25 Heavenly Hot Chocolate Recipes That Will Keep You Warm All Winter

Hot chocolate is one of my favorite things in the world. There is just nothing better than curling up on a cold, snowy winter day with a good book and a cup of steaming hot chocolate. I tend to make my own hot chocolate mix during the winter, mostly because we go through a lot of it, and it’s much cheaper to make it yourself. However, you can also add in different flavors when you make it yourself, which brings me to this…I have found 25 of the most heavenly hot chocolate flavors in the world that you can make yourself, and these will keep you warm all the way through til spring.

Whether you use a mix or you make the entire thing from scratch, these flavors are sure to get your taste buds popping. What’s better than a cup of steaming hot chocolate?

A cup of steaming French vanilla or lavender white chocolate! You can add so many things to hot chocolate besides marshmallows and make yourself a tasty treat for those cold winter nights. And, you know you want something sweet to go along with your hot chocolate, so be sure to check out these Oreo cheesecake bites. They’re divine!

I’ve tried peppermint hot chocolate but never white chocolate. I’ve tried French vanilla hot chocolate, but I’ve never even considered putting Nutella in my cup. These are just some of the delicious flavors that await you, and all of these recipes are easy to follow, easy to make, and likely contain ingredients that you have right there in your kitchen cupboard.

If you’re a fan of hot chocolate, I highly recommend you try these recipes out. There’s a hot chocolate recipe for everyone, no matter what you like. And be sure to also take a look at these 35 copycat Starbucks recipes that taste just like the real thing.

Jump to:

1. Black Bottom Hot Chocolate

This black bottom hot chocolate has a layer of fudge at the bottom! You add the fudge layer, chill, and then add your hot chocolate. As the hot liquid melts the fudge, you get the creamiest, chocolatiest tasting cup of hot chocolate you have ever had, and it’s wonderfully delicious!

Top it off with a layer of whipped cream or marshmallow cream if you prefer.

2. Orange Spice Hot Cocoa

I love the combination of orange and chocolate. You know those candies that look like oranges but are layered in chocolate? Those are my favorites, and this orange spice hot cocoa captures that flavor perfectly.

It combines luscious chocolate with bright orange zest and a hint of warming cardamom. You fold in whipped cream and top with a little extra for a cozy, decadent winter treat.

3. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

This cinnamon hot chocolate is not only flavored with warming cinnamon and delicious, but it’s also rich and creamy, and this is also the perfect hot chocolate for you.

It’s made with milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and vanilla extract for a cozy concoction that is sure to keep you warm and toasty on cold winter mornings.

4. Cookies And Cream Hot Chocolate

I love just about anything cookies and cream flavored, like ice cream and this hot chocolate. Not only is this one rich and delicious, but it’s also a beautiful drink when it’s finished.

You’ll need milk, hot chocolate mix, and crushed Oreo cookies to make this one, and it is absolutely heavenly. Topped with whipped cream and more cookie crumbles, it’s the perfect cozy treat for chilly days.

5. Mocha Hot Chocolate

Here’s another wonderfully flavored hot chocolate that is sure to get your taste buds dancing. You make this one with dark chocolate, milk, coffee, and a touch of sweetness for a rich and cozy drink.

It’s topped off with whipped cream and a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a really simple recipe and makes the most wonderfully flavored coffee and hot chocolate combination.

6. Hot Chocolate With Marshmallows

Not only is this hot chocolate with marshmallows rich and delicious, but it’s also topped off with fluffy marshmallows.

The melted marshmallows give the chocolate a creamy, indulgent flavor, and this is definitely something that will warm you up on cold winter days. The hot chocolate is made with milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, so it’s perfectly chocolaty and cozy.

7. French Vanilla Hot Chocolate

I love French vanilla in just about anything, and this hot chocolate recipe combines that flavor with Hershey’s special dark chocolate for a creamy drink that is out of this world delicious.

You can use French vanilla coffee creamer and even add in some extra French vanilla syrup if you want a stronger taste. I recommend liquid creamer personally, but you can do powdered as long as you make sure it dissolves well.

Top with marshmallows or whipped cream – or maybe chocolate or French vanilla whipped cream.

8. Lavender White Hot Chocolate

My daughter is not at all a fan of chocolate, but she loves white chocolate, which is why I love this white chocolate and lavender recipe.

There’s no rule that says your hot chocolate has to be chocolate…white chocolate works just as well and has such a unique flavor, particularly when you add lavender buds to it.

9. Matcha White Hot Chocolate

Here’s another wonderful hot chocolate recipe that is made with white chocolate as opposed to traditional chocolate.

This one has matcha, which is such a unique flavor. You make this with white chocolate chips, food-grade matcha, and almond milk.

It makes a creamy and delicious hot chocolate that is so unique, right down to the green color. How often do you get to drink green hot chocolate?

10. Mexican Hot Chocolate

This Mexican hot chocolate is rich, comforting, and full of warm spice. It’s made with milk, chocolate, cinnamon, and a hint of chili for a cozy drink with a subtle kick.

Creamy and aromatic, it’s the perfect mug to warm you up on chilly days and offers a delicious twist on classic hot chocolate.

11. Mint White Hot Chocolate

I really love the idea of making hot chocolate from white chocolate. This mint white hot chocolate is creamy, rich, and has a refreshing peppermint flavor.

It’s made with milk and white chocolate, with just a hint of mint to give it a sweet, cozy twist on classic hot chocolate. topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days.

12. Spicy Mocha Hot Chocolate

Here’s another wonderful hot chocolate recipe that adds coffee! What could possibly be better than coffee mixed with hot chocolate?

This one also adds cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients for a rich and smooth hot chocolate that will keep you warm in so many ways.

The cayenne pepper gives it just the right kick, and the coffee…well, coffee just makes everything better.

13. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Peanut butter and white chocolate give this hot chocolate a rich and really satisfying taste. You simply heat milk in a pan and then add in your chocolate and peanut butter, stirring until everything is melted and smooth.

Top with whipped cream or marshmallows and, if you like, a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

14. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This is a great hot chocolate for the Christmas holiday season. It’s got just the right amount of peppermint, and it’s so easy to make.

It’s made with milk, cream, vanilla, cocoa powder, sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus Andes peppermint baking chips.

Top this with marshmallows or whipped cream and add a candy cane or some crushed peppermint candies.

15. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Everything in fall turns to pumpkin spice, and your hot chocolate shouldn’t be any different. If you’re on the pumpkin spice wagon, this is definitely the hot chocolate for you.

It’s made with canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, along with cocoa and other ingredients.

This is a delicious take on pumpkin spice drinks and is just perfect for those cooler fall evenings.

16. Nutella Hot Chocolate

My kids absolutely love Nutella. There’s just something about that chocolaty hazelnut flavor that they can’t get enough of. You’ll feel the same way when you try this delicious Nutella hot chocolate.

This is one of the simplest hot chocolate recipes to make, too. Simply heat milk in a pan, then add the Nutella and a hint of vanilla, stirring until it’s smooth and creamy. Pour into your favorite mug, top with whipped cream or marshmallows if you like, and enjoy!

17. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate With Cream Cheese Whipped Topping

Red velvet cake is one of my favorites, which is why this red velvet hot chocolate recipe caught my eye. Not only does it have all of the goodness of red velvet cake, but it’s also topped with homemade cream cheese whipped cream!

The chocolate has milk and chocolate chips, but the real winner on this one is the cream cheese whipped topping. It’s filled with flavor and the perfect topping for chocolate.

18. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

I have to admit, my family has gone wild over the taste of salted caramel. There’s just something about it that everyone loves. This great hot chocolate has that yummy salted caramel taste and is super easy to make…in the slow cooker!

That’s right, you make this one in the crock pot, and it only takes about five minutes to get it ready. Then you cook it on low for about two hours and enjoy!

19. Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

This peanut butter hot chocolate is a bit different as it adds sea salt for a completely unique taste.

Once the hot chocolate is done, which you make with chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, and then you add just a bit of sea salt, and top this one off with toasted marshmallows.

Seriously, this is like having a Reese’s peanut butter cup in a mug!

20. Strawberry Hot Chocolate

This strawberry hot chocolate is perfect for Valentine’s Day, but you can enjoy it whenever you want. It’s a gorgeous pink color that comes from strawberry ice cream.

The hot chocolate has chocolate chips, butter, sugar, ice cream, and water, and then you top it off with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Add some sprinkles to make it really festive. I’m thinking you could do this with other ice cream flavors as well. Ben and Jerry’s butter pecan, anyone?

21. S’mores Hot Chocolate

You just have to love s’mores, right? This hot chocolate is a fun twist on classic s’mores and features chocolate, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.

Simply prepare your hot chocolate, top with marshmallows, and finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a cozy, indulgent treat that’s perfect for chilly days.

22. Barcelona Style Hot Cocoa

Unsweetened cocoa powder, corn starch, vanilla, and sugar are all you need, aside from a bit of water, to make this Barcelona-style hot chocolate.

This is a rich and decadent drink that hails from Spain.

It’s not too sweet, and despite the fact that there is no milk in it, it’s a really smooth and creamy hot cocoa.

23. Thin Mints Hot Chocolate

Do you know why I love February? Because that’s when Girl Scout cookie sales begin! I love those thin mints, which is why I really love this thin mints hot chocolate recipe.

You make a peppermint hot chocolate, with peppermint extract, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and milk, and then top it off with whipped cream and a thin mint cookie.

Now, if you can’t wait until cookie sales begin, the Dollar Store has a knockoff of the Thin Mints that’s pretty good.

24. Almond Joy Hot Chocolate

This almond joy hot chocolate is a vegan recipe, and it is so tasty! With almond and coconut milk, as well as cocoa powder and vanilla, the chocolate itself is very satisfying.

Then, you top it off with whipped cream, crushed almonds, and just a bit of shredded coconut.

This is a really simple recipe that gives you a hot chocolate that tastes for all the world like an Almond Joy bar.

25. Cherry Hot Chocolate

Don’t you just love cordial cherries? Those chocolaty cherries are among my favorite candies. If you love them too, you’re really going to love this cordial cherry hot chocolate recipe.

It combines the tastes that you love into a steaming mug of hot cocoa that is sure to warm you all over.

Cherry juice gives this one its flavor, and you can top it with whipped cream and a few crushed maraschino cherries.