Christmas Hot Chocolate: a kitchen method

A mug of Christmas hot chocolate topped with sprinkles, whipped cream and marshmallows.

This Christmas hot chocolate recipe is extra silky kitchen-made hot cocoa made with three types of chocolate. It’s the signature drink for a holiday party or to serve on Christmas morning.

You can never go wrong with hot drink recipes during the cold winter months. I like to offer slow cooker apple cider, warm Kinderpunsch or this decadent Christmas hot chocolate.

Christmas is the time for all things decadent, and nothing says decadence more than a steaming mug of kitchen-made hot chocolate. This Christmas hot chocolate is so good, you’ll find yourself making it all winter long, and it’s a huge hit with kids.

Christmas Hot Chocolate Ingredients

Hot cocoa ingredients including milk, chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar.

To make this recipe, you will need whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and vanilla extract. You can also garnish the drink with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and Christmas sprinkles.

How Do You Make Christmas Hot Chocolate?

Place the milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a pot or saucepan over medium low heat. Let the mixture come to a simmer, but do not boil it. Cook for a few minutes, whisking occasionally, until everything is well combined. Stir in the milk and semisweet chocolate. Cook, whisking continuously, until all the chocolate has melted into the drink. Add the vanilla extract, then cook for one minute. Pour into mugs, then serve with toppings of your choice.

Cocoa powder being whisked into milk with chocolate and vanilla added.

Tips For The Reliable Drink

I prefer to use whole milk for the creamiest results. You can use other types of milk, but the hot chocolate may be thinner and less silky.
Cocoa powder can sometimes be clumpy, so I sift it before I add it to the milk so it is easier to get a smooth mixture.
Choose a high quality brand of chocolate chips for the finest results. I like to use Guittard or Ghirardelli. You can also use chopped dark chocolate baking bars instead of chips.
Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat any extra Christmas hot chocolate on the stove or in the microwave.
If you need to keep your drink warm for an extended period of time, such as during a party, you can leave it on the very lowest heat setting on the stove, or transfer it to a crock pot and use the keep warm function. Make a double batch if you’re serving a large crowd!
Pair your hot cocoa with Christmas sugar cookies or peppermint bark cookies for an extra special treat.

Quick Tip

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.

A pot of hot chocolate with assorted marshmallows in it.

Recipe FAQs

What milk is finest for hot chocolate?

Whole cow’s milk is preferable for hot chocolate because it provides a thick and silky end result. While you can use other types of milk, such as 2% milk, almond milk or coconut milk, the drink will be thinner in consistency and not as silky.

Which chocolate is finest for hot chocolate?

Semisweet chocolate is the preferred choice for hot chocolate because it provides a deep, rich flavor. I also like to add a smaller amount of milk chocolate because it gives the drink an extra silky texture.

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Christmas hot chocolate in a decorative mug with marshmallows and sprinkles on top.

Flavor Variations

While this drink is tasty as-is, you can customize some of the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Milk: For an richer drink, use half and half instead of whole milk. You can also add a splash of heavy cream if you like extra silky hot chocolate.
Chocolate: Instead of using milk chocolate, try white chocolate chips instead.
Toppings: Get creative with the toppings! You can garnish with peppermint sticks, crushed candy canes, or even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Flavorings: Feel free to stir in spices like a little cinnamon or nutmeg, or add peppermint extract for added flavor. You can also make a spiked hot chocolate for adults by adding 4 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream, bourbon or peppermint liqueur.

Everyone will be so excited to wake up on Christmas day and indulge in this tasty Christmas hot chocolate!

More Christmas Drinks

Cranberry Mimosa

5 mins

Grinch Punch

10 mins

Christmas Margarita

10 mins

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

20 mins

Poinsettia Cocktail

5 mins

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Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen A mug of Christmas hot chocolate topped with sprinkles, whipped cream and marshmallows.

This Christmas hot chocolate is extra silky kitchen-made hot cocoa made with three types of chocolate. It's the signature drink for a holiday party or to serve on Christmas morning. Time Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes

Course Drink
Cuisine American
Serves 4

Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup milk chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
garnishes such as marshmallows, whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

Place the milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a medium pot.
Cook over medium low heat for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the cocoa and sugar are thoroughly incorporated. You want the milk to be at a light simmer, but do not boil it.
Add the milk chocolate and semisweet chocolate, then cook for another 3-4 minutes, whisking continuously.
After the chocolate has fully melted into the milk, add the vanilla extract. Cook for 1 minute.
Serve the hot chocolate in mugs topped with whatever garnishes you like.

Notes

Use a high quality brand of chocolate chips for the finest results. I prefer Guittard and Ghirardelli.
It’s very important to make sure the mixture does not boil, as this could cause curdling or separation.