Chilly winters call for comforting home cooking, and it doesn’t get much cozier than a mug of homemade hot chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon treat or feeding a crowd, seasonal hot cocoa is just what you need to warm up.
You’re not limited to basic hot cocoa, either. Read on for our best hot chocolate recipes — plus, how to create your own flavor combinations and find a new seasonal favorite.
Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing cozier than a classic hot chocolate, and this coconut-infused version is the perfect ideal recipe for a traditional cup of cocoa. It’s simple to make — just heat the coconut milk, then stir in cocoa mix — but tastes irresistibly chocolatey and rich. Enjoy it on its own, or use it as the starting point for a custom creation.
Toasted Coconut White Hot Chocolate
This coconut-topped white hot chocolate is oh so pretty, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser this winter. A blend of white baking chocolate, cream, McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract and a double dose of coconut (McCormick Coconut Extract and toasted coconut) amp up the creaminess to make this a seriously luxurious treat.
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Hot Chocolate with Coconut Milk
Who says pumpkin spice season needs to end in fall? Bring pumpkin spice into winter with this seasoned hot chocolate. Warm cinnamon, ginger and cloves add depth to classic hot chocolate, while coconut milk adds richness. Our recipe calls for classic hot cocoa mix, but it’s just as delicious made with dark or white hot chocolate mix instead.
Slow Cooker Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Here it is — the ideal hot chocolate recipe for grownups. Red wine and chocolate have always been a delicious pairing, and combining them into hot chocolate puts a new twist on a cool weather classic. It’s half hot cocoa, half mulled wine, and 100% perfect for your holiday get togethers.
Almond Hot Chocolate
Speaking of classic flavor combinations, this delicious hot cocoa is inspired by chocolate-covered almonds. It couldn’t be easier to make: All you need is hot chocolate mix and your milk of choice, plus McCormick Pure Vanilla and Pure Almond Extracts. Serve it on its own, or with a dusting of cinnamon on top.
Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
It doesn’t get more delicious than chocolate and mint, and this candy cane-inspired hot chocolate will become a new holiday staple. It's both warming and refreshing, using Pure Peppermint Extract to add frosty mint flavor in an instant. Making this in the slow cooker makes it easy to serve a crowd. Feeling fancy? Garnish each mug with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Add extra sweetness with marshmallows
Hot chocolate is delicious on its own, but if you’re ready to take it to the next level, try topping your mug with a homemade marshmallow. These Very Vanilla Marshmallows work in any hot chocolate recipe, and they’re also delicious as a snack on their own.
If you’re craving more chocolate, try serving your hot chocolate topped with Cocoa Almond Marshmallows. They’re especially tasty on the coconut milk and almond hot chocolate recipes above.
Create your own hot chocolate flavors
Of course, home cooking is at its best when you let your creativity run wild. So try mixing and matching extracts to make your own custom hot chocolate. Adding Pure Orange Extract to hot chocolate tastes amazing during the holidays, with or without a drop of Maple Extract for extra warmth. Or add Imitation Rum Extract, plus a dash of cinnamon, for an eggnog-inspired drink.
