The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When the holidays roll in and the cold winter air settles outside, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a warm, creamy mug of homemade hot chocolate. This Easy Cream Christmas Hot Chocolate recipe is the ultimate cozy drink, made with real chocolate, velvety cream, and festive flavors that instantly bring the magic of the season into your home.
Forget powdered cocoa packets—this recipe delivers a rich, silky, ultra-creamy hot chocolate that tastes like something from a Christmas movie. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a blanket, having a quiet December evening with family, or hosting a festive gathering, this hot chocolate sets the perfect mood for cozy holiday nights.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Hot Chocolate
There are dozens of hot chocolate recipes out there, but this one feels like Christmas in a cup:
- Ultra creamy: Heavy cream + melted chocolate give a luxurious, café-style texture.
- Quick & easy: Done in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly festive: Add peppermint, cinnamon, or nutmeg for holiday flavor.
- Endless variations: Mint, white chocolate, spiced, caramel, gingerbread, and more.
- Kid-approved but adult-friendly: Sweet enough for children, rich enough for grown-ups.
This recipe is designed to be comforting, decadent, and foolproof. Even beginner cooks can create a stunning Christmas drink that tastes like it came from a winter lodge café.
Ingredients
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Candy canes or peppermint sticks (optional)
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
These ingredients come together to create hot chocolate that’s thick, creamy, and incredibly smooth—no grainy texture, no watery consistency, just pure chocolate bliss.
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir continuously until melted and silky.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour into festive mugs.
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed candy cane, or cinnamon.
- Serve warm and enjoy the holiday coziness.
Easy Cream Christmas Hot Chocolate
A rich, ultra-creamy Christmas hot chocolate made with real chocolate, heavy cream, and festive flavors—perfect for cozy winter nights.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat milk and heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
- Add chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Reduce heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy cane.
Notes
Add peppermint extract for a festive twist.
The Secret to Extra Creamy Hot Chocolate
The combination of two types of chocolate—cocoa powder + real chocolate—makes this recipe richer and more flavorful. The cream adds body, and melting real chocolate creates a thick, velvety finish.
For the richest version, use:
- Whole milk (no low-fat substitutes)
- Heavy cream (for luxurious texture)
- Good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
This is the kind of hot chocolate you sip slowly because every sip feels indulgent.
Festive Christmas Variations
🎄 Peppermint Christmas Hot Chocolate
Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract and garnish with a candy cane.
🎁 White Chocolate Snowdrift Coco
Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate; add a sprinkle of nutmeg.
✨ Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Add ½ teaspoon gingerbread spice for a holiday bakery flavor.
🔥 Mexican Spiced Christmas Cocoa
Add a pinch of cayenne + cinnamon for a warm, cozy kick.
🍫 Salted Caramel Holiday Cocoa
Stir in 1 tablespoon caramel sauce and top with caramel drizzle.
With these variations, you can make a different version every night of December!
Serving Suggestions
This drink pairs perfectly with:
- Christmas cookies
- Gingerbread houses
- Holiday movie nights
- Christmas morning breakfast
- Christmas Eve pajama parties
- S’mores boards or chocolate platters
Serve it in:
- A holiday mug
- A clear glass mug to show off the creaminess
- Mason jars wrapped with ribbon
- Heat-safe mugs topped sky-high with whipped cream
It also makes a wonderful welcome drink for holiday guests.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Hot chocolate stores beautifully and reheats perfectly.
To store:
Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Warm gently on the stove over low heat; don’t boil. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Every Time
✔ Do not boil
Boiling separates the dairy, creating a grainy texture.
✔ Whisk constantly
This helps the cocoa powder dissolve without clumping.
✔ Use high-quality chocolate
Cheap chocolate affects flavor and texture.
✔ Add flavor extracts at the end
Vanilla, peppermint, almond, and caramel shine best after the heat is reduced.
✔ Top it generously
Whipped cream + marshmallows + crushed candy cane = Christmas perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk + dairy-free chocolate for a creamy vegan version.
Can I use white chocolate?
Absolutely—it becomes a decadent Snowflake Hot Chocolate.
How do I make it thicker?
Use more chocolate chips or simmer a few extra minutes.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips or reduce the sugar.
Can kids drink this version?
Yes! It’s family-friendly and loved by all ages.
Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Must-Have
This Easy Cream Christmas Hot Chocolate brings all the holiday warmth into one mug. It’s festive, comforting, and customizable—exactly what you want during December evenings. It’s perfect for slow nights, holiday gatherings, and cozy indoor celebrations.
One sip feels like the holidays.
