20 Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipes That'll Make You Feel Warm and Cozy

Chocolate Bar Hot Chocolate
Photo: House of Aqua

Who needs hot cocoa mix when you can have the real thing? There's truly nothing quite like homemade hot chocolate on a chilly winter night. Whether you're in the mood for something simple and quick (this three-ingredient Candy Bar Hot Chocolate, made with leftover candy, certainly fits the bill), bold and spicy (cinnamon and cloves make this Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate extra comforting), or indulgent and boozy (this Red Wine Hot Chocolate is for adults only), you'll find a new favorite in this collection of warm and cozy homemade hot chocolate recipes.

01 of 20

Polar Express Hot Chocolate

Polar Express Hot Chocolate
House of Aqua

"Great for those looking to fatten up on a cold winter night," says recipe creator Di. "Serve immediately or pour into a slow cooker to keep warm. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles."

02 of 20

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

a mug of whipped cream and cinnamon-topped hot chocolate on a white plate
Buckwheat Queen

What's the secret ingredient to this creamy autumnal hot cocoa? Pumpkin puree! Top with whipped cream and ground cinnamon. Don't forget to garnish with a cinnamon stick.

03 of 20

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Photo by Kim's Cooking Now.

"Chocolate and red wine are two things that go so well together," according to recipe creator Kim's Cooking Now. "Combining them on a cold winter night and topping it off with a creamy froth and a sprinkle of grated chocolate will make you feel all warm and cozy inside."

04 of 20

Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate

Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate
House of Aqua

Cinnamon and cloves make this Mexican hot chocolate, which is thickened by two tablespoons of flour, extra warm and cozy. There's no going back after you've tried this one.

05 of 20

Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate Italian-Style)

rich and creamy-looking hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice in a white cup with a saucer
Buckwheat Queen

"Hot chocolate Italian-style is one of the most amazing treats in the world," according to recipe creator nikwik. "You have to try this pudding-like chocolate decadence! Add some Irish cream, cinnamon, and whipped cream for a fun variation, or create your own!"

06 of 20

Minty Eggnog Hot Chocolate

hot chocolate with marshmallows in a green cup
bd.weld

Double the festive flavors, double the fun. This four-ingredient recipe, which relies on mint-chocolate baking pieces for its zippy flavor, is wonderfully creamy.

07 of 20

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

vegan hot chocolate in a white cup
Buckwheat Queen

This delicious hot cocoa is perfect for people on dairy-free diets. This recipe uses rice milk, but you can use any dairy-free alternative milk you have on hand.

08 of 20

Candy Cane Cocoa

Candy Cane Cocoa
Candy Cane Cocoa | Photo by Holiday Baker.

You'll want to sip this warming peppermint-packed beverage, which you can make with only four easy-to-find ingredients, the whole holiday season.

09 of 20

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

coconut milk hot chocolate in a white cup
Buckwheat Queen

Coconut milk adds a subtle nutty flavor to this rich and creamy dairy-free treat. You can make it on the stove or in the microwave with just four ingredients.

10 of 20

Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Buckwheat Queen

"I was messing around in my kitchen one day and was craving hot cocoa," says recipe creator Aurora. "Since I only had dark chocolate on hand, I used that, and for a festive touch added cinnamon."

11 of 20

Creamy Hot Cocoa

Creamy Hot Cocoa
Creamy Hot Cocoa | Photo by Angela.

This old-fashioned, comforting, and creamy hot chocolate is good for the soul and makes the kitchen smell wonderful, according to recipe creator JEANIE BEAN.

12 of 20

Coconut Hot Cocoa

Coconut Hot Cocoa
KGora

"A warm, made-from-scratch treat," says recipe creator spice and everything nice. "Cocoa leads to a bittersweet chocolate taste and the coconut milk adds a hint of richness."

13 of 20

Maple Syrup Hot Chocolate

Maple Syrup Hot Chocolate

Maple syrup gives this hot chocolate and unexpected seasonal flavor. This recipe calls for fat-free milk, but you can use any kind of milk you have on hand.

14 of 20

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Whipped Hot Chocolate
Eat

"A perfect treat for those hot summer days," says recipe creator alizbethreves. "The kids love it cause it's like Christmas in June, July, or August. To make it look even more like hot chocolate, serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings."

15 of 20

Champurrado

Champurrado
Yoly

This traditional Mexican drink is creamy, chocolate-y, and wonderfully spicy. If you don't have pinole (coarse ground maize flour) on hand, you can use regular corn flour instead.

16 of 20

Rich Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Rich Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Lundrigan Joshua

Try this deliciously decadent hot chocolate, made with sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess, in your slow cooker so that the flavors have time to really meld.

17 of 20

Mayan Hot Chocolate

Mayan Hot Chocolate
That Grace

"Don't knock it till you've tried it," says recipe creator That Grace. "This rich, delicious, and kicky hot chocolate might make you abandon your traditional ties. No marshmallows needed; this is for grown-ups."

18 of 20

Hawaiian Hot Chocolate

hot chocolate topped with toasted coconut
lutzflcat

"I created this drink from the memories of a trip to Hawaii, where I met my (now) husband," says recipe creator L Mac. "Surprisingly, it does get chilly in Hawaii, especially at night and in cold, rainy regions."

19 of 20

Secret Simple Hot Chocolate

Secret Simple Hot Chocolate
Kim's Cooking Now

Sometimes the best things in life are shockingly simple? Case in point: This three-ingredient hot cocoa, made with just chocolate syrup, sugar, and milk.

20 of 20

Chocolate Bar Hot Chocolate

Chocolate Bar Hot Chocolate
House of Aqua

Put leftover Halloween candy to good use in this three-ingredient recipe. Reviewers love how quickly this easy recipe comes together on the stove or in the microwave.

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