During the winter months the best part about playing outside is coming back inside for a cup of hot cocoa! When the hot cocoa is served with a hot cocoa board full of treats its even better! Also, when the hot cocoa is homemade and extra creamy you will enjoy it as much as your kids do!
What is a Hot Cocoa Board?
Think charcuterie board but filled with cookies and treats instead of meats and cheeses. Here are some ideas of what you can add to your board:
Marshmallows, both large and mini
Oreos- we used gingerbread oreos which we highly recommend
Cookies- homemade or store bought
M&M’s
Cinnamon sticks
Chocolate Chips
Whipped Cream
Homemade Hot Cocoa
After making our homemade cocoa recipe you will never want to go back to store bought hot cocoa mix! First, our hot cocoa starts with milk instead of water. We recommend whole or 2 % milk for extra creaminess. Maple syrup is the sweetener in our recipe and we love the rich sweet touch it adds. A combo of cocoa powder and chocolate chips give our homemade hot cocoa extra chocolatey goodness. You choose if you prefer dark, semi sweet or milk chocolate. White chocolate would also be delicious. Lastly, the vanilla extract is the perfect finishing touch. Top it with marshmallows or whipped cream and you have yourself the perfect cup of cocoa!
How to Make Hot Cocoa Better
The best part of homemade hot cocoa is that it is completely customizable. If you prefer extra creamy hot cocoa use whole milk, or add a splash of cream. The quality of cocoa powder and chocolate chips you use will make a big difference in your final product. Here are a few other ways to make the flavor of your cocoa better:
Add peanut butter or nut butter
Try adding a spice. Cinnamon, all spice, ginger, or even cayenne are all good options.
Spike it. Coffee liqueur, amaretto, or peppermint vodka would all be delicious!
Top it off. Instead of just marshmallows get creative with your toppings, Whipped cream, caramel, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk of choice
- 4 T cocoa powder Dutch processed (preferred) or regular
- 4 T pure maple syrup
- 4 T chocolate chips chocolate of choice
Instructions
- Combine cocoa, milk and maple syrup in pot over medium heat.
- Whisk to combine and heat until warm.
- Whisk in chocolate chips. Heat until chocolate chips are melted and cocoa reaches desired temperature.
- Add vanilla. Pour cocoa into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Enjoy!
