Servings
Font
Back
0 from 9 votes

Hot Cocoa Bar

Learn how to host a cozy Hot Cocoa Bar for the holidays and in the darkest days of winter. This easy entertaining idea thrills children and adults alike, and it's so easy to pull off.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8 servings (1 cup + toppings each)
Calories: 291 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Hot Cocoa (see note 1):
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus more for dusting
  • 6 cups whole milk (see note 2)
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (see note 3)
  • 1/4 tablespoons granulated sugar or more to taste (see note 4)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sauces:
  • Whipped Cream
  • chocolate syrup
  • Caramel sauce
Toppings:
  • mini marshmallows
  • mini chocolate chips
  • Mini peanut butter cups
  • M&M candies
  • mini Oreo cookies
  • Toffee bits
Garnishes:
  • edible glitter
  • Sprinkles
  • chopped nuts
  • Toasted Coconut
  • cocoa powder
  • coarse salt
Stirrers:
  • candy canes
  • cinnamon sticks
  • Pirouette Cookies
  • Rock Candy Sticks
  • chocolate-covered spoons (from the same shop that sells the Hot Cocoa sign)

Instructions

To make the hot cocoa:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Whisk in cocoa until mostly smooth with some lumps. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in milk until cocoa powder is dissolved. Bring to a simmer and whisk in chocolate, sugar, and salt.
  2. Reduce heat to low and whisk until chocolate is smooth and incorporated. Taste and add more sugar if desired (I like 2 additional tablespoons for ¼ cup total). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer to a slow cooker or clean coffee urn for serving.
  3. To substitute store-bought mix, cook according to package instructions and transfer to a slow cooker or clean coffee urn for serving.
  4. To substitute single-serve packets or pods, set them out next to an electric tea-kettle or pod coffee maker.
To assemble the hot cocoa bar:
  1. Place the hot cocoa on one side of the table next to a selection of mugs. Turn the slow cooker (if using) to "keep warm" and set a ladle nearby. If using an urn, set a dish under the spout to collect any drips.
  2. Adjacent to the hot cocoa, arrange the toppings in bottles or bowls with spoons and tongs for serving. Start with the whipped cream and sauces, the toppings, the garnishes, and finally the stirrers. Consider labeling the items so everyone knows what is what.
  3. On the far side of the table, include a stack of napkins and baskets or jars full of spoons. Decorate the table with wintery greenery or ribbons in the colors of the season.

Notes

  • Hot cocoa: It's easy to make delicious Hot Chocolate from scratch and serve it from a coffee urn or slow cooker, but it's okay to substitute store-bought hot cocoa mix, packets, or pods. 
  • Milk: Hot chocolate tastes more decadent and delicious with whole milk, but it’s still plenty rich and chocolatey if you use 2% milk.
  • Bittersweet chocolate: Do not substitute semi-sweet chocolate; it will leave an artificial after-taste.
  • Sugar: Start with 2 tablespoons sugar and add more to taste (I add a full ¼ cup when I make this recipe).
  • Yield: This Hot Chocolate recipe makes 4 cups (32 ounces or 1 quart).
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some separation may occur, so stir to recombine while reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 cup (plus toppings) Calories 291kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0.02g Cholesterol 24mg (8%) Sodium 147mg (6%) Potassium 518mg (15%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 20g (40%) Vitamin A 311IU (6%) Calcium 250mg (25%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings (1 cup + toppings each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 291

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 cup (plus toppings)
Calories 291kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 147mg 6%
Potassium 518mg 11%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 20g 40%
Vitamin A 311IU 6%
Calcium 250mg 25%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.