Nothing feels more like Christmas than a warm mug of rich, creamy homemade hot cocoa. This easy Christmas cocoa recipe is made on the stovetop with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and a little vanilla for the coziest holiday drink.
Make a pot for Christmas movie night, looking at Christmas lights, decorating the tree, or Christmas morning. Serve it with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or festive red and green sprinkles for a simple holiday tradition everyone will love.
If you love cozy holiday drinks, make this cocoa alongside my Homemade Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and serve it with a glass of Holiday Punch for guests.
More Holiday Treats You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Hot Cocoa
- Rich and creamy without being complicated
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for a Christmas cocoa bar or family movie night
- Easily doubled for a crowd
The Secret to Extra Creamy Hot Cocoa
Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient that makes this homemade Christmas cocoa so smooth, rich, and chocolatey. It adds sweetness and a creamy texture that regular hot cocoa mix just cannot match on its own.
Use whole milk for the creamiest result, but 2% milk works well too. I do not recommend letting the cocoa boil, since gentle heat keeps it smooth and prevents scorching.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup good-quality hot cocoa powder or hot cocoa mix
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups milk, preferably whole milk
- ¼ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or festive sprinkles, for serving
How to Make Christmas Cocoa
- Pour the milk into a large saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil; heat it just until steam begins to rise.
- Whisk in the hot cocoa powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue whisking until the cocoa is creamy and smooth.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the chocolate chips, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or red and green sprinkles.
Creamy Christmas Hot Cocoa
Rich, creamy homemade Christmas hot cocoa made with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla. It is the perfect easy holiday drink for Christmas movie nights, looking at lights, or Christmas morning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: Holiday Recipes
Ingredients
- ½ cup good-quality hot cocoa mix
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Red and green sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint, for serving
Instructions
- Add the milk to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until steaming. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk in the hot cocoa mix until smooth.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until fully combined and creamy.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the mini chocolate chips, salt, and vanilla extract until the chocolate is melted and the cocoa is smooth.
- Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Whole milk makes the creamiest Christmas cocoa, but 2% milk can be used.
- Keep the heat low and do not boil the cocoa.
- For a party, transfer the finished cocoa to a slow cooker set on warm and stir occasionally.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Make It Your Own
Turn this easy homemade hot chocolate into a festive Christmas treat with one of these simple additions:
- Stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for peppermint hot cocoa.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, old-fashioned flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Add a spoonful of instant espresso powder for a mocha version.
- Set out toppings and make a Christmas hot cocoa bar for parties.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes. Make the cocoa as directed, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened.
For a party, keep the finished Christmas cocoa warm in a slow cooker set to the warm setting. Stir occasionally and do not let it boil.
Christmas Cocoa FAQ
What makes hot cocoa creamy?
Sweetened condensed milk and whole milk give this hot cocoa its rich, creamy texture. The melted chocolate chips also make every mug extra smooth and chocolatey.
Can I use water instead of milk?
You can, but the finished cocoa will not be as creamy or rich. For the best homemade Christmas hot chocolate, use milk.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe is easy to double or triple for holiday parties, Christmas Eve, or a family gathering.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings, depending on the size of your mugs.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Christmas cocoa is one of those simple holiday recipes that turns an ordinary night into a memory. Whether you are bundled up in the car looking at Christmas lights or relaxing at home in matching pajamas, a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate always makes the season feel a little more special.
