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Cozy Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar: 10 Easy Toppings

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Set up the coziest, most fun holiday hot cocoa bar that will absolutely steal the show at your next gathering. This interactive setup lets everyone build their own perfect cup of rich, creamy cocoa with 10 delicious toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270 grams)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 grams)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 can whipped cream (or homemade)
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes
  • ¼ cup chocolate shavings
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
  • ¼ cup toasted coconut
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes
  • Peppermint stirrers (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of sea salt until no lumps remain.
  2. Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Whisk until the dry ingredients are fully dissolved into the liquid.
  3. Place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a whisk, scraping the bottom to prevent scorching. Heat until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges (do not boil).
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for 30 seconds, then whisk until completely melted and smooth.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding another tablespoon of sugar.
  6. If serving over a longer period, transfer the hot cocoa to a preheated slow cooker set to low to keep warm.
  7. While the cocoa stays warm, arrange the toppings. Fill small bowls with each topping and place on a large tray in a logical order: liquid toppings first, then fluffy toppings, then crunchy toppings.
  8. Place mugs next to the slow cooker or pot with a ladle. Let guests serve themselves and get creative with the toppings.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk – it can scald and develop a skin. Always remove the pot from heat before adding chocolate chips to prevent seizing. The cocoa base can be made a day ahead and reheated. For parties, a slow cooker keeps cocoa warm for hours. Label all toppings for easy self-service. Keep toppings in separate bowls so guests can customize.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa, hot chocolate, holiday, Christmas, cocoa bar, toppings, party, winter, cozy, dessert

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-holiday-hot-cocoa-bar-10-easy-toppings/