Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes

If you’re looking for twist on traditional hot chocolate, here are a few suggested variations of the winter time favorite.

Here at Strawberries.com we’re all about the strawberries, but we’re also all about chocolate! As we settle into the long stretch of the cold winter months, there’s nothing we enjoy more than curling up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. What’s great about hot chocolate is that it’s so easy to make. Hot cocoa mix and hot water or milk is really all you need! But if you’re looking to step up your hot chocolate game this season, here are a few suggested variations of the winter time favorite:

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
This one’s super easy. If you love peanut butter cups, this is the treat for you.
Ingredients:

  • Hot cocoa mix
  • 2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter

Directions:

  1. Prepare the hot cocoa mix as directed.
  2. Add a few teaspoons of creamy peanut butter, and stir!
     

Mexican Hot Chocolate
If you like things that are “hot” and have some kick, this recipe is worth trying.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch chili powder
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¾ cup boiling water

Directions:

  1. In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder.
  2. Pour in the milk.
  3. Add the boiling water and stir.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com.

Snow Flake Cocoa
If you love white chocolate, this is the recipe for you.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 6 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 (12 oz.) package white chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream
  • Candy canes

Directions:

  1. Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and white chocolate chips in a slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving.
  3. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes, as desired.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com.

If you’re a part of the 21+ crowd, hot chocolate also makes an excellent addition to a winter cocktail. Here are a few yummy ideas:

Chocolate Kiss
This is the perfect spiked treat for chocolate and coffee lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
  • Hot chocolate
  • Whipped cream and a Hershey’s Kiss for garnish

Directions:

  1. Pour the liqueurs into a mug or Irish coffee glass.
  2. Fill with hot chocolate.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Top with whipped cream and a Hershey’s Kiss.

Recipe adapted from About Food.

Salted Butterscotch Hot Chocolate
This one’s a little more complicated- but well worth the effort! This makes an excellent winter party treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces Scotch, divided
  • kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream

Directions:

  1. Heat sugar in a small saucepan over medium high heat, swirling gently as it melts until a golden caramel color is reached. Pour in 2 ounces scotch and heavy cream. Whisk until homogenous. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. Pour caramel into a bowl and set aside.
  2. In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with another pinch of salt. Stir in milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat until, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture. Whisk in caramel, saving a couple teaspoons for garnish. Add remaining 4 ounces Scotch.
  3. Pour hot cocoa into mugs, top with whipped cream, and swirl with reserved caramel sauce. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Serious Eats