Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe Mix That Kids Love

Is there anything that speaks the holidays more than a warm cup of homemade hot cocoa? As soon as our Christmas tree and lights go up, my kids begin asking for hot chocolate, and I am happy to oblige.

Homemade hot cocoa accompanies us with many Christmas traditions around our home this time of year, including Christmas movies, holiday decorating, and light viewing.

There’s just something magical and comforting about sipping on a cup of warm cocoa around the Christmas tree. Call me corny, but it’s these simple details that I look forward to each holiday season.

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa

Homemade hot chocolate is surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients, many which I already have on hand in my pantry and fridge.

Whipping up a pot of hot chocolate goes a lot further for our big family than using the store bought packets.

Check out this simple recipe for homemade Christmas Cocoa that you can easily put together for you and your kiddos and enjoy with all your holiday festivities.

This recipe can easily be doubled if you want to make more for a crowd. You can also use a non-dairy alternative for milk if you would prefer a dairy-free Christmas Cocoa.

Let your kids join you in the kitchen and help you put this together by doing simple tasks like stirring, measuring ingredients, or topping their mugs with yummy, hot cocoa garnishes.

Fun Tip: Have a hot cocoa Christmas party by making a large pot of homemade cocoa and setting it out on a table with different garnish options.

Let your friends and family enjoy a warm mug of homemade cocoa, topped with their garnishes of choice.

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Milk of Choice (I use whole milk but you can easily substitute with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, etc)

• ¼ cup unsweetened Cocoa Powder

• ¼ cup Honey or Maple Syrup (can add more or less depending on how sweet you like it)

• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

• ⅓ cup hot water

• Mini Marshmallows, cinnamon, whipped cream, and/or peppermint sticks for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the hot water, cocoa powder and honey over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth.

2. Gently add in the milk and whisk over low heat until combined and milk is warm.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract.

4. Pour into mugs and garnish as desired. Serve and enjoy!

(If you prefer a frothy hot cocoa, pour warm milk mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth, well-mixed, and frothy.)

What are your favorite holiday traditions that you enjoy sharing with your kids? Wishing you love and a warm cup of cocoa this holiday season!