Save A whimsical and indulgent hot cocoa board featuring a variety of toppings treats and homemade hot chocolate perfect for cozy gatherings or festive winter nights.
I always enjoy creating this hot cocoa board for friends because it brings everyone together to share their favorite combinations and create fun memories.
Ingredients
- Hot Cocoa: 4 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt
- Toppings: 2 cups mini marshmallows 1/2 cup whipped cream 1/3 cup chocolate shavings 1/4 cup caramel sauce 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 1/4 cup toffee bits 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- Dippable Treats: 6 large bear-shaped sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade) 12 chocolate-dipped pretzel rods 1 cup graham crackers 1 cup fresh strawberries 1 cup mini donuts or donut holes
- Extras: 6 cinnamon sticks (for stirring) 6 mugs
Instructions
- Prepare the hot cocoa:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine milk heavy cream chocolate chips cocoa powder sugar vanilla and salt. Whisk until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Arrange the board:
- On a large serving board or tray neatly organize the toppings in small bowls or ramekins.
- Place the dippable treats:
- Around the board alternating colors and shapes for visual appeal.
- Add bear-shaped cookies:
- As the centerpiece for a playful touch.
- Pour the hot cocoa:
- Into a heatproof pitcher or insulated carafe.
- Set out mugs and cinnamon sticks:
- For stirring.
- Invite guests:
- To fill their mugs with hot cocoa and customize with their favorite toppings and treats.
Save This board has become a holiday tradition in my family as we enjoy assembling our mugs together and sharing stories.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan Whisk Large serving board or tray Small bowls or ramekins Pitcher or carafe Mugs
Allergen Information
Contains milk cream and chocolate (dairy) wheat (cookies graham crackers donuts) possible tree nuts (toffee bits) eggs (cookies donuts). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 400 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 55 g Protein 7 g (per serving estimate)
Save This cozy hot cocoa board is sure to delight guests and make any winter gathering extra special.
Recipe Help
- → How is the hot cocoa prepared for the board?
The cocoa combines milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt gently heated and whisked until smooth and steaming, avoiding boiling.
- → What types of toppings complement the hot chocolate?
Toppings include mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, and rainbow sprinkles, offering a variety of sweet textures and flavors.
- → What treats are arranged around the board for dipping?
Dippable treats consist of bear-shaped sugar cookies, chocolate-dipped pretzel rods, graham crackers, fresh strawberries, and mini donuts or donut holes, creating a playful mix of crunchy and soft bites.
- → Can this cocoa board accommodate dietary needs?
Yes, dairy-free options can be made by substituting milk and cream with oat or almond milk, and using dairy-free chocolate, while the toppings and treats can be adapted accordingly.
- → How can this board be personalized for guests?
Guests can customize their mugs with preferred amounts of hot cocoa, toppings, and dippable treats, adding spices like cinnamon sticks for stirring and choosing combinations to suit their taste.