There's nothing more comforting than a steaming mug of homemade hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening. The rich, velvety chocolate flavor wraps you in warmth, and making it from scratch lets you customize it exactly how you like. These 20 homemade hot cocoa recipes range from timeless classics to creative twists, each with full measurements and simple steps. Whether you're cuddling up alone or sharing with loved ones, these will make your winter nights extra special.
Store-bought packets can't compare to the depth and freshness of homemade versions. Most of these recipes are ready in under 10 minutes and serve 2-4 people. Let's get started with ingredients you probably already have!
20 Delicious Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipes
1. Classic Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa
This is the ultimate comfort drink—rich, smooth, and perfectly chocolatey with a fluffy marshmallow topping.
- Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions: In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and water over medium heat until smooth. Bring to a simmer for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in milk and heat until steaming hot (do not boil). Remove from heat, add vanilla, and pour into mugs. Top with marshmallows.
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2. Rich Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
For those who love intense chocolate flavor, this version uses real dark chocolate for a sophisticated depth.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
- Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions: Heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming. Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate and sugar, and whisk until fully melted and smooth. Return to low heat if needed. Serve immediately.
3. Peppermint Hot Cocoa
A festive favorite with a refreshing mint kick—perfect for the holiday season.
- Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions: Heat milk in a saucepan. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
4. Spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa
Warm spices and a hint of heat make this traditional-inspired version unforgettable.
- Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 cups milk
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Pinch of chili powder
Instructions: Heat milk with spices until steaming. Add chocolate and cocoa powder, whisking until melted. Sweeten to taste and serve hot.
5. Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
Creamy peanut butter melts into chocolate for a decadent, nutty treat.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
Instructions: Warm milk in a saucepan. Whisk in peanut butter, cocoa, and sugar until fully combined and hot.
6. White Hot Chocolate
Sweet and creamy with vanilla notes—a delightful alternative to traditional cocoa.
- Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 cups milk
- 8 oz good-quality white chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Heat milk until steaming. Remove from heat, add white chocolate and vanilla, and whisk until melted and smooth.
7. Vegan Almond Milk Hot Cocoa
Rich and dairy-free, proving plant-based can be just as indulgent.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: Heat almond milk, then whisk in cocoa, maple syrup, and salt until smooth and hot.
8. Boozy Hot Cocoa with Baileys
An adult twist that's perfect for relaxing after a long day.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- Any base hot cocoa recipe (classic works best)
- 2-4 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions: Prepare your favorite hot cocoa, remove from heat, and stir in Baileys. Top with whipped cream.
9. Nutella Hot Cocoa
Hazelnut spread makes this ultra-creamy and irresistible.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons Nutella
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: Heat milk, then whisk in Nutella and salt until fully dissolved.
10. Lavender Hot Chocolate
Floral and calming—a unique, soothing variation.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
Instructions: Steep lavender in hot milk for 10 minutes, strain, then melt in chocolate.
11. Matcha White Hot Chocolate
Earthy matcha meets sweet white chocolate for a vibrant green treat.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 4 oz white chocolate
- 1-2 teaspoons matcha powder
Instructions: Whisk matcha into warm milk, then melt in white chocolate.
12. Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa
The perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- Classic hot cocoa base
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions: Prepare classic cocoa, then stir in caramel sauce and salt.
13. Raspberry Hot Chocolate
Fruity and vibrant with a beautiful pink hue.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 4 oz chocolate, chopped
Instructions: Puree and strain raspberries. Heat with milk, then melt in chocolate.
14. Coconut Milk Hot Cocoa
Tropical creaminess with a hint of coconut.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup regular milk (or more coconut)
- 4 oz chocolate
- Toasted coconut flakes for topping
Instructions: Heat milks together, then whisk in chocolate until smooth. Top with toasted coconut.
15. Gingerbread Spiced Hot Cocoa
All the flavors of gingerbread cookies in a warm drink.
- Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cloves and nutmeg
Instructions: Heat milk with molasses and spices. Whisk in cocoa until smooth.
16. Orange Zest Hot Chocolate
Bright citrus notes elevate the chocolate richness.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 4 oz chocolate
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions: Infuse hot milk with orange zest for 5 minutes, strain, then melt in chocolate.
17. Hazelnut Hot Cocoa
Nutty and luxurious, like drinking a chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons hazelnut spread
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions: Heat milk, whisk in hazelnut spread and cocoa until smooth.
18. Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa
Cozy fall flavors meet winter warmth.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 oz chocolate
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions: Whisk pumpkin and spice into warm milk, then melt in chocolate.
19. Chai Spiced Hot Cocoa
Aromatic spices blend beautifully with chocolate.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups milk
- 1 chai tea bag or loose chai spices
- 4 oz chocolate
Instructions: Steep chai in hot milk, remove bag/spices, then melt in chocolate.
20. Frozen Hot Chocolate
A cool, slushy version for when you want chocolate indulgence without the heat.
- Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 cups ice
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate milk
- 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions: Blend ice, chocolate milk, and cocoa mix until slushy. Top with whipped cream.
Elevate Your Homemade Hot Cocoa with Toppings
Take any recipe to the next level with fun toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
These 20 homemade hot cocoa recipes are sure to keep you warm and happy all winter long. Pick your favorite, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfect mug. Which one will you try first?
