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Warm up your winter gatherings with these fun hot cocoa bar ideas. This list includes a variety of drinks, plus cookies and other tasty treats!
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Set up a hot cocoa bar at your upcoming holiday gatherings.
You can keep things simple with a variety of drinks, then let your creativity shine with different toppings and treats.
Try these recipes to make things even more enjoyable for your guests.
Hot Cocoa Charcuterie Board
This spread is one of the best ideas for a hot cocoa bar.
It’s a perfect dessert setup where everyone can mix and match their favorite toppings and sweets with creamy hot chocolate.
Get The Recipe: Hot Cocoa Charcuterie Board
Smore Charcuterie Board
Here’s another charcuterie board idea your guests will love. It features berries, marshmallows, cookies, chocolates, caramel syrup, and peanut butter.
Arrange everything in layers to create an eye-catching centerpiece.
Get The Recipe: Hot Cocoa Charcuterie Board
Hot Chocolate Mix
This hot chocolate mix is perfect for sipping on cold nights or at festive gatherings.
The main ingredients are simple pantry staples: milk powder, cocoa powder, white chocolate chips and kosher salt.
Get The Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mix
Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Do you love crunchy, sweet snacks? You should try these peanut butter balls.
They have a creamy, slightly salty flavor. Enjoy them anytime, even when there’s no party.
Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
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Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Bring a burst of citrusy sweetness to your hot cocoa bar. Make these cookies in just 20 minutes.
You only need a few simple ingredients like white cake mix, orange Jell-O, orange zest, and white chocolate chips.
Get The Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Mexican Hot Chocolate Mousse
Your cocoa bar can be as simple or as fancy as you want. Make this mousse a part of your spread.
It’s made with silken tofu, chocolate chips, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate Mousse
Butternut Squash Blondies
These blondies are brimming with natural sweetness!
Everyone will love their fall-inspired flavors. You only need butternut squash, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a few other ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Butternut Squash Blondies
Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites
These banana bites are a fun twist on the classic loaf. They’re fluffy, tender, and great for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Banana Bread Bites
Cinnamon Mixed Berry Dessert Nachos
Craving a fruity twist on traditional nachos? Check out this dessert!
It’s a show-stopping treat at any gathering, featuring berries, cinnamon, almonds, and vanilla ice cream.
Get The Recipe: Cinnamon Mixed Berry Dessert Nachos
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Even the simplest sweet snacks can make your cocoa bar exciting.
These peanut butter treats will quickly become a family favorite. They’re also ideal for lunchbox treats or after-school snacks.
Get The Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Sweet and Savory Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies bring together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory.
It’s your usual chocolate chip cookie favorite, but with crispy bacon bits for a unique flavor experience.
Get The Recipe: Sweet and Savory Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Vegan Hot Chocolate Bombs
Vegan bombs are a fantastic choice for your hot cocoa bar. These treats are indulgent and full of chocolatey flavor.
Main ingredients include silken tofu, bittersweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Hot Chocolate Bombs
Vegan Chocolate Fondue
Set up a cocoa bar to keep everyone warm and satisfied.
Here’s another wonderful addition—vegan chocolate fondue! This version is vegan yet still filled with deep, satisfying sweetness.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Fondue
Vegan Marshmallows
These vegan marshmallows are fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
You’ll love their light, sweet flavor, and pillowy texture. Drop them into a hot cup of vegan cocoa for the perfect topper.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Marshmallows
Lemon Meringue White Hot Chocolate
Craving a zesty twist on traditional hot chocolate? This version is a true game-changer with its unique flavor profile.
It includes white chocolate, sugar, lemon, milk, and egg.
Get The Recipe: Lemon Meringue White Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A cozy evening calls for a refreshing combination of peppermint and rich chocolate. Try this hot chocolate recipe.
Its texture is velvety and satisfying, created by using cocoa powder, milk, and a splash of peppermint extract.
Get The Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Unicorn Hot Chocolate Bombs
Looking to add a bit of magic to your hot cocoa bar? These vibrant spheres are a must-try.
They’re made with candy melts, marshmallows, white icing, and sprinkles.
Get The Recipe: Unicorn Hot Chocolate Bombs
Amaretto Hot Chocolate
Don’t hesitate to explore more chocolate drinks.
This is one of your easiest options, made with dark chocolate, whole milk, cocoa powder, and amaretto liqueur.
Get The Recipe: Amaretto Hot Chocolate
Ruby Hot Chocolate
This ruby hot chocolate can bring an unexpected pop of flavor and color to your hot cocoa bar.
It’s so easy to make—gently melt the chocolate into warm milk, whisking until smooth, and then serve.
Get The Recipe: Ruby Hot Chocolate
Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Don’t forget to include dairy-free options at your cocoa bar.
This one is easy and comforting, made with cocoa powder, oat milk, cane sugar, and vanilla extract.
Get The Recipe: Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
Spiked Butterscotch Hot Chocolate
In search of rich, boozy options? This spiked hot chocolate is luxuriously smooth, thanks to the use of whole milk and half-and-half.
It also includes coffee liqueur and butterscotch schnapps.
Get The Recipe: Spiked Butterscotch Hot Chocolate
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Candy Corn Hot Chocolate
This candy corn drink features candy corn, milk, heavy whipping cream, and white chocolate chips.
It’s a fun, Halloween-inspired treat. Pair it with candy corn-flavored cookies to match the theme.
Get The Recipe: Candy Corn Hot Chocolate
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Enjoy this hot drink not only at gatherings but also on cozy winter weekday mornings.
You can make it either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Then, serve it alongside mini caramel apple slices for a fruity twist.
Get The Recipe: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Blend the deep flavor of red wine with creamy dark chocolate. This drink is so thick and velvety!
Main ingredients include red wine, bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, and cocoa powder.
Get The Recipe: Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
This seasonal favorite combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the creaminess of hot chocolate.
It offers sweet and spicy flavors with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pair it with pumpkin spice cookies or gingerbread biscotti.
Get The Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
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Give your guests something to enjoy alongside their cocoa. Don’t forget to add cookies and other bite-sized treats to your setup.
Many of these snacks can be prepared in advance and stored until your event.
25 Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas That Will Make Your Party Epic
Use these hot chocolate bar ideas to create the most epic hot chocolate party! These ideas include everything from snacks you can serve with your hot chocolate bar to tasty hot chocolate recipes that you can get the party started with.
Read it here: 25 Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas That Will Make Your Party Epic
25+ Christmas Party Food Ideas That’ll Turn You Into the Favorite Host This Season!
You might want to keep these 25+ Christmas party food ideas to yourself—sharing is hard when they’re this good!
Read it here: 25+ Christmas Party Food Ideas That’ll Turn You Into the Favorite Host This Season!
25 Winter Appetizers So Good You’ll Want To Host A Winter Party Now
These winter appetizers are so good, they’ll make you want to host a winter party just because! The easy to make appetizers for winter are delicious and bring in some of the best flavors.
Read it here: 25 Winter Appetizers So Good You’ll Want To Host A Winter Party Now
Need inspiration for your next holiday party? Your guests will love these hearty dishes: