Hot Cocoa Recipes to Amp Up Your Holidays

Nothing says “Christmas” like a warm cup of hot cocoa in your hands. You’re cuddled up by the fire and listening to some holiday tunes, so you whip out your camera to take an Instagram picture of your perfect moment (because you have to in these situations).

The competition is getting pretty tough out there with your fellow ‘grammers, though. People are getting more inventive with their cozy moments and food creations. They’ve got grinch appetizers made of fruit, reindeer-shaped cookies and don’t even get us started on the vertical Christmas tree made out of genuine lobsters.

But don’t worry! Valley’s got your back with some to-die-for hot chocolate recipes that will be sure to catch everyone’s eye.

Chocolat Chaud Français

What you’ll need:

1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon espresso powder
8 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate
Whipped cream

What you’ll do:

1. In a medium pan over medium heat, mix the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar and espresso powder until it begins to bubble ONLY on the edges.

2. Remove from heat and stir in chopped bittersweet chocolate until melted.

3. Load on the whipped cream, baby.

4. Voila!

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

What you’ll need:

Whole milk cream
Chocolate chips
Peanut butter chips

What you’ll do:

1. Warm milk and cream until steaming.

2. Add in chocolate chips and stir until smooth.

3. Add in peanut butter chips, stirring until melted.

4. Find a trendy mug and pour the mixture in.

5. Top with your choice of marshmallows or whipped cream.

6. Savor every taste.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

What you’ll need:

4 cups whole milk
Dash of water
¾ cup semi-chocolate chips
1 tsp red food coloring
¼ cup sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2-4 tbsp whipped cream cheese

What you’ll do:

1. Combine cream and sugar in a mixing bowl, and whip on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.

2. Add cream cheese and mix for another 2 minutes (careful not to overwhip!)

3. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk on medium heat, adding in chocolate chips and a splash of water, constantly stirring.

4. Stir in red food coloring when almost melted.

5. Pour into Christmas mugs and top with whipped cream and cinnamon powder!

6. Enjoy.

So toss the standard Swiss Miss packets aside and treat yourself to one of these new-and-improved hot chocolate recipes. More importantly, do not forget to document it because if you don’t, did it even really happen?