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23 Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try Before Winter Ends

A photo of Jeri Walker smiling in her kitchen while holding a cup of coffee, welcoming her readers to her website, Winding Creek Ranch.
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Winter nights were made for hot chocolate! Whether you're warming up after sledding, hosting a cozy movie night, or just craving something sweet, these homemade hot chocolate recipes take your favorite winter drink to new heights. From rich French-style drinking chocolate to fun peppermint twists, slow cooker versions perfect for parties to dairy-free options everyone can enjoy - we've gathered 23 delicious ways to enjoy this classic winter treat.

Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Finished hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.
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Skip the packets and make this hot chocolate from scratch! Your Instant Pot creates the most wonderful creamy drink in just minutes - perfect for warming up a crowd on chilly days.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Steaming dark hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a candy cane.
Image Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

Turn your favorite winter drink into something magical! Fresh peppermint and rich chocolate create the most wonderful combination that tastes like your favorite holiday candy in a mug.

Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate in a white mug topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.
Image Credit: Camp. Grill. Eat.

Get ready for the perfect balance of sweet and salty! This hot chocolate combines rich chocolate with buttery caramel and a touch of sea salt for an absolutely incredible flavor combination.

Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate

Dark hot chocolate in a clear mug with dark chocolate shavings on top.
Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living.

Take your hot chocolate to new depths with this recipe! Made with high-quality dark chocolate, this rich and intense drink is perfect for true chocolate lovers.

Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate

White Hot Chocolate

Creamy white hot chocolate topped with vanilla whipped cream and cinnamon, garnished with a candy cane.
Image Credit: Mommy Evolution.

Don't let dark chocolate have all the fun! This creamy white hot chocolate is wonderfully sweet and smooth - perfect for when you want something a little different.

Get the Recipe: White Hot Chocolate

Slow Cooker Nutella Hot Chocolate

Nutella hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and drizzled Nutella.
Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Why choose between hot chocolate and Nutella when you can have both? This combination creates the most incredible hazelnut-chocolate drink you've ever tasted.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nutella Hot Chocolate

Chai Hot Chocolate

Spiced hot chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a cinnamon stick.
Image Credit: Chocolates and Chai.

Bring together the best of both worlds with this amazing fusion! Warm chai spices add wonderful depth to classic hot chocolate for an absolutely unforgettable drink.

Get the Recipe: Chai Hot Chocolate

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate with peanut butter swirl and chocolate peanut butter cups on top.
Image Credit: Homemade in the Kitchen.

If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this drink is perfect! Rich hot chocolate gets even better with creamy peanut butter for an absolutely incredible cozy drink.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Strawberry Hot Chocolate

Pink-tinted hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows.
Image Credit: Home Cooked Harvest.

Bring spring flavors to your winter cocoa with this pink drink! Sweet strawberries and rich chocolate create an absolutely delightful combination.

Get the Recipe: Strawberry Hot Chocolate

Oreo Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate with crushed Oreos on top of whipped cream.
Image Credit: The Littlest Crumb.

Better than any coffee shop version, this homemade recipe uses real Oreos (cream filling and all!) to create a drink that every cookie lover dreams about.

Get the Recipe: Oreo Hot Chocolate

Spicy Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate dusted with cinnamon and cayenne and crushed dark chocolate.
Image Credit: A Latin Flair.

Add some heat to your sweet with this Mexican-inspired hot chocolate! A touch of cinnamon and cayenne creates the most wonderful, warm complexity.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Hot Chocolate

Mint Hot Chocolate

Green mint hot chocolate in a clear glass mug topped with whipped cream and mint chocolate candies.
Image Credit: Spaceships and Laserbeams.

Mint makes this cozy drink absolutely refreshing! It's like drinking your favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream in warm, comforting form.

Get the Recipe: Mint Hot Chocolate

Matcha White Hot Chocolate

Green matcha white hot chocolate with a dusting of matcha powder on mini marshmallows.
Image Credit: Our Love Language Is Food.

Give white hot chocolate a Japanese twist with this combination! Earthy matcha and sweet white chocolate create a unique, absolutely delicious drink.

Get the Recipe: Matcha White Hot Chocolate

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Velvety hot chocolate topped with swirls of whipped cream and mini marshmallows floating on top.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating.

Let your crock pot do all the work with this recipe! Rich chocolate slowly melts into warm milk, creating a delicious drink that stays hot all evening long - perfect for parties!

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

Creamy dairy-free hot chocolate made with coconut milk, topped with coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut.
Image Credit: Homemade in the Kitchen.

The hint of coconut adds something truly special that'll make you forget all about traditional hot cocoa!

Get the Recipe: Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate in a clear mug, topped with whipped cream and cherries.
Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Bring your favorite chocolate candy to life in drink form! Sweet cherries and rich chocolate create the most wonderful combination that's perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

Lemon Meringue White Hot Chocolate

Pale yellow hot chocolate with a toasted meringue topping that looks like a mini pie.
Image Credit: Flouring Kitchen.

Love lemon meringue pie? This drink brings those same wonderful flavors to your mug! Sweet white chocolate and bright lemon create the most fantastic combination, topped with toasted meringue for the perfect finishing touch.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue White Hot Chocolate

Protein Hot Chocolate

Rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa .
Image Credit: Carmy.

Who says hot chocolate can't be part of your healthy routine? This recipe adds protein powder to create a satisfying drink that tastes just like regular hot chocolate but keeps you fuller longer.

Get the Recipe: Protein Hot Chocolate

Healthier Hot Chocolate

Dark hot chocolate in a rustic ceramic mug.
Image Credit: Foodess.

Skip the sugary packets but keep all the chocolate goodness! Made with natural sweeteners and real cocoa, this hot chocolate proves that healthier choices can taste absolutely amazing.

Get the Recipe: Healthier Hot Chocolate

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Rich dark hot chocolate in a mug, topped with three large marshmallows.
Image Credit: World of Vegan.

Don't let dairy restrictions keep you from enjoying the perfect cup of cocoa! This recipe proves that dairy-free hot chocolate can be just as rich and creamy as the traditional version.

Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

4 Ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate

Simple homemade hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows, served in a classic white mug.
Image Credit: Living Chirpy.

Nothing beats the simplicity of this homemade hot chocolate! With just four basic ingredients - milk, cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon - you can create a cup of cocoa that puts store-bought packets to shame.

Get the Recipe: 4 Ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate

French Hot Chocolate

Thick, dark French hot chocolate served in a white mug, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder, looking rich and decadent.
Image Credit: Chili to Choc.

If you've ever dreamed of sipping hot chocolate at a cozy Parisian café, this recipe brings that magical experience to your kitchen!

Get the Recipe: French Hot Chocolate

Black Forest Hot Chocolate

Dark chocolate hot chocolate topped with pillowy whipped cream, a glossy cherry, and chocolate curls.
Image Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

This hot chocolate combines deep, rich chocolate with sweet cherries and a touch of vanilla for a drink that tastes like Black Forest cake in a mug.

Get the Recipe: Black Forest Hot Chocolate

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About Jeri Walker

Jeri Walker is a recipe developer, food photographer, and recipe writer. She creates easy, flavor-packed recipes for the smoker, air fryer, and busy home kitchens that are designed to work every time. Her recipes and grilling expertise have been featured on MSN, FoodTalk, The Kitchn, Trivet Recipes, and more. When she’s not testing new recipes, she’s usually behind the camera or planning what to cook next.

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