When the winter winds whistle a frosty tune, and the world drapes itself in a glistening coat of snow, there’s no better way to revive your spirit than with a glass of Christmas Hot Chocolate! Picture yourself sipping this velvety wonder under twinkling lights, with the rich aroma swirling around you and dreams of global adventures taking flight.

Why make this recipe?
Ah, the magic of hot chocolate! It’s not just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug that transports you straight from your living room to a bustling Christmas market in Vienna or a cozy chalet in the Swiss Alps. This Christmas Hot Chocolate is a swirling symphony of creamy goodness and chocolate decadence, perfect for warming those chilly nights or bringing joy to the festive gatherings. So grab your whisk, and let’s embark on this chocolaty quest!

How to make Christmas Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups heavy cream, divided
¼ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
4 cups whole milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows, optional garnish

Directions:

In a microwave-safe bowl, the adventure begins! Add 1 cup of heavy cream and give it a quick zap in the microwave for a minute on high. Let that cream get all warm and cozy.
Once it’s steamy, whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder. Watch as the rich, dark chocolate is enveloped in a luxurious embrace with the cream—our silky cocoa mixture is born!
Now, to the heart of our 4-quart crockpot, we go! Pour in your luscious cocoa concoction, followed by the remaining 2 ½ cups of heavy cream, 4 cups of whole milk, 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Give it a whisk until everything merges into a choco-harmony.
As if it couldn’t get any better, toss in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir like you mean it!
Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW. Let this beauty mingle for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chocolate chips have melted into a velvety drink of happiness, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
Once it’s heated and smooth, whisk it one final time, switch the crockpot to WARM (up to 2 hours), and prepare for the delight! Ladle into mugs, sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top, and watch as they float like little fluffy clouds.

How to serve Christmas Hot Chocolate
Serving this liquid gold is an experience in itself. Picture this: cozy up by the fireplace with your nearest and dearest, grasping your warm mugs. You can even set up a hot chocolate bar—add toppings like crushed peppermint, whipped cream, or a dash of cinnamon to jazz it up! This drink is made for sharing and reveling, after all.

How to store Christmas Hot Chocolate
If you happen to have any glorious leftovers (which is quite a task!), pour them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. Just remember to reheat gently on the stove—nobody wants to serve cold hot chocolate, right?

Tips to make Christmas Hot Chocolate

Don’t skimp on whisking! A well-whisked hot chocolate is a happy hot chocolate.
Feel free to swap in different chocolate chips—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a dreamy twist.
Want extra oomph? Add a splash of coffee or mint extract for that kick of magic!

Variations

Spiced Hot Chocolate: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for that holiday warmth.
Boozy Version: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or rum for an adult-only treat!
Vegan Delight: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and almond milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips!

FAQs
1. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk is fantastic substitutes to keep this heavenly drink dairy-free without losing its charm.

2. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving. It’s like bumping up your holiday prep game!

3. Can I freeze the hot chocolate?
Yes, you can! Freeze individual portions. When you’re craving that cozy feeling, defrost and warm it up—a sweet surprise in every cup!

So there you have it—a cup of Christmas Hot Chocolate that whispers tales of winter wonderment, delivers warmth to your core, and brings a sprinkle of magic straight to your celebrations. Cheers to a swirling sip of happiness!

Christmas Hot Chocolate

A rich and creamy hot chocolate perfect for cozy winter nights and festive gatherings, topped with mini marshmallows and optional garnishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 10

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Beverage, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the cocoa

3.5 cups heavy cream, divided Divide the amount for the preparation process.
0.25 cups unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
4 cups whole milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows Optional garnish

Method

Preparation

In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup of heavy cream and heat it in the microwave for 1 minute.
Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder into the warm cream.
In a 4-quart crockpot, pour in the cocoa mixture along with the remaining 2 ½ cups of heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir well.

Cooking

Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes until the chocolate chips have melted.
Once heated and smooth, whisk it again and switch the crockpot to WARM for up to 2 hours.

Serving

Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, garnish with mini marshmallows, and enjoy.

Notes

You can enhance the hot chocolate with toppings like crushed peppermint, whipped cream, or cinnamon. Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.