How To Make A Hot Chocolate Bar

Maybe it’s just me, but winter can feel pretty monotonous after the holidays are over. What better way to break it up and add a little excitement to your winter than making your own DIY Hot Chocolate Bar!

I love this idea for parties or just for a family-friendly cozy night in. The kids absolutely love to be able to create their cocoa with all of their favorite mixings! Pair this fun treat with a family sleepover in the living room or a new special pair of pajamas and you have yourself a winter tradition they’ll never forget!

First things first, you need a great base. This is a favorite Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (that was also inside my Winter Edit).

Homemade Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

4 cups milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling).
Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk.
Whisk in vanilla extract, serve immediately.

Now for the fun part!

The Toppings

Select toppings that you know that you and your loved ones will use. Here’s a list of a few fun ideas that you can include in your Hot Chocolate bar:

Candy Canes/Peppermint Sticks
Marshmallows
Chocolate Chips (Milk, Dark, White)
Sprinkles
Crushed toffee bits
Malt Balls
Caramels
Pirouline Cookies
Cinnamon Sticks
Peanut Butter Powder
Shredded Coconut
Whipped Cream (we love homemade)
Caramel Sauce
Chocolate Sauce
Skinny Syrup Mixes

To set it all up, I love to use matching ramekins or small dishes for the dry toppings. Mason jars work really well for tall items that can be used for stirring, like cinnamon and peppermint sticks. I love to keep the hot chocolate mugs or disposable cups right next to where you’re hot chocolate will be served. If you’re using paper disposable cups, it’s so nice to have hot sleeves for those so that little hands don’t get burned! Next, I like to set up dry mixings at the beginning of the bar. Tall items can be set at the back and smaller ramekins can be placed at the front. Small serving spoons or tongs can be used for different items to prevent cross contamination.

After that, your liquid toppings to create the finishing product! Whipped cream is a must, of course, and syrups can be drizzled on top. Finally, don’t forget straws and napkins and you’re all set!

If you decide to make your own Hot Chocolate bar this winter, I would love it if you tagged me @dthompsy so that I can like it! Happy New Year!