Warm Up This Winter with These Cozy Hot Chocolate Recipes

As the winter chill settles in over Ann Arbor, there’s no better way to stay warm than with a comforting cup of hot chocolate. Whether you’re snuggled up at home or entertaining guests, these delicious hot chocolate recipes will add a little extra warmth and sweetness to your season. Try them out and let us know your favorite!

Classic Creamy Hot Chocolate

This rich and creamy classic never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips

• Whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.

2. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.

3. Add chopped chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.

4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract.

5. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

A festive favorite with a cool and minty twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add chocolate chips and cocoa powder, stirring until melted.

3. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.

4. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

For those who love a sweet and salty combo.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup chocolate chips (milk or dark)

• 2 tbsp caramel sauce

• ½ tsp sea salt

• Whipped cream & extra caramel for topping

Instructions:

1. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir in chocolate chips and caramel sauce until melted and smooth.

3. Add sea salt and stir well.

4. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and drizzle extra caramel.

Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate

A little spice to warm you up even more!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cayenne.

3. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and serve hot!

Dairy-Free Coconut Hot Chocolate

A delicious alternative for those avoiding dairy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk (or almond milk)

• ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Shredded coconut for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir in chocolate chips and maple syrup until melted.

3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and serve with shredded coconut on top.

   
   

Which one will you try first? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram @AnnArborHub with a picture of your homemade hot chocolate. Let’s make this winter a little warmer together! ☕❄️