Hot Cocoa Desserts: 35 Delicious Winter Treats
With the arrival of winter, hot cocoa is the perfect drink to warm up with. But why stop there? Hot cocoa can also be used as an ingredient in delicious desserts. From cakes to cookies to brownies, hot cocoa can add a rich and chocolatey flavor to any dessert.
In this post, we will be exploring 25 hot cocoa desserts that are perfect for any winter occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or a holiday party dessert, there is something for everyone on this list.
From classic hot cocoa flavors to unique twists on the traditional drink, these desserts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So grab a mug of hot cocoa and get ready to indulge in some delicious desserts.
The Allure of Hot Cocoa Desserts
Hot cocoa is a beloved drink during the cold winter months. However, it doesn’t have to stop there. Hot cocoa can be incorporated into desserts to create a warm and comforting treat. The allure of hot cocoa desserts is undeniable, and here are a few reasons why:
- Nostalgia: Many people have fond memories of drinking hot cocoa as a child. Incorporating hot cocoa into desserts can bring back those warm and fuzzy feelings.
- Comfort: There’s something about a warm dessert on a cold day that just feels comforting. Hot cocoa desserts can provide that feeling of comfort and coziness.
- Versatility: Hot cocoa can be used in a variety of desserts, from cakes to cookies to brownies. The possibilities are endless.
- Flavor: Hot cocoa has a rich and chocolatey flavor that can enhance any dessert. It’s a flavor that many people love and crave.
Hot cocoa desserts are not only delicious but also easy to make. They can be a great addition to any winter gathering or simply enjoyed at home on a chilly night.
Photo: momfoodie
The Cocoa Cake recipe I’m sharing with you today is very simple and vegan.
It is actually pretty amazing to make if you have never tried your hand at baking an egg and dairy-free cake before
Get the full recipe from Mom Foodie
Photo: everydayfamilycooking
Experience the cozy delight of hot cocoa dip — a chocolatey creamy indulgence that’s perfect for sharing and dipping all of your favorite treats!
Crafted with cream cheese and crowned with marshmallows, this hot chocolate dip delivers a nostalgic embrace to any gathering.
Get the full recipe from Everyday Family Cooking
Photo: sparklestosprinkles
With just 4 ingredients and a little bit of mixing you will have this creamy light chocolate-flavored dip to share with all your friends and family.
It combines Marshmallow fluff, Cool Whip, unsweetened cocoa, and mini marshmallows for the perfect dip for hot chocolate lovers. It’s easy to make and is light and fluffy.
Get the full recipe from Sparkles To Sprinkles
Photo: flourdeliz
Cinnamon Rolls feel like a special occasion breakfast. They’re super easy to make out of a can, but it’s still never a routine treat.
connection to special occasions makes them taste even better whenever we do have them. Well, it turns out they’re not too hard to make from scratch either!
Get the full recipe from Flour Deliz
Photo: thissillygirlskitchen
With 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, you can enjoy this Hot Chocolate Dip. The perfect dessert dip to serve for any holiday occasion, super easy, tasty, and fun.
Serve with all your favorite dippers, and you have yourself a dessert dip that you will be making over and over again.
Get the full recipe from This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Photo: pamsdailydish
Everyone loves these Hot Cocoa Cookies. They taste amazing and everyone adores them.
They are fun and easy to make and come out tasting like you’re eating a cup of hot cocoa. Totally delicious. Bake a batch and enjoy!
Get the full recipe from Pams Daily Dish
Photo: cakenknife
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are just the sweet treat to snuggle up with this holiday season.
Soft and chewy cookies reveal a gooey center of marshmallow, tasting just like a warm mug of hot cocoa.
Get the full recipe from Cake N Knife
Photo: coffeewithus3
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are sweet, chocolatey cookies that are filled with cinnamon and spice.
Have you ever had Mexican hot chocolate? If you have, you’ll know that it’s a deliciously chocolatey drink spiced with cinnamon, a bit of chili powder, and a dash of cayenne.
Get the full recipe from Coffee With Us 3
Photo: savvymamalifestyle
If you’re anything like me, your sweet tooth knows no boundaries. Serve it for brunch, prep it ahead of time, and just bake until it’s gooey and sticky.
It’s delicious for a special occasion – or just make it because you can’t get enough of it! The hot cocoa combo is perfect if you love chocolate and marshmallow.
Get the full recipe from Savvy Mama Lifestyle
Photo: stephaniessweets
These hot cocoa cookie blossoms taste just like hot chocolate in a cookie! They are fudgy chocolate cookies topped with a melty marshmallow.
They are also topped with Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Chocolates! These are perfect to make this holiday season.
Get the full recipe from Stephanie Sweets
Photo: adventuresofanurse
Hot Cocoa Cookies taste just like a cup of warm hot cocoa, the irresistible flavor of milk chocolate cookie baked to perfection then add a creamy chocolate frosting topped off with a marshmallow.
There’s nothing better than a cup of hot cocoa on those cold winter days now you can have all that wonderful flavor in a delicious cookie
Get the full recipe from Adventures Of A Nurse
Photo: amandascookin
After testing multiple Christmas cookies, these hot cocoa cookies were a family favorite. Out of all the batches I made, these cookies went the fastest!
The flavor of hot cocoa really shines through in these chewy, delicious cookies. And honestly, who doesn’t love a melted marshmallow?
Get the full recipe from Amandas Cookin
Photo: twokidsandacoupon
This chilled light and fluffy hot cocoa dip recipe is the perfect sweet treat for cool weather. Here is how to make it for your family!
This fun way to enjoy finger foods is a great way to make an ordinary meal or snack even more delicious.
Get the full recipe from Two Kids And A Coupon
Photo: crayonsandcravings
Turn a boxed Devil’s Food Cake Mix, store-bought icing, and mini marshmallows into fun hot chocolate cupcakes with this easy recipe.
Cupcakes are a classic dessert, and always a hit with the kids. They are also perfect for serving at parties.
Get the full recipe from Crayons And Cravings
Photo: lesswithlaur
As the weather cools, there is nothing better than drinking a cozy cup of s’mores hot chocolate wrapped in a blanket on your couch by the fireplace!
It is seriously so comforting! This decadent drink is the perfect combination of creamy hot chocolate, sweet graham cracker crumbs, and toasty marshmallows.
Get the full recipe from Less With Laur
Photo: ihearteating
Hot chocolate cookies are rich chocolate cookies filled with marshmallow bits and chunks of melty chocolate.
The cookies are rich and chocolaty and full of mini marshmallow bits and melty chocolate.
Get the full recipe from I Heart Eating
Photo: semihomemadekitchen
Indulge in the ultimate winter comfort dessert with our Hot Chocolate Poke Cake!
This rich and decadent treat combines the flavors of hot cocoa in every moist, fudgy bite – a delightful way to warm up your taste buds on chilly days.
Get the full recipe from Semi-Homemade Kitchen
Photo: belleofthekitchen
These hot chocolate cupcakes are topped with delicious marshmallow buttercream and made to look like little cups of hot cocoa!
With a candy cane handle and mini marshmallows on top, these are so fun for the holidays!
Get the full recipe from Belle Of The Kitchen
Photo: sweetrecipeas
These Hot Chocolate Nougat Brownies have a hot chocolate brownie base topped with a marshmallow hot chocolate nougat and mini marshmallows.
Since the marshmallow nougat layer is made with marshmallow fluff (creme) it tends to be on the sweeter side.
Get the full recipe from Sweet Recipeas
Photo: dancingthroughtherain
These Hot Chocolate Cookies with Chocolate Marshmallow Glaze are the perfect way to have your favorite flavors any time of year!
Chewy chocolate cookies with a melty marshmallow glaze, fluffy marshmallow bits, and chocolate drizzle, are going to be a huge hit!
Get the full recipe from Dancing Through The Rain
Photo: bakingcapture
These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes feature an easy chocolate cupcake recipe topped with hot chocolate whipped cream swirled together with classic whipped cream.
They’re full of flavor, chocolatey, and so cute with the swirled frosting.
Get the full recipe from Baking Capture
Photo: lovefromtheoven
These Hot Chocolate Cookies have since become one of the most popular cookie recipes on Love From The Oven.
Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect Christmas cookies and are great cookies for cookie exchanges.
Get the full recipe from Love from the Oven
Photo: fantabulosity
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies: Chex Party Mix is a crowd favorite that doesn’t require lots of time and effort. It keeps you out of the kitchen, and enjoying the party.
Do you have those “go-to” recipes for when you’re hosting a party? you can almost guarantee that they’re recipes that are quick, easy, and if possible. made ahead of time.
Get the full recipe from Fantabulosity
Photo: tastytreatsandeats
Hot Cocoa Cookies With Mini Marshmallows Are The Perfect Holiday Dessert. These would be a great addition to any holiday party or dessert
This Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe is perfect for colder weather! Sweet hot chocolate cookies are topped with marshmallows and baked to perfection!
Get the full recipe from Tasty Treats And Eat
Photo: myhappybakes
These Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are everyone’s favorite winter drink in cupcake form! They’re perfect for a holiday party or snowy day inside!
These cupcakes are so fluffy, moist, and rich in chocolate flavor but the best part is the Hot Chocolate Buttercream made with actual hot chocolate mix.
Get the full recipe from My Happy Bakes
Photo: thegunnysack
These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups made with sugar cookie dough are filled with hot chocolate ganache, and have a pretzel handle and mini marshmallows on top!
Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are perfect for cold winter days and they are a fun holiday cookie to bring to Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and potlucks!
Get the full recipe from The Gunny Sack
Photo: cinnamonandsageco
This winter, treat yourself and loved ones to some decadent Hot Chocolate Cupcakes.
With a moist cupcake that uses real hot chocolate powder and a light, gooey marshmallow frosting, you won’t be able to resist this seasonal dessert!
Get the full recipe from Cinnamon And Sage Co
Photo: amandascookin
Hot cocoa rice krispie treats are quick and easy to make with only 4 ingredients – a bit of hot chocolate mix, mini marshmallows, butter, and cereal.
Hot cocoa rice krispie treats have the best of both worlds. They’re crispy-crunchy but chewy-soft, with one special ingredient to tie it all together, hot chocolate mix!
Get the full recipe from Amanda’s Cookin
Photo: persnicketyplates
This Hot Chocolate Poke Cake takes everything you love about hot chocolate and puts it into a delicious cake form.
This decadent dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream. Perfect for a holiday celebration!
Get the full recipe from Persnickety Plates
Photo: momfoodie
Hot Chocolate Dip aka Hot Cocoa Dip is an easy no bake dessert treat for holiday parties or family movie night.
The main recipe has just 3 ingredients; whipped topping, marshmallow creme fluff and hot cocoa mix, then top with marshmallows and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.
Get the full recipe from Mom Foodie
Photo: crayonsandcravings
Hot chocolate dip is a quick and easy 4-ingredient dessert dip made with hot chocolate mix, Cool Whip, mini chocolate chips, and marshmallow bits.
Having a few quick and easy no-bake desserts in your back pocket is a great way to ensure you always have a sweet treat to serve at a party or get-together.
Get the full recipe from Crayons And Cravings
Photo: stephaniessweets
These hot chocolate cupcakes use hot chocolate in the cake batter and in the frosting! These are moist chocolate cupcakes that uses cocoa powder and hot chocolate.
They are topped with a gooey marshmallow. The cupcakes are topped with a hot chocolate frosting.
Get the full recipe from stephanies sweets
Photo: acountrygirlslife
These Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups are a must for the colder months! It’s so simple with our step by step tutorial.
Loaded with fudgy texture and peppermint flavor, there’s no way you’ll be able to resist this festive brownie recipe.
Get the full recipe from A Country Girls Life
Photo: flourdeliz
If you are looking for a pie that isn’t just a hot chocolate themed chocolate pie, but actually tastes exactly like hot chocolate, you’ve come to the right place!
This no-bake Hot Chocolate Pie is so easy to make from scratch – just prepare the crumb crust, make the filling on the stovetop, and then let it set in the fridge.
Get the full recipe from Flour Deliz
Photo: theslowroasteditalian
This easy fudge recipe makes a cozy treat that tastes like hot cocoa with marshmallows! Make some for yourself or to give as holiday gifts.
This recipe is SO simple to make! Mix your favorite hot chocolate drink mix with melted chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk for a rich, chocolatey treat.
Get the full recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative ways to incorporate hot cocoa into desserts?
Hot cocoa can be used in a variety of desserts, including cakes, brownies, cookies, and even truffles. One creative way to use hot cocoa is to make hot cocoa bombs, which are chocolate spheres filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Another way to incorporate hot cocoa is to make a hot cocoa cheesecake or hot cocoa fudge.
What are some popular toppings for hot cocoa desserts?
Some popular toppings for hot cocoa desserts include whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and crushed candy canes. You can also add a scoop of ice cream to hot cocoa for a delicious float.
What are some easy hot cocoa dessert recipes for beginners?
For beginners, a simple recipe to try is hot cocoa brownies. Just add hot cocoa mix to your favorite brownie recipe and bake as usual. Another easy recipe is hot cocoa cookies, which can be made by adding hot cocoa mix to a classic sugar cookie recipe.
What are some unique hot cocoa dessert flavor combinations?
Some unique hot cocoa flavor combinations include hot cocoa and peanut butter, hot cocoa and peppermint, hot cocoa and orange, and hot cocoa and cinnamon. You can also experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or cloves to your hot cocoa desserts.
Hot cocoa-themed desserts are a delicious and cozy way to enjoy the winter season. From classic hot cocoa to creative twists on the flavor, there are endless possibilities for incorporating this beloved treat into desserts. These desserts are perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or just as a special treat.
One of the best things about hot cocoa desserts is how versatile they can be. With different types of chocolate, toppings, and flavors, you can customize your dessert to fit your preferences. Plus, many hot cocoa desserts are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Hot cocoa-themed desserts are a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate and cozy winter treats. With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be a hot cocoa dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Judy Kahansky
Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Millie.
