Save to Pinterest A whimsical and indulgent hot cocoa board featuring a variety of toppings, treats, and homemade hot chocolate, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive winter nights.
This hot cocoa board was a huge hit when I first shared it with my friends during a chilly winter evening. Everyone loved customizing their drinks with all the delicious options.
Ingredients
- Hot Cocoa: 4 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Toppings: 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup whipped cream, 1/3 cup chocolate shavings, 1/4 cup caramel sauce, 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup toffee bits, 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- Dippable Treats: 6 large bear-shaped sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade), 12 chocolate-dipped pretzel rods, 1 cup graham crackers, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1 cup mini donuts or donut holes
- Extras: 6 cinnamon sticks (for stirring), 6 mugs
Instructions
- Prepare the hot cocoa:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Arrange the board:
- On a large serving board or tray, neatly organize the toppings in small bowls or ramekins.
- Place the dippable treats:
- Around the board, alternating colors and shapes for visual appeal.
- Add bear-shaped cookies:
- As the centerpiece for a playful touch.
- Pour the hot cocoa:
- Into a heatproof pitcher or insulated carafe.
- Set out mugs and cinnamon sticks:
- For stirring.
- Invite guests:
- To fill their mugs with hot cocoa and customize with their favorite toppings and treats.
Save to Pinterest This hot cocoa board always brings my family together during the holidays. Sharing stories and laughter while enjoying the cozy drinks is our favorite tradition.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, whisk, large serving board or tray, small bowls or ramekins, pitcher or carafe, mugs
Allergen Information
Contains milk, cream, and chocolate (dairy); wheat (cookies, graham crackers, donuts); possible tree nuts (toffee bits); eggs (cookies, donuts). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving estimate: Calories 400, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Protein 7 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy customizing your hot cocoa board—it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with endless tasty combinations.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients make the hot cocoa creamy and rich?
Whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and unsweetened cocoa powder combine to create a smooth, creamy cocoa base.
- → How should I arrange the toppings and treats?
Organize toppings like mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and caramel sauce in small bowls or ramekins, placing dippable treats around for easy access and visual appeal.
- → Can this be adapted for dairy-free diets?
Yes, substitute milk and cream with oat or almond milk and use dairy-free chocolate to maintain creaminess while keeping it dairy-free friendly.
- → What is the purpose of cinnamon sticks included on the board?
Cinnamon sticks serve as flavorful stirrers, adding a subtle warm spice to each cup of hot cocoa.
- → How do bear-shaped cookies enhance the board?
They add a playful, festive centerpiece element that complements the cocoa and treats both visually and in taste.