconic hot chocolate at Angelina in Paris. It’s like a velvety smooth melted chocolate bar in a cup. Pairs well with a Christmas movie!

      Reply
      • Kathleen says

        December 07, 2022 at 8:27 pm

        Love the comparison!! Thank you!

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Kathleen and welcome! My favorite place to be has always been in the kitchen and I love creating recipes that are easy and approachable. Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions!

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