A warm cup of Hot Chocolate, on a rustic white-washed timber table top, with a jar of cacao on the side.
Winter and hot cocoa go hand in hand. After all, there’s nothing more warming than a steaming, sweet mug of chocolaty goodness after time spent in the bitter cold.
But did you know there are more ways to use your favorite hot cocoa mix other than simply stirring it with milk? We’ll show you our favorite recipes using hot chocolate mix.
Want the ultimate indulgence after a day of sledding? Try Hot Chocolate Cookies with hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits baked right into each bite. They taste amazing dunked into—you guessed it!—more hot cocoa.
2. Mix Into a Milkshake
Give a plain ol’ milkshake an extra-sweet twist by adding a packet or two of hot cocoa. We suggest opting for a mix without marshmallows to keep a smooth consistency. But don’t worry—you can always add a few on top! Learn how to make the perfect milkshake.
3. Add to Cupcake Batter
If your little ones have a knack for baking, our Kid-Made Cocoa Cupcakes recipe is a must-try. It features a rich, cocoa flavor and pairs well with almost any type of frosting. (Although we’re pretty partial to a big dollop of whipped cream!)
4. Whip! Whip! Whip!
Have you tried the whipped coffee trend? Take it to the next level by making whipped hot chocolate! You’ll need hot cocoa mix, hot water and heavy cream—plus a strong arm. Beat in a bowl until the mixture is nice and thick, then float on top of milk. Find more whipped drink ideas here.
5. Create a Coffee Shop Copycat
Instead of heading to your local cafe and forking over $5 for a drink, make a fancy beverage at home. This Mocha Mint Coffee combines hot cocoa mix, dulce de leche, sugar, coffee and peppermint chips for an indulgent pick-me-up. Bonus: You just add the ingredients to a slow cooker and it takes care of the rest.
6. Indulge in Hot Cocoa Pancakes
Start your day the right way—with hot cocoa pancakes! Simply add a few packets of mix to your favorite pancake batter and cook on the griddle. Serve with mini marshmallows, of course.
Warm Up With These Hot Chocolate Recipes
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Steaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
This is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Vanilla beans and a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico lend a sophisticated flavor to this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert. —Michael Compean, Fountain Hills, Arizona
With or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin
My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
You need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. It's smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for cozy winter days. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, IN
This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
When we want a cup of hot chocolate, we prefer homemade over store mixes. A splash of Kahlúa adds a touch of fabulous. —Chung-Ah Rhee, Hollywood, California
Change up ordinary hot cocoa by stirring some dark baking cocoa into vanilla almond milk. Top it off with berry marshmallow creme or a plain large marshmallow, if you like, and add your favorite pretty sprinkles. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
After an afternoon of sledding, kids will love to warm up with hot chocolate and these special snowman toppers. The snowmen will disappear as they sip and so will the chill on their fingers and toes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Garnished with whipped cream, chocolate curls and raspberry-flavored marshmallows, this cool-weather favorite goes from everyday to extra-special. —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois
More than a hint of cool mint makes this delicious sipper a special switch from traditional hot chocolate. Besides the rich beverage that's quick to fix, a dollop of whipped cream with crushed candy tops each mug lusciously. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
