Hot cocoa is one of those holiday classics that everyone loves but few brew up the same way. From easy microwavable packets to creamy Crock-Pot goodness, everyone seems to have their own tricks when it comes to whipping up this winter staple. If you’re torn about what new recipe to bring to your ugly sweater party this season, not to worry – the Internet has reviewed them all and the results are in. Here are some of the most popular hot cocoa recipes—just add whipped cream!
1. Cookiedoughandovenmit.com—Fluffernutter Hot Cocoa
Recipe by: Miranda, blogger
Reviews: 13 (Shares: 323)
Rating: 5/5
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 4 tablespoons marshmallow creme
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter to garnish
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, add in the cocoa powder and sugar. Whisk until all the lumps are out of cocoa powder.
- Add in the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, heavy cream, and milk. Turn the heat on to medium. Whisk to start to incorporate the ingredients. It will come together as the liquid begins to heat up.
- Let the hot cocoa heat until it’s almost to a boil and small bubbles form around the edges of the saucepan. Whisk vigorously until the hot cocoa is smooth.
- Remove from the heat and pour into 2 large mugs.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of fluff on top of each mug.
- Place the ¼ cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Using a spoon, drizzle peanut butter over the fluff. Grab a spoon and give it a swirl. Drink up!
2. Food.com—Mexican Hot Chocolate
Recipe by: lauralie41
Reviews: 63
Rating: 5/5
Ingredients
- 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In a small heavy-duty saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and cinnamon. Over medium heat, gradually stir in milk and stir constantly until hot, but do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Beat with a wire whisk until frothy and pour into cups. Serve immediately.
3. Allrecipes—Creamy Hot Cocoa
Recipe by: Jeanie Bean
Reviews: 1K
Rating: 4.5/5
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
Directions
Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn’t scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.
From blogs to large-scale magazines, every corner of the Internet had a different take on how to craft the ~best~ hot cocoa. However you choose to make your holiday concoction this season, couple it with some Christmas cheer and don’t forget to sing loud for all to hear. (;
Happy holidays, Hawkeyes!