Spread festive cheer this holiday season with this decadent Christmas hot chocolate recipe. Made from scratch, this rich and creamy cocoa delight will add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your seasonal gathering. Savor the spirit of Christmas in every warm sip!
It feels like a Christmas present every time I make this — a hot chocolate that’s incredibly simple but tastes downright indulgent. I love how quickly it comes together, yet feels special enough for Christmas morning (or any cold morning, really). Rich cocoa, creamy milk, and a touch of vanilla turn this into a cozy treat that both kids and adults get genuinely excited about.
This homemade hot chocolate is made entirely from pantry staples: unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor, granulated sugar to balance the bitterness, and whole milk for that classic, creamy texture. A splash of vanilla adds warmth, and if I’m feeling extra festive, I’ll finish mugs with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or even a little sparkle from holiday sprinkles. For grown-ups, turn it into spiked hot chocolate with a splash of peppermint Kahlua, Bailey’s, or chocolate liqueur.
Everything comes together in one pot on the stovetop in under ten minutes — smooth, rich, and perfectly cozy. It’s the kind of recipe that slips easily into tradition, especially once everyone realizes just how good something this easy can be.
Set up a Christmas hot cocoa bar
Hot chocolate and holiday joy go hand in hand, so setting up a hot chocolate bar is an easy way to make your Christmas gathering feel extra festive. It’s simple to pull together, fun for guests of all ages, and always sparks conversation. Here’s how to set one up:
- Supplies and décor: Start with a festive tablecloth, then add mugs, stirrers, napkins, and simple decorations. Little labels or signs for toppings and add-ins are a nice touch.
- Create a flow: Set mugs at one end, followed by the hot chocolate, then mix-ins and toppings. Finish with spoons and a clear spot for used cups to keep things tidy.
- Keep it warm: A slow cooker on the lowest setting is ideal for keeping the cocoa hot, with a ladle for easy serving.
- Mix-ins and flavors: Offer flavored syrups like peppermint, hazelnut, or vanilla, along with caramel sauce or cinnamon sticks.
- Toppings: Set out a variety of garnishes so everyone can customize their mug.
- Adult add-ins: Include a few liqueurs for grown-ups to spike their cocoa and toast to the season.
Christmas Hot Chocolate Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar (more to taste)
- ▢ 4 cups whole milk (see notes)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla
Christmas Hot Chocolate Add-Ins
- ▢ Peppermint Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chocolate liqueur, or Amaretto
Christmas Hot Chocolate Toppings
- ▢ Whipped cream, Christmas marshmallows , red and green sprinkles, and/or crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Add the cocoa powder and sugar to a small pot over medium heat. Add a splash of the milk and whisk until it dissolves. ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Add the remaining milk and the vanilla and bring it to a gentle simmer. 4 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Divide the hot chocolate into 4 mugs. If you’d like to spike the hot chocolate, add one ounce of one of the add-ins. Top with any of the Christmas hot chocolate toppings. Peppermint Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chocolate liqueur, or Amaretto, Whipped cream, Christmas marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, and/or crushed candy canes
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Christmas Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar , more to taste
- 4 cups whole milk , see notes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Christmas Hot Chocolate Add-Ins
- Peppermint Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chocolate liqueur, or Amaretto
Christmas Hot Chocolate Toppings
- Whipped cream, Christmas marshmallows , red and green sprinkles, and/or crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Add the cocoa powder and sugar to a small pot over medium heat. Add a splash of the milk and whisk until it dissolves. ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Add the remaining milk and the vanilla and bring it to a gentle simmer. 4 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Divide the hot chocolate into 4 mugs. If you’d like to spike the hot chocolate, add one ounce of one of the add-ins. Top with any of the Christmas hot chocolate toppings. Peppermint Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Chocolate liqueur, or Amaretto, Whipped cream, Christmas marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, and/or crushed candy canes
