Winter is here, and for me, that means it’s time for warm, comforting drinks. If you love a good hot chocolate recipe as much as I do, you’re in for a treat today. I’ve put together two of my favorite hot chocolate ideas to help you stay cozy and happy.
These drinks are simple to make and perfect for chilly days or sharing with friends and family. Get ready to stir up some warmth!
Jump to Recipe:
Cinnamon Bun White Hot Chocolate Recipe
Imagine your favorite warm cinnamon bun, but in a mug! This creamy white hot chocolate drink is sweet, spiced, and incredibly comforting. It’s a perfect cozy treat for any cold day.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cinnamon Bun Hot Chocolate
- White Chocolate Quality: Using good quality white chocolate chips or a chopped white chocolate bar makes a big difference in how creamy and rich your drink will be.
- Cinnamon Swirl Topping: A simple mix of cinnamon and a little brown sugar sprinkled on top of whipped cream really brings out that cinnamon bun taste.
What You Need for This Drink
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz good quality white chocolate chips or chopped bar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, to taste
- Whipped cream, for serving
⏱️ Time: 10 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Cinnamon Bun Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Warm the Liquids
Pour the milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture is warm and just starts to steam. Do not let it boil.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Reduce the heat to low. Add the white chocolate chips to the warm milk mixture. Stir continuously with a whisk until all the white chocolate has fully melted and the drink is smooth.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Taste and add more brown sugar if you like it sweeter. Continue to heat gently for another minute, stirring, until everything is well mixed and warm.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra ground cinnamon or a pinch of cinnamon sugar. Enjoy immediately!
📝 Final Note
This drink is best served hot right after you make it to enjoy all the warm flavors. If you have any leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for a day and reheat gently on the stove.
Festive Christmas Hot Chocolate Drink
Bring the festive spirit to your mug with this special Christmas hot chocolate. It’s rich, deeply chocolatey, and feels like a warm hug. This drink is perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Christmas Hot Chocolate
- Deep Cocoa Flavor: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a strong, authentic chocolate flavor. This helps balance the sweetness from other ingredients.
- Festive Garnish: Adding a candy cane to each mug for stirring gives a lovely peppermint note and looks super festive for the holidays.
What You Need for This Holiday Drink
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 oz dark chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes for topping
⏱️ Time: 12 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Christmas Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. This helps to break up any lumps and ensures a smooth drink.
Step 2: Add Milk and Heat
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to combine it with the cocoa mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring often, until it is hot and steaming. Do not let it boil.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate
Once the milk is hot, add the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips. Continue to stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and rich.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the Christmas hot chocolate into mugs and add your favorite toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a festive candy cane.
📝 Final Note
You can make a bigger batch of this hot chocolate for a party. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.