Holiday Hot Chocolate Recipes Perfect For This Winter

Delicious, hearty recipes and warm cups of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows are synonymous with winter. And while there are fun ways to make your winter staple recipes taste bold and new, hot chocolate is traditionally the same drink with the same flavors. But it doesn't have to be. From cups topped with colorful sprinkles and icing to a frozen, spicy blend, here are hot chocolate recipes to help you mix it up during the holidays and beyond.

This peppermint bark hot chocolate recipe melds two of the best parts of the season: delicious cocktails and sweet hot chocolate. The crushed peppermints add an extra touch of sweetness, and a dollop of whipped cream brings the boozy creation together.

For the Spiked Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

There are plenty of delicious slow cooker recipes, but this hot chocolate recipe might top the list. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a nice, subtle kick, and the red wine makes this drink the perfect addition to any holiday potluck.

For the Slow Cooker Red Wine Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

Chances are you've probably had delicious hot chocolate in your lifetime. But you haven't had the world's best hot chocolate. This fun recipe is a sweet dream thanks to the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and whipped cream loaded on top. 

For the World's Best Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

You can whip up this sweet hot chocolate recipe with fewer than five ingredients. The chocolate and vanilla swirl give you the best of both worlds, and a pinch of ground cinnamon takes the flavor to the next level.

For the Vanilla Cinnamon Hot Cocoa recipe, click here.

This red velvet hot chocolate might sound like a tricky dessert recipe, but it'll only take 10 minutes and a few ingredients to make. A few teaspoons of red food color give the traditional drink its red velvet hue. Flex your cooking skills with homemade whipped cream.

For the Red Velvet Hot Chocolate recipe, click here. 

Sure, white chocolate might not actually be chocolate, but it tastes just as good, especially in this hot chocolate recipe. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and a touch of coconut extract transform the classic drink into a festive concoction you'll want year-round. 

For the Toasted Coconut White Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

If you're in a rush and craving hot chocolate, try this easy Instant Pot recipe for a delicious drink in a flash. You'll need only four ingredients — milk, sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla extract — and if you want to sweeten it up, add some marshmallows on top. 

For the Instant Pot Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

This unicorn hot chocolate is a fun recipe you can make at home with your children or when you're simply craving a decadent dessert. Unlike traditional hot chocolates, this drink is bursting with color and topped with rainbow marshmallows, pastel sprinkles and blue icing.

For the Unicorn Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

Whether you live in a warm-weather destination or you just want a break from warm drinks, this frozen Mexican hot chocolate recipe will cool you down. A dab of cinnamon and cayenne pepper gives the specialty drink a nice kick, but it's the slushy dark chocolate that truly shines. 

For the Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

Candy canes are one of the most popular holiday candies in America, so this drink is full of spirit. The chocolate-dipped peppermint candy is the cherry on top of an already delicious recipe.

For the Hot Cocoa with Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Candy Canes recipe, click here.

When you combine one of the top seasonal flavors with one of the most popular seasonal drinks, what do you get? This pumpkin pie spiced hot chocolate recipe. If you're feeling brave, try making pumpkin spice on your own. 

For the Pumpkin Pie Spiced Hot Chocolate with Coconut Milk recipe, click here.

Almonds are a food you should eat every day, and while we're not sure almond extract counts, this drink is still worth it. It'll take less than 5 minutes to prep and cook this tasty drink.

For the Almond Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

Cake and hot chocolate are the dynamic duo you never knew you needed. Hot chocolate is drizzled over a slice of moist cake, which is topped with a gooey caramel sauce, whipped cream and toasted nuts.

For the Hot Cocoa Cake recipe, click here.

You'll feel like you're visiting Harry Potter's magical world after one sip of this butterbeer hot chocolate. This sweet drink melds butterscotch and hot chocolate and tops it off with a swirl of whipped cream and butterscotch sauce drizzle. 

For the ButterBeer Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

Embrace your inner child with the ultimate childhood dessert: frozen hot chocolate popsicles. This recipe is a fun, cool spin on a traditional hot drink, and mini marshmallows add another pop of flavor. 

For the Frozen Hot Chocolate Popsicles recipe, click here. 

This Mexican hot chocolate recipe is the perfect gift for any hot chocolate lover in your life and a great way to master your DIY skills. Simply prepare the hot chocolate powder in a food processor and package it. 

For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Gift Mix recipe, click here.

Instead of sipping your favorite hot chocolate drink, eat a chocolatey, gooey rendition of the treat. This delicious cookie recipe will quickly become a family favorite thanks to loads of chocolate and marshmallows.

For the Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows Cookies recipe, click here.

When you need some "me time," this single-serve peppermint hot chocolate recipe is the answer. Peppermint extract takes the comforting, creamy drink to the next level, and whipped cream and shaved chocolate are the perfect sweet toppings.

For the Single Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

Level up your classic cereal with hot cocoa. This hot cocoa muddy buddies recipe is the perfect treat when you need a sweet snack to munch on or when you want to serve a light snack at a party. For more delicious spins on classic drinks, try making one of the best cocktails for the holiday season.

For the Hot Cocoa Muddy Buddies recipe, click here.

More from The Daily Meal:

Mocktail Recipes Everyone Will Love

Pumpkin Cocktails Perfect for Fall

Popular Coronavirus Quarantine Cocktails By State

Coronavirus Coffee Trends During Quarantine

Kentucky Derby Cocktails Beyond the Mint Julep