Easy Christmas Hot Chocolate Recipes | Perfect for the Holidays

Well, there is absolutely no one who can deny having hot chocolate at least once in their lifetime. Imagine those days when during the holidays you would be pampered with a hot chocolate in bed. It is fun being kids perhaps with these easy Christmas hot chocolate recipes to keep us company! And do you remember the fight that would ensue to win the largest glass between your siblings? Time passes fast and now you are handling the same thing with your little ones. Nevertheless, there is one thing that has remained constant and that is the warm glass of hot chocolate.

Tips for perfecting your glass of hot chocolate

All of us know how to make hot chocolate but some tips here can help you to even make them better! Let's read on to find out more.

1. Always go for the local brands for the authentic taste -

No matter which milk, chocolate chips, or other ingredients you are using, there is nothing as good as the local brands. Opt for these as they are easily available. This way you do not have to shift between products in case of foreign brands are unavailable. Local brands also give superior quality and brilliant flavor which can be somewhat compromised in our opinion when you are opting for far-fetched brands exported from other towns.

2. Do not forget the whipped cream-

A glass of hot chocolate is simply incomplete without the presence of whipped cream on top! We cannot imagine hot chocolate without whipped cream, that is the truth! Then what can we do about it? Always keep whipped cream handy in the refrigerator. And do you know what can take your game another notch higher? Flavored whipped cream! Peppermint is the flavor of the season so why not make peppermint whipped cream at home? It is very easy. All you need to do is combine 1 cup cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract in a cool mixing bowl. Best for about a minute or two and the job is done.

3. Next focus on the kind of milk you choose-

Depending on the kind of milk that you choose, the texture and consistency of the hot chocolate will be impacted. For instance, the fat content of the milk makes your drink creamier than ever! Temperature also goes hand in hand when you are making hot chocolate. 140-160°F is the ideal temperature which is maintained while preparing the milk for the hot chocolate. Much foam is about to get formed as you heat the milk so you have to be careful. Then the milk will be transferred into the oven for further heating so be careful you do not overheat it.

4. Next we have to discuss the process of foaming-

If you are looking for a creamy froth at the top then there are a couple of techniques that you need to put to use! Let us learn about them first. You need to heat and cream your milk to form thy texture first. This is a great way to give a delicious taste and wonderful texture to your milk. Pour some milk at the ideal temperature,  whisk, and then cover with some more milk and repeat the process. This helps to create a smooth drink and then keep the top foamy by smooth at the same time.

In case, you have a home espresso machine then the job is done even more easily. Steam the milk before you pour it over the chocolate and then see how velvety the texture of the drink turns out to be. An immersion blender or hand frother are two other alternatives that you can put to use as well. Foam in coffee shops is made in a similar style and you can do it too as long as you know the right way and have the required tools.

5. Finally we need to talk about whisking too-

Once the froth is created, the next vital thing that you need to observe is how to whisk your hot chocolate well. There are a couple of techniques involved so let's check it out quickly. Perhaps the best way to incorporate ingredients into your warm milk is through the process of whisking so that all the ingredients can blend well with each other.

You need a whisk to do the job instead of a fork or a spoon. These are some kitchen tools like a blender, foam-making machine, or whisk that you must have handy if you want the best coffee or hot chocolate in the house. A plastic or silicone whisk is ideal when you are using a non-stick frying pan to blend the ingredients smoothly and evenly.

Origin and history behind the creation of hot chocolate

Well, after so much discussion regarding how to make your hot chocolate taste best, we have brought you some exciting backstory behind the origin of the drink. You have to read on to learn more.

In Ecuador- this is to be noted that the Maya were credited for the creation of hot chocolate during those days. But these used to be too bitter due to the presence of dark chocolate and lots of spices too! Perhaps this version is far removed from what we like today.

So we decided to find out a similar ancestor for hot chocolate back in those days! It was found that in ancient South American culture, which is among the Inca legacy, the custom of making sweet versions of hot chocolate is pretty common. These usually came with a handsome layer of cheese on top.

In Spain- by the 17th century it was observed that Churros and hot chocolate have become very common among the Spanish aristocrats. This was regarded as a very pricey and prestigious drink during those days. This tradition lived on right up to the 21st century today. For most Spanish people breakfast comprises a thick hot chocolate which is mostly like a spread served with churros.

In Jamaica - Hans Sloane visited Jamaica and he was completely smitten by the idea of Caribbean-style hot chocolate which was served here. This was around the 17th century and involved mixing pure ground cacao with hot water. When brought back to England however, Sloane added milk instead of water. This was even called the "drink of God".

In the Netherlands- Cocoa powder was produced by the Dutch first in 1892 as a mass production and soon they were converted to solid cubes resulting in chocolate bars. And it did not take them long before they came up with the idea of making hot chocolate too.

In Mexico- you will be intrigued to learn about the hot chocolate which is served in Mexico! It is in the form of round or hexagonal blocks. These blocks are dissolved in hot water, milk, or cream, before being blended and then seasoned with more chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, or chili.

That is more or less all about the importance of the creation and origin of hot chocolate! Now we are going to find out about some recipes that you can try at home this Christmas season.

Warm Up This Holiday Season with 20 Delicious Christmas Hot Chocolate Recipes

1. Amazing peppermint hot chocolate

Delicious and rich, the peppermint hot chocolate is meant for the season. How can you enjoy your Christmas without the presence of some peppermint treat? Yes, now go ahead and make it right away!

2. Polar Express hot chocolate

Well, we simply cannot wait to try out the recipe of the Polar Express hot chocolate and so won't you too after the first sip! Do not be surprised if you are compelled to make it every other day.

3. Homemade hot chocolate recipe

If you are craving something at night, before going to bed then try out this homemade hot chocolate recipe that we have brought for you. So simple that it gets ready in five minutes with just five basic ingredients. Shall we then?

4. Cinnamon vanilla hot chocolate

Once you take a sip of this hot chocolate, there is no looking back! The mild cinnamon essence with the goodness of fine vanilla renders you simply speechless. In fact, you are guaranteed to get goosebumps at the very first sip.

5. The best white hot chocolate recipe

Delicious and creamy, the sight of the drink will simply make you drool! So if you are in the mood for something luxurious and warm then go for it right away! So what are you waiting for?

6. Starbucks copycat hot chocolate

Why head to Starbucks when you can make it at home? Yes, indeed! Try out this copycat hot chocolate recipe and be ready to be swayed off your feet. Shall we give it a try then? You will find it so hard to stop at the first glass.

7. Green hot chocolate

The combination of peppermint and white chocolate turns out so good, we wouldn't believe it if we had not encountered this recipe. Gorgeous and gooey, do give it a try for sure. Shall we then?

8. Frozen hot chocolate

Yup, we are talking about the Frozen hot chocolate which is indeed the best! Delicious and creamy, make your Christmas special with this wonderful idea right here. There is no need to thank us! We will be content to see you delighted.

9. Easy gingerbread hot cocoa recipe

Why worry about a glass of gingerbread cocoa when you have this brilliant recipe at your fingertip? Beat the chilling winter nights with something as awesome as this one. We can guarantee that you will fall in love with it. Shall we then?

10. Disneyland's hot chocolate recipe

Imagine yourself traveling in Disneyland amidst all the fairies and angels! And then imagine yourself being given the royal treatment as the guest with a wonderful glass of hot chocolate. That is the recipe we are talking about!

11. Extra creamy white hot chocolate

The delicious and smooth white hot chocolate is wonderful and flavored with marshmallows at the top! Smooth and creamy as we promised, this is an excellent option for you to relish this season. Go for it right away and let us know how it was!

12. Thickest and creamiest hot chocolate ever

If you are in the mood for something luxurious and creamy then go ahead with the thickest and yummies hot chocolate recipe we have for you right here. Gorgeous and gooey, there is no way you can escape the urge to drink more and more.

13. Salted caramel hot chocolate

Let us help you to make the salted caramel hot chocolate which is a great people-pleaser. Well, there is not much to do except load the hot chocolate with marshmallows and salted caramel frosting.

14. Parisian-style hot chocolate

The authentic Parisian-style hot chocolate is the most gorgeous treat of all time! Fascinating and velvety, the recipe is so easy to pull across and you can serve it with cookies on the side. The guest will simply love it.

15. Easy crockpot hot chocolate recipe

Easy crockpot hot chocolate recipe is right here to sway you off your feet! Creamy and cozy, in fact, do not blame us if there is a tug of war between the kids and the adults. Ready in a crockpot it hardly takes you any time.

16. Eggnog hot chocolate

Here we have the awesome eggnog hot chocolate which indeed tastes so good! Delectable and creamy, you are surely going to love this idea! So what are you waiting for? Christmas is almost knocking at the door so get started with the preps already.

17. Slow cooker white chocolate

Did you try out white hot chocolate in the slow cooker before? Well, if you did not, this recipe is going to provide you with the opportunity to do so! Believe us, no one said no to this one.

18. Copycat serendipity frozen hot chocolate

Wow! The name itself says that it tastes so divine. Gorgeous and gooey, there is no way you should miss out on this treat! The kids will be delighted by the idea of the frozen hot chocolate! Serve one each for everyone and see how quickly they disappear from the table.

19. Gingerbread hot chocolate

Delicious and smooth, can you imagine? We also have a gingerbread man on the side dipped in hot chocolate! Isn't it the same best recipe we have found so far? Well, we think so! Now it is on you to swim in the marshmallow pool.

20. Red velvet hot chocolate

The wonderful red velvet hot chocolate is another brilliant idea which you shall be smitten with! The moment we came across this drink, we knew you would love to try it!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/903675481455742435/

Frequently asked questions associated with making hot chocolate for Christmas

1. Which is the best, water or milk for making hot chocolate?

If you are making hot chocolate then pour in some milk instead of water! It gives a thicker consistency to the drink.

2. Which should you pour first, hot chocolate or milk?

One should pour the milk and heat it for a while. And then stir the chocolate in the milk so that it blends well. This is done at medium heat so that the milk does not boil too much!

3. How hot should your hot chocolate be?

Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea are served at the ideal temperature of 160-185°F! All kinds of beverages are served at this temperature so it is neither too warm nor too cold. 

4. Which kind of milk is best for making hot chocolate?

Whole milk is the ideal option when you are making hot chocolate as it gives a sense of richness to the drink.

The Bottom Line-

The holiday season is the perfect time to get cozy with a warm mug of hot chocolate. With these easy Christmas hot chocolate recipes, you can create a variety of yummy treats, perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying with family. Whether you prefer a classic hot cocoa or something a little more creative, you’ll find something that will suit every taste. So let us raise a mug of holiday cheer and get ready to enjoy some festive hot chocolate. After all, nothing says Christmas like snuggling up with a mug of hot cocoa and some loved ones.

So let the holiday baking begin! Make these easy Christmas hot chocolate recipes, and spend some quality time with your friends and family. And don’t forget to try some of your own creative ideas – the possibilities for festive hot chocolate drinks are endless. It’s time to get creative and let your holiday cheer shine. Cheers!

Read also:

• 20 Hot Cocoa Bomb Recipes to Try!
• 52 Amazing Christmas Gingerbread House Ideas
• 18 Hot Dog Recipes You Can Make at Home
• Christmas Candy Recipes that your family will love forever
• 6 Reasons to Include Keto Chocolate in Your Diet