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Warm up from the inside out with a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate. It's the perfect antidote to a chilly day, and you probably already have many of the ingredients for these easy hot chocolate recipes in your pantry now. Have a spicy mugful of Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate or sip seasonally with Candy Cane Cocoa. I've rounded up 31 of our top-rated hot chocolate recipes so you can ease into a velvety cup of comfort.
Hot Chocolate Bombs
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Photo by Yoly
Just drop in hot milk or pour over these truffle-like confections and you have an instant cup of rich hot chocolate! We love these cute, portable cocoa bombs that are fun to make and even more fun to drink.
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
"Another 5-star drink from Yoly," says reviewer Buckwheat Queen. "Thick and creamy with that special sweetness that you can only get from white chocolate. It whips up exactly as written. Thank you for the recipe."
Hot Chocolate
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"Hot chocolate made from scratch in the microwave," says recipe creator Steph. "If your kids can use the microwave, they can make this recipe!"
Quick Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Deb C
No cocoa in the house? How about unsweetened baking chocolate? Just melt it into hot milk and sugar.
Chocolate Bar Hot Chocolate
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Photo by House of Aqua
Have a candy bar on hand? This hot chocolate comes together with just three ingredients. Recipe creator Duckball says, "I wanted to use up some full-size chocolate bars leftover from Halloween and decided to make hot chocolate out of one. The result was fabulous!"
Secret Simple Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Kim's Cooking Now
Sugar, milk, and chocolate syrup are all that's required for this simple hot chocolate. Recipe creator Zoe says,"Add marshmallows, whipped cream, or Cool Whip to make even tastier."
Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate with Chile
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
Recipe creator Crema says, "To make this authentic Mexican hot chocolate, you need Mexican hot chocolate tablets or squares which gives it its unique taste. Eat the chile only if you can handle it!"
Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
Just add cinnamon and chili powder to instant hot chocolate mix, pour in milk and boiling water, and give it a stir.
Heavenly Drinkable Chocolate
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
A pinch of ginger and cayenne pepper give you the hint of winter spice you're looking for. As recipe creator CoachJen puts it, "you deserve this!"
White Hot Chocolate with Cardamom
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
"If you like Indian-style desserts, you'll love this white hot chocolate!" says recipe creator chefbabz. "Very rich, very yummy!"
Champurrado
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Photo by Yoly
This traditional Mexican hot chocolate is flavored with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, Mexican chocolate, Mexican brown sugar (piloncillo), and maize flour.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice combine to make this hot chocolate an autumnal chocolate kiss in a cup. Reviewer Buckwheat Queen says, "This drink will turn you into the Grinch who stole the hot chocolate."
Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate Italian-Style)
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
"Hot chocolate Italian-style is one of the most amazing treats in the world!" says nikwik. "You have to try this pudding-like chocolate decadence! Add some Irish cream, cinnamon, and whipped cream for a fun variation, or create your own!"
Hawaiian Hot Chocolate
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Photo by lutzflcat
"I created this drink from the memories of a trip to Hawaii, where I met my (now) husband," says recipe creator L Mac. "Surprisingly, it does get chilly in Hawaii, especially at night and in cold, rainy regions. This is a different take on the usual cold and frozen Hawaiian libations."
Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate
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Photo by House of Aqua
"A hot chocolate with a bit of spice. Delish! A great hot drink to serve on a cold snowy day," says reviewer Lela.
Candy Cane Cocoa
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
A double dose of peppermint brings the cheer to this top-rated hot chocolate recipe. Crush the minty candies on top of your cocoa for a sweet Christmastime garnish.
Snow Flake Cocoa
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Photo by Evie stevie
Use your slow cooker to keep a batch of this white hot chocolate nice and warm for your Christmas party.
Minty Eggnog Hot Chocolate
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Photo by bd.weld
Whole milk and chocolate mints go into this cup of holiday cheer. A refreshing kiss of flavor with the wonderful spices of a traditional eggnog.
Christmas Orange Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Mixit
"The taste reminds me of those wonderful chocolate-orange balls sold at stores during Christmas time. This is a real gourmet delight. The orange juice gives a perfect touch of orange flavor not too strong…just right. The cinnamon adds a bit of spice for a nice little finish," says reviewer Mixit.
Whipped Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Eat
Reviewer House of Aqua says, "This is the ultimate hot chocolate. What's better than rich hot chocolate mixed with homemade whipped cream?"
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
Rice milk, vegan chocolate chips, and a touch of vanilla extract get warmed up together to make a satisfying vegan hot chocolate.
Delicious Vegan Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Ronald Crabtree
"Whoa Nelly!" says littlechristine. "Being a self-proclaimed hot chocolate expert, I have to say that this recipe is top-notch. With or without the cayenne pepper, my roommates and I loved this. It's rich, frothy, and very decadent."
Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Buckwheat Queen
"This delicious vegan hot chocolate is made with coconut milk and dark chocolate and a pinch of curry," says recipe creator Crema. "Plus sugar of course, but you can use other sweeteners as well."
Dairy-Free Keto Hot Cocoa
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Photo by Carol Castellucci Miller
Recipe creator Carole Castellucci Miller says, "This keto-friendly hot cocoa features MCT oil, egg, cacao powder, but no dairy. Stevia should be added to taste."
Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate Mix
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"Hot chocolate mix takes just seconds to make, and you may already have everything you need in the pantry," says Chef John. "Just make sure one of those things is a very high quality cocoa powder."
Homemade White Hot Chocolate Mix
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Photo by My Hot Southern Mess
"This homemade white hot chocolate mix is creamy, rich, and delicious," says reviewer Dana.
Rich Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Lundrigan Joshua
Cooking hot chocolate in a slow cooker is great for large crowds, since the slow cooker will keep large quantities of hot chocolate warm all night. Reviewer mac31285 says, "I made this for a big Christmas dinner today and got a lot of compliments and requests for the recipe!"
Creamy Hot Cocoa
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Photo by shoofrk
"It's old fashioned, it's comforting, it makes the kitchen smell wonderful and it's good for the soul," says recipe contributor Jeanie Bean. Reviewers recommend you adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Homestyle Hot Cocoa
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Photo by House of Aqua
"Growing up in snowy Canadian winters, my mom would always make my brothers and me hot cocoa after a night of tobogganing. When I got older – and had long since abandoned real cocoa for the instant variety – I had a craving one night for a more wholesome treat. Here's my recipe for a creamier, homestyle cup of cocoa. Perfect for those snowy winter nights!" — Katherine.Ann
Drew's World Famous Triple Rush Hot Chocolate
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Photo by Aichoco
Chocolate chips, instant coffee, and chili powder team up to make a top-rated hot chocolate that'll make you wake up and pay attention. "This hot chocolate was sooo good! Warm and rich with a little kick to it. It was just how I would imagine the hot chocolate to be in the movie 'Chocolat,'" says reviewer JESSAMYN M.
Polar Express Hot Chocolate
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Photo by House of Aqua
Recipe contributor Di says, "Not for the light-hearted. Great for those looking to fatten up on a cold winter night. Serve immediately or pour into a slow cooker to keep warm. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles."
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