Easy Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar

Create a cozy gathering place for family and friends with an easy Christmas hot chocolate bar. Rich homemade hot chocolate, simple ceramic mugs and bowls filled with delicious toppings allow everyone to create their own perfect drink.

This setup works beautifully for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights, cookie-decorating parties or a relaxed afternoon with visiting family. The hot chocolate can be prepared ahead and kept warm in an insulated carafe or slow cooker, leaving you free to enjoy the gathering.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

—6 cups whole milk
—2 cups heavy cream
—½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
—½ cup granulated sugar
—8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
—1 teaspoon vanilla extract
—Pinch of salt

Step 1

Combine the Cocoa and Sugar

In a large saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar and salt.

Add approximately 1 cup of the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and most of the cocoa lumps have disappeared.

Step 2

Add the Remaining Milk and Cream

Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and heavy cream.

Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it's steaming and hot but not boiling.

Step 3

Add the Chocolate

Reduce the heat to low and add the finely chopped chocolate.

Whisk until the chocolate has completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Add the Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Taste and add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate.

Step 5

Keep It Warm

Transfer the hot chocolate to an insulated carafe, heat-safe serving pot or slow cooker set to warm.

Stir occasionally to keep the chocolate evenly combined.

Hot Chocolate Bar Toppings

You don't need to offer every possible topping. Choose a mixture of creamy, crunchy, chocolatey and peppermint options.

Creamy Toppings

—Softly whipped cream
—Mini marshmallows

Chocolate Toppings

—Dark chocolate shavings
—Milk chocolate shavings
—Mini chocolate chips
—Chocolate sauce

Christmas Toppings

—Crushed candy canes
—Peppermint bark, broken into small pieces
—Cinnamon sticks

Sauces and Finishing Touches

—Caramel sauce
—Flaky sea salt
—Ground cinnamon, optional
—Festive sprinkles, optional

Something to Enjoy Alongside

—Shortbread cookies
—Gingerbread cookies
—Biscotti
—Sugar cookies
—Peppermint bark

What You'll Need

—An insulated carafe, large heat-safe pot or slow cooker
—6–8 mugs
—Several small bowls for toppings
—Small spoons for each topping
—Two small pitchers for the chocolate and caramel sauces
—A ladle if serving from a pot or slow cooker
—Napkins
—A serving plate for cookies
—A few clean rosemary, cedar or evergreen sprigs, optional
—A small handful of fresh cranberries, optional

How to Arrange a Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar

Step 1

Choose the Location

Set up the hot chocolate bar on a kitchen island, sideboard or section of your countertop with enough room for guests to move comfortably.

Place the insulated carafe, serving pot or slow cooker toward the back or centre of the display.

Step 2

Arrange the Mugs

Group the mugs together on one side of the hot chocolate.

Use mugs in similar neutral colours rather than perfectly matching ones for a relaxed, collected look. Make sure the handles are easy to reach.

Step 3

Add the Toppings

Spoon each topping into a separate small bowl and add a serving spoon where needed.

Place the most popular toppings — whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate shavings — closest to the mugs. Arrange the smaller toppings, such as crushed candy canes, chocolate chips and flaky salt, around them.

Step 4

Add the Sauces

Pour the caramel and chocolate sauces into small pitchers or squeeze bottles.

Place them toward the front of the display so guests can drizzle them over their drinks without reaching across other toppings.

Step 5

Add the Cookies

Arrange shortbread, gingerbread or biscotti on a separate plate beside the hot chocolate toppings.

Keep the cookie selection simple. One or two varieties are enough when there are several drink toppings available.

Step 6

Add a Simple Christmas Touch

Tuck a few clean rosemary, cedar or evergreen sprigs between the serving pieces. Scatter several fresh cranberries sparingly around the display.

Keep greenery away from open drinks and food. Only use greenery that is clean and free from sprays or pesticides.

Favourite Hot Chocolate Combinations

Classic Christmas Hot Chocolate

Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and dark chocolate shavings.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Add whipped cream, crushed candy canes and a small piece of peppermint bark.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Drizzle with caramel sauce, add whipped cream and finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.

Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate

Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, chocolate shavings and a few mini chocolate chips.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Add a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon and use a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Optional Adults-Only Additions

If adults will be enjoying the hot chocolate bar, place one or two liqueurs at a separate end of the display so they aren't confused with the family-friendly toppings. Try adding:

—Irish cream liqueur
—Coffee liqueur
—Peppermint schnapps
—Dark rum
—Bourbon

Approximately 1–1½ ounces per mug is usually enough, depending on personal preference. Keep alcoholic additions clearly separated and out of reach of children.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Add the milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar and salt to a slow cooker. Whisk until combined.

Add the chopped chocolate, cover and cook on low for approximately 2 hours, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is hot and smooth.

Stir in the vanilla, then reduce the slow cooker to the warm setting for serving. Don't allow the hot chocolate to boil, as high heat can cause the milk and chocolate to separate.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The hot chocolate can be prepared up to one day ahead. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, or warm it in a slow cooker.

Prepare the topping bowls a few hours ahead, cover them and set aside. Refrigerate the whipped cream until just before serving.

Set out the mugs, empty bowls, spoons, napkins and serving pieces the night before. Add the food, sauces and garnishes shortly before guests arrive.

Tips for a Beautiful and Practical Setup

—Use a mixture of small and medium bowls to create different heights.
—Avoid filling every inch of the counter; a little open space makes the display easier to use.
—Give every topping its own spoon.
—Keep a small cloth nearby for drips.
—Place extra marshmallows and cookies out of sight so you can refill the bowls.
—Use an insulated carafe to keep the hot chocolate warm without running a cord across the serving area.
—If using a slow cooker, position the electrical cord safely away from the edge of the counter.
—Label alcoholic additions if children will be present.

Wishing you a warm and cozy Christmas from The Hungry Raven.

Homemade. Heartfelt. Seasonal.