The autumn leaves have all but fallen, Christmas decorations are beginning to appear on the streets, and there’s a chill in the air. It can only mean one thing: it’s hot chocolate season. Hot chocolate is one of life’s simple pleasures and one that definitely makes November through February more enjoyable. Is there anything better than a cold winter evening at home, wrapped in a plush blanket, watching a Hallmark Christmas movie and sipping a steaming mug of hot chocolate? I can’t think of one! I’ve rounded up 6 of the tastiest hot chocolate recipes around the globe so you can start your hot chocolate season off on the right foot!

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Okay, I’m not normally a huge fan of white chocolate (I mean, it’s not even chocolate), but even I cave when presented with a mug of peppermint white hot chocolate. Here’s the scoop:

• • 2 cups of milk (use the good stuff, 2% or higher)

 

• • 4 ounces white chocolate chips

 

• • ½ teaspoon vanilla (bonus points if you use real vanilla)

 

• • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

 

• Crushed peppermints and marshmallows for topping (optional)

Combine milk and chocolate together in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the chocolate has melted and the mixture has reached your desired temperature, remove from heat and add in your vanilla and peppermint extract. Serve topped with crushed peppermints and marshmallows! Serves 2.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Remember when I wrote a blog post about s’mores and had to include a Nutella recipe for my mother-in-law? This is the hot chocolate version.

• • 4 cups milk

 

• • 2 tablespoons Nutella

 

• • 1 teaspoon vanilla

 

• • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

 

• • 2 tablespoons sugar

 

• Whipped cream, marshmallows, and Nutella, for topping (optional)

Heat milk in a medium saucepan until warm. Add vanilla, Nutella, cocoa powder, and sugar, and whisk until thoroughly combined. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and serve topped with your favorite toppings! Makes 2 large mugs, or 4 smaller mugs. Enjoy!

Orange Hot Chocolate

I always loved getting those chocolate oranges during Christmas. I know they’re a bit tacky, but I loved smacking it on the counter and seeing it break into perfect little chocolate orange slices. I also love chocolate with a hint of orange. So here’s orange hot chocolate.

• • One serving of Bagley Family Hot Chocolate or your favorite hot chocolate mix

 

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Prepare hot chocolate mix according to directions. Once piping hot, add 1 teaspoon orange zest. Stir very well.

Pumpkin Spice

As a disclaimer, I do not personally enjoy pumpkin spice hot chocolate. There are areas where pumpkin spice really excels, but I don’t think it’s hot chocolate. That being said, my coworkers RAVED about pumpkin spice hot chocolate for weeks. This recipe was adapted from a recipe by Lark & Linen.

• • 2 cups milk

 

• • ½ cup pumpkin puree

 

• • ⅔ cup dark chocolate chips

 

• • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

 

• • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

 

• • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon

 

• • Dash of ginger

 

• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

In a medium saucepan, heat milk on low until warm. Add pumpkin purée and maple syrup and whisk until blended. Stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Finally, add chocolate chips and stir until blended and warm. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream (if desired), and serve.

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Go ahead and name a more delicious combination than chocolate and peanut butter. I’ll wait. This is legitimately a match made in heaven. Chocolate peanut butter hot chocolate is rich and delicious and fills that need in your life you didn’t know you had.

• • 1 cup milk

 

• • ½ cup heavy whipping cream

 

• • ¾ cup chocolate chips of your choice (dark is better, but I won’t tell you what to do)

 

• • ½ teaspoon vanilla

 

• • ⅛ cup of peanut butter (do NOT use chunky. I guess I am telling you what to do)

 

• Whipped cream and chopped peanut butter cups for topping (optional)

In a small saucepan, combine milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously, until chocolate chips are melted. Whisk in peanut butter until completely incorporated. Heat until steam begins to rise. Remove from heat and serve topped with whipped cream and chopped peanut butter cups! Makes one delicious cup.

Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Am I saving the best for last? Yes, yes I am. This recipe comes to you from the queens of the kitchen, The Six Sisters. This recipe is over-the-top delicious. Proceed at your own risk.

• • ¼ cup cocoa

 

• • ½ cup sugar

 

• • 4 cups of milk

 

• • ½ cup water

 

• • 1 teaspoon vanilla

 

• • 1 teaspoon sea salt

 

• • 2 tablespoons hazelnut syrup

 

• • 3 tablespoons caramel sauce + more for topping

 

• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cocoa, sugar, and water and bring to a boil. Add in milk, vanilla, and sea salt and heat until warm. Mix in hazelnut syrup and caramel sauce. Pour into mug, top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serves 4 (or one if it’s that kind of a day.) Make your holidays merry and bright by adding these scrumptious hot chocolate recipes into the rotation this year! And be sure to make Flat Creek Inn your home base for all of your winter adventures! Call (307) 733-5267 to book today!