25 Hot Chocolate Recipes
Updated on March 13, 2023
With winter right around the corner, chilly temperatures and snow flurries are on their way… so it’s time to start thinking about warm drinks – hot chocolate, of course! There are infinite variations on the classic, and today we’re sharing 25 of our very favorites with you.
1. World’s Best Basic Hot Chocolate
Let’s start with the classic recipe for hot chocolate. This one includes cocoa powder, sugar, salt, water, milk and vanilla. Most hot chocolate recipes are variations of this combination of ingredients (some with fun extras, of course!). Get this basic recipe here.
2. Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Entertaining for a crowd? Then this crock pot version of the classic may be the perfect recipe for you. It will serve a ton of people (even if they want seconds!) and it will stay warm over a long period of time. Head over to No Biggie to get the simple recipe.
3. French Hot Chocolate
Do like the French do, with this decadent, thick dark chocolate-y treat. It is a bit different from traditional American hot chocolate in that it is made with espresso powder, whole milk and heavy cream. Make your way over to Well Plated to check out the recipe.
4. Nutella Hot Chocolate
This variation on the classic is made with Nutella, the delicious hazelnut spread that originated in Europe. The hazelnut flavor adds a richness to an otherwise not-so-unhealthy recipe. Make your way over to Cafe Delites to check out the recipe and more yummy-looking images.
5. Cookies ‘n Cream Hot Chocolate
If you’re a fan of Oreo cookies, then you’re sure to love this sweet treat. The hot chocolate itself is made with a K-cup for the Keurig, which is then beefed up with condensed milk, whipped cream, and – you guessed it – Oreo cookies. Head on over to Gal On A Mission to check it out.
6. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
For a unique twist, this recipe uses a spoonful of peanut butter to give the classic recipe some serious pizzazz. Then it is topped with peanut butter chips and chocolate chips as a delicious garnish. Make your way over to Crunchy Creamy Sweet to see the recipe.
7. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
If you love red velvet cake, then you’re sure to enjoy this fun red velvet hot chocolate recipe. The hot chocolate part is made similarly to traditional hot chocolate, but there is a delicious cream cheese whipped topping. Check out the full recipe over at Tidy Mom.
8. Butterbeer Hot Chocolate
If there are any Harry Potter fans out there, you’re going to love this one. This “butterbeer” hot chocolate is made with butterscotch and also actual butter for some serious richness. Make your way over to Bakingdom to see this deliciously unique recipe.
9. Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate
During the fall, pumpkin flavor seems to be everywhere – in pies, Starbucks lattes, and now even hot chocolate. This creamy recipe is for a unique white hot chocolate, with a subtle hint of pumpkin flavoring. Head on over to Wholefully to check out the recipe.
10. Raspberry Hot Chocolate
For a fruity twist, combine raspberry flavor with white hot chocolate for this unusual, delectable liquid treat. This is made with real raspberries, combined with white chocolate and a few other ingredients. Head on over to Sugar Hero to check out the recipe.
11. Birthday Cake Hot Chocolate
Give the birthday girl or boy a special treat on their special day – a fun birthday cake version of hot chocolate! It is made with white chocolate, milk, vanilla and a couple of other easy-to-find ingredients. Head on over to PopSugar to check out the recipe and watch the video.
12. Frozen Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
And if hot chocolate isn’t your thing, give frozen chocolate a try! This one is made with peanut butter and garnished with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Yum! Make your way over to Chocolate Moosey to check out the recipe and to see some tips and tricks.
13. London Fog Hot Chocolate
This interesting recipe includes maple syrup, adding a fun twist to the classic. The maple syrup makes an appearance in both the hot chocolate itself, as well as the whipped topping. Head on over to The Kitchen McCabe to check out all the details.
14. Slow Cooker Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Here’s another great slow cooker recipe, perfect for those lazy winter afternoons when you have lots of guests coming in and out wanting something warm to drink. The caramel is melted in and slow cooked, while the salt is added at the end. Check out the recipe here.
15. Caramel Marshmallow Hot Chocolate
This amazingly gooey, sweet dessert-style hot chocolate is a simple recipe made with instant hot chocolate, marshmallow fluff and caramel topping. So it won’t take you long to whip up! Head on over to Will Cook For Smiles to check out the simple recipe.
16. Mayan Hot Chocolate
This delicious recipe is made with some very unique ingredients, including butternut squash! It is a spice filled mixture perfect for fall, flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Head over to Rancho La Puerto to check out the recipe for this one.
17. Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate
If you’re a fan of alternative types of milk, then you’ll love this fun hot chocolate recipe made with coconut milk. Cocoa powder, sugar and cinnamon finish out the ingredients list. Head on over to She Wears Many Hats to check out all the details.
18. Spooky Green Hot Chocolate
If you’re on the hunt for a fun drink for Halloween, give this spooky green hot chocolate a try. It is made with green candy melts and white hot chocolate mix. Top it off with bone-shaped sprinkles, and you’re all set for Halloween! Head over here to see the recipe.
19. Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
This next one has a delicious gingerbread flavor, thanks to a yummy gingerbread syrup. And the only other ingredients are cocoa powder, sugar and milk – making it an incredibly easy recipe! Head on over to Hot Beauty Health to check out the recipe.
20. Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Believe it or not, this hot chocolate includes red wine! The recipe author says that the wine adds richness to the hot chocolate, so much so that it is better sipped than gulped. Head on over to Imma Eat That to check out all the details of this unique recipe.
21. Peppermint Oreo Frozen Hot Chocolate
Here’s another frozen hot chocolate recipe, for those of you who perhaps live in a warmer climate. This delicious concoction includes International Delight hot chocolate, Oreo cookies and candy canes. Make your way over to Mother’s Niche to see the recipe.
22. Cinnamon Hot Cocoa
This is a great recipe which combines traditional hot cocoa with the perfect winter spice – cinnamon. It is incorporated into the chocolate mixture itself, and dusted on top as a garnish of sorts. Head on over to See Mom Click to check out all the yummy details.
23. 42-Calorie Almond Milk Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for a more healthy version of the classic, give this “skinny” version a try using almond milk. It also uses cocoa powder, vanilla and a couple of other ingredients. Head on over to Veggie Quest to find out how to make this one yourself.
24. Extra-Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
This incredibly thick hot chocolate is done like the Italians do, with dark chocolate, milk, sugar and a bit of cornstarch to give it that incredibly lush, thick texture. And a bit of cinnamon and sea salt add some spice. Head on over to 12 Tomatoes to see the recipe.
25. Spicy Hot Chocolate
And if you’re a fan of a bit of heat (and we’re not talking about temperature!), then you’ll probably love this spicy hot chocolate recipe. It is made similarly to traditional hot chocolate, but chili powder is added for some serious zing. Check out the recipe here.