She Strengthens

Cozy Up with These 11 Creative Hot Cocoa Recipes

As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot cocoa to brighten up your day. But why settle for the same old routine when you can elevate your hot cocoa game with some creative twists?

Mint to Be

Add a refreshing spin to your hot cocoa by incorporating Andes Mints into the mix. Chop up a few mints, melt them into your cup, and finish it off with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprig of fresh mint, and a whole (unmelted) Andes mint on top. The perfect combination of creamy chocolate and refreshing mint flavor will leave you wanting more.

Spice Up Your Life

Cozy up with a cup of Chai Hot Cocoa, infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Simply steep a bag of chai tea in your milk of choice (almond milk works beautifully) and add it to your cocoa mix. Top with a generous helping of whipped cream and garnish with candied ginger pieces for a truly indulgent treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Rush

Give your hot cocoa a warm, fuzzy feeling with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Mix it in thoroughly to avoid any cinnamon challenges! For an extra-special treat, serve with cinnamon-infused whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

Heat Things Up

For those who like a little spice in their lives, add a pinch of cayenne or chile powder to your hot cocoa. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, top it off with Hot Tamales for an added kick.

Cookie Butter Bliss

Indulge in the rich, spiced flavors of cookie butter by adding a spoonful to your dark chocolate hot cocoa base. Serve with a Biscoff cookie for dipping and dunking to your heart’s content.

Nutella Obsession

This two-ingredient hot cocoa is a game-changer. Simply warm up a cup of milk, add a heaping spoonful of Nutella, and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Top with whipped cream and a Ferrero Rocher chocolate for the ultimate hazelnut-chocolate experience.

Espresso Shot

Need a caffeine boost with your hot cocoa? Add a shot of espresso to create a mocha-like drink without the expensive coffee shop trip.

Boozy Delights

Take your hot cocoa to the next level by adding a shot of spiced rum, Bailey’s Irish cream, or a splash of your favorite chocolate stout. Finish it off with a Pirouette chocolate-filled wafer as a straw for a truly decadent treat.

Maple Syrup Magic

Perfect for breakfast and brunch, adding maple syrup to your hot cocoa gives it a delightfully buttery, almost butterscotch-like flavor. Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream drizzled with even more maple syrup.

Dulce de Leche Decadence

Whip up this rich and indulgent dulce de leche hot cocoa by adding a spoonful of dulce de leche (or caramel sauce) to your milk and hot cocoa mix. Drizzle some more dulce de leche along the sides of your mug before pouring in your hot cocoa. Top with whipped cream and more caramel drizzle for a truly sinful treat.

Hot Cocoa Topping Bar

Create a toppings bar using your favorite classic hot cocoa or top off one of our extra-special hot cocoa hacks above! Anything goes – jumbo marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream, Pocky sticks, Oreos, and powdered sugar all make lovely toppers. Let your creative side run wild and get everyone involved in the fun!