Few things can warm up the heart, body, and soul quite like a big mug full of smooth, decadent hot chocolate. From cozy nights inside to busy days spent running around in the cold fall and winter weather, nothing complements every circumstance better than sipping on some piping hot cocoa. Since the classic recipe does such a top-notch job bringing seasonal cheer to the mix, we decided to take it to the next level with a roundup of our favorite dressed-up hot chocolate recipes-you can kiss Swiss Miss goodbye forever.
Live Love Pasta
Black Bottom Hot Chocolate
This homemade hot chocolate recipe pays due homage to classic flavors while saving the specialty surprise for last-a thick layer of liquid fudge nestled indulgently at the bottom of the cup. It's okay-we stopped breathing the first time we read that, too.
Drizzled with creamy peanut butter and a hint of sea salt, this done-up drink is seriously similar to drinking a Reese's cup, which-c'mon-is something we've all fantasized about at one point or another.
Served up wintery white hot chocolate style, this recipe is basically a dream come true for every cold-weather beverage aficionado. All the PSL and hot chocolate goodness blended perfectly into one cup? You can thank us later.
Get the recipe here-you can also kick up this recipe grown-up style by adding in a sampling of Kahlua or Bourbon.
Will Cook for Friends
Cardamom and Orange Spiced White Hot Chocolate
The minimal flavoring of classic hot chocolate is the perfect canvas for getting a little creative with the complementary ingredient list, and this ultra-sweet recipe tests the limits in all the right ways.
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate with Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
If you can't get enough of red velvet cake or everyone's favorite winter drink, then this deliciously decadent combination was (and can be again) made for you. Garnish with a healthy dollop of cream cheese whipped topping for a little extra kick of rich indulgence.
Nothing beats the layer of warm, gooey marshmallows floating on top of your cup, and now you can have them toasted to perfection with this broiled Irish edition. Stir in a splash of Bailey's and pop your mug in the oven to let all the ingredients cook through to their utmost potential.
America might be content on getting by with microwavable Swiss Miss, but Italy knows a thing or two about the way to a truly magical cup of cocoa. This recipe is more like sipping on a liquefied chocolate bar than watered down cocoa powder, which pretty much seems like a hands-down decision to us.
We know that sometimes the only timely option for enjoying hot chocolate is to fill up a glass with water, pour in a conveniently pre-made packet and stick in the microwave for a couple minutes, so we've found a recipe to kick that up a notch or two. Next time you've got no choice but to settle for the easy, add in a little vanilla chai tea mix with a splash of cinnamon to heighten the taste.
Get the recipe here. If you love the combination and want to try chai hot chocolate the more homemade way, check out this delicious recipe.
Babble
Mexican Hot Chocolate with Dulce De Leche Spiced Cream
Outfitted to the nines with vanilla bean ice cream and a lot of cinnamon, this exotic blend of classic flavors will make you a little sad you ever hosted that processed box of powdered chocolate in your cupboard. Did we mention that it's topped with made-from-scratch sweet and spicy, cayenne-infused dulce de leche cream?
