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    Home » Entertaining » Drinks » Hot Cocoa Bar

    Hot Cocoa Bar

    Published: Dec 12, 2020 Modified: May 30, 2021 by GG

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    ingredients for hot cocoa bar with text overlay
    hot chocolate bar ingredients on tray with text overlay
    hot cocoa bar on three teir tray with text overlay

    When it’s chilly outside it’s time to set up our Hot Cocoa Bar with all the fixings of a delicious warm drink and sweet treats to go with. Candy canes, fudge sauce, assorted candy, mini marshmallows, whipped topping and more fill our hot chocolate station.

    three tier tray with hot cocoa bar ingredients

    Hot Cocoa Bar

    Who can resist a piping hot mug of hot chocolate? I certainly can’t! Garnish with your favorite toppings and you’re all set.

    A candy cane stirrer will turn a simple cup of hot cocoa into a gourmet peppermint mocha hot chocolate.

    Add the crowing glory of whipped topping and sprinkle with M&M’s, assorted candy, fudge sauce, caramel sauce, sprinkles, the choices are endless.

    A chocolate covered spoon for stirring adds a festive touch.

    You can personalize your hot chocolate bar with the toppings that you love most and add cookies and other sweet treats to go with. And even add a shot of my Homemade Peppermint Vodka for a boozy beverage!

    I make commissions for purchases made through links in this post

    Set it up with assorted jars and bowls on a tray or tiered tray. and pretty mugs for everyone. It’s time to get toasty warm!

     

    hot cocoa in jar with stir-ins and toppings

    I’ve linked up with two of my favorite blogging friends for a progressive holiday menu!

    Start your festivities with a Baked Brie With Jam from Kristin at Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Move on to the main event with a Grilled Prime Rib Roast courtesy of Lisa at Jersey Girl Cooks.

    And, of course, my Hot Cocoa Bar will be your sweet treat at the end of the day!

    It's going to be a delicious holiday dinner at your house this year!

    Hot Cocoa FAQ's

    What is needed for a hot chocolate bar?

    Your hot chocolate bar should include hot chocolate mix, hot water or milk, a thermos for keeping the hot water warm, assorted toppings, mugs or paper cups, spoons or stirrers.

    Is there a difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

    Typically hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and hot chocolate is a drink made from cocoa beans. Even though these two drinks are different, the names hot cocoa and hot chocolate are used interchangeably.

    Is it better to use milk or water in hot chocolate?

    Whole milk will give your hot chocolate more creaminess and richness than water. Low-fat and nonfat milk can also be used.

    If you want a thicker richer hot chocolate, make your hot cocoa with half and half. .

    two santa mugs with hot cocoa bar ingredients

    Swirls of Flavor Recipe Tips

    • Serve your favorite store bought or homemade hot cocoa mix
    • Make a slow cooker hot chocolate recipe
    • Make it boozy and add a jigger of whiskey, Baileys, Peppermint Schnapps or Peppermint Vodka
    • Garnish with your favorite toppings
    • Add chocolate covered spoons for stirring
    • Serve hot water in a carafe to add to a hot chocolate mix
    • Use to-go cups with tops

    hot cocoa bar ingredients on a tray

    Hot Chocolate Toppings

    Personalize your Hot Cocoa Bar and add your favorite toppings such as:

    • Biscotti
    • Candy canes
    • Caramel sauce
    • Chili powder (for a hint of heat)
    • Chocolate covered spoons
    • Chocolate truffles
    • Chopped candy bars
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Crushed pretzels
    • Dark chocolate chips
    • Edible glitter
    • Fudge sauce
    • Ground cinnamon
    • M&M’s
    • Milk chocolate chips
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Mini oreos
    • Nuts
    • Peanut butter chips
    • Pirouette cookies
    • Rock candy sugar stirrers
    • Shredded coconut
    • Sprinkles
    • Starlight peppermint candy
    • Toffee bits
    • Whipped topping
    • White chocolate chips

    Hot chocolate bar ideas

    You’ll definitely want to try these hot cocoa bar ideas:

    • Serve your hot cocoa with chocolate covered spoons
    • Use candy canes as stirrers and make yourself a peppermint hot cocoa
    • Provide festive sprinkles for you holiday get togethers
    • Include winter themed sprinkles during the cold snowy months

    hot cocoa ingredients on tray with text overlay

    Ingredients for a hot chocolate bar

    • Instant hot chocolate mix
    • Hot water or milk
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Candy canes
    • Fudge sauce
    • Caramel sauce
    • Whipped topping
    • Cookies
    • Sprinkles

    Easy Christmas Desserts 

    Reindeer Brownies
    Homemade fudgy brownies topped with a silky-smooth cocoa buttercream frosting come to life as Reindeer Brownies with sugar eyes and a bright red candy nose!
    Check out this recipe
    Reindeer Brownies is an easy recipe that will quickly become a holiday tradition and so much fun for kids! Fudgy homemade brownies topped with a silky-smooth cocoa buttercream frosting come to life as Rudolph with sugar eyes, candy cane antlers and a bright red candy nose, of course! #homemadebrownies #reindeer #holiday #Christmas #easyrecipe #Rudolphthe rednosedreindeer #funforkids #reindeerbrownies #candycane #cocoafrosting #swirlsofflavor
    Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
    Christmas Pinwheel Cookies make the holidays even more festive! An easy homemade cookie dough is tinted with holiday colors and rolled into pinwheels. Just roll, slice and bake. So much fun for the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    red and green pinwheel cookies in cookie tin
    Christmas Tree Brownies
    Christmas Tree Brownies is an easy homemade brownie recipe that's a fun holiday treat. Simply cut brownies into triangles and decorate with a homemade buttercream frosting, candy canes, candy, sprinkles and edible glitter! Make Christmas even more fun and festive with Christmas Tree Brownies! 
    Check out this recipe
    Christmas Tree Brownies is an easy homemade brownie recipe that's a merry holiday treat. Simply cut brownies into triangles and decorate with a homemade buttercream frosting, candy canes, candy, sprinkles and edible glitter! Make Christmas even more fun and festive with Christmas Tree Brownies! #brownies #homemade #baking #holiday #Christmas #funforkids #Christmastrees #candycanes #swirlsofflavor




     


     

    three tier tray with hot cocoa bar ingredients
    Print
    5 from 8 votes

    Hot Cocoa Bar

    When it’s chilly outside it’s time to set up our Hot Cocoa Bar with all the fixings of a delicious warm drink. Candy canes, fudge sauce, assorted candy, mini marshmallows, whipped topping and more fill our hot chocolate station.
    Course Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Keyword hot chocolate bar, hot cocoa bar, how to make a hot chocolate bar
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 112kcal
    Author Gwynn Galvin

    Ingredients

    • 12 servings instant hot chocolate mix
    • 12 cups hot water or milk
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Candy canes
    • Fudge sauce
    • Caramel sauce
    • Whipped topping
    • Cookies
    • Candy

    Instructions

    • Serve hot water in a carafe and place remaining ingredients in serving jars.
    • Arrange on a tray or table.
    • Combine hot chocolate mix with hot water, add stir-ins and toppings.
    • Serve with cookies and your favorite sweet treats.

    Notes

    Swirls of Flavor Recipe Tips
    • Serve your favorite store bought or homemade hot cocoa mix
    • Make a slow cooker hot chocolate recipe
    • Make it boozy and add a jigger of whiskey, Baileys or Peppermint Schnapps
    • Garnish with your favorite toppings
    • Add chocolate covered spoons for stirring
    • Serve hot water in a carafe to add to a hot chocolate mix
    • Use to-go cups with tops
    Hot chocolate bar ideas
    You’ll definitely want to try these hot cocoa bar ideas:
    • Serve your hot cocoa with chocolate covered spoons
    • Use candy canes as stirrers and make yourself a peppermint hot cocoa
    • Provide festive sprinkles for you holiday get togethers
    • Include winter themed sprinkles during the cold snowy months

    Nutrition

    Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 250mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

     

    First Published: December 12, 2020... Last Updated: November 30, 2021 for better readability and user experience

    Baked Brie, Grilled Rib roast and Hot Cocoa Bar with enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card text

    Welcome to the Ultimate Holiday Dinner Giveaway! GIVEAWAY CLOSED

    I’ve partnered with two other bloggers to bring you a holiday dinner complete with an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Take a look at their recipes and then enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card to purchase some holiday goodies.

    Appetizer: Brie Appetizer via Dizzy Busy and Hungry

    Entree: Grilled Prime Rib Roast via Jersey Girl Cooks

    Dessert: Hot Cocoa Bar 

    Holiday Giveaway Rules:
    This holiday giveaway runs starts on Saturday, December 12 th and closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 20 th . One winner will be selected on Monday, December 21 st . Winner will be randomly selected and have 48 hours to respond once notified through email or they forfeit the prize and another winner will be selected. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is sponsored by Dizzy Busy and Hungry, Jersey Girl Cooks and Swirls of Flavor. It is in no way sponsored or endorsed by any social media channel. Anyone deemed to be “spamming “ the contest will be disqualified.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
     

     

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    About GG

    Gwynn Galvin, known to many as GG, is the creative and talented chef and nutritionist behind Swirls of Flavor. Gwynn is an award-winning culinary professional with over twenty five years of recipe development, food styling, test kitchen management and culinary innovation experience. Gwynn's passion is gathering people around the table with her simple real food recipes to savor the moments together.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tamara Bigelow

      December 12, 2020 at 10:33 am

      This looks so delicious! I want peppermint vodka with it!

    2. GG

      December 12, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Yes! A delicious way to turn your hot cocoa into a peppermint mocha boozy beverage! Cheers Tam!

    3. Sara Zielinski

      December 12, 2020 at 6:53 pm

      I like gingerbread cookies and I have a great recipe for it.

    4. GG

      December 12, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      Gingerbread cookies will be delicious with a cup of hot cocoa!

    5. Carolsue

      December 13, 2020 at 3:20 am

      I think my favorite holiday recipe is Peppermint Bark candy

    6. saaya shah

      December 13, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      I love Peppermint bark!!

    7. Andrea

      December 13, 2020 at 2:39 pm

      My Grandmother always made homemade chocolate gravy for Christmas breakfast. I'm not sure if it really is a holiday recipe but for me it really is!

    8. GG

      December 13, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      Peppermint Bark candy is a good choice! I love it too!

    9. GG

      December 13, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Peppermint Bark is a favorite of a lot of people I know. Good choice, so delicious!

    10. GG

      December 13, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      Chocolate gravy, that's sounds interestingly delicious. And if your Grandma made it for Christmas breakfast then it is a holiday recipe for your family. I love family traditions!

    11. Nettie Moore

      December 13, 2020 at 9:26 pm

      I love gingerbread bars! Nettie

    12. Suzanne Greene

      December 14, 2020 at 10:35 am

      The Hot Chocolate Bar looks so good, it is fast becomming my favorite Christmas recipe!

    13. Sheila Self

      December 14, 2020 at 10:42 am

      I used to bake with my grandma, and my mom. I started making whole dinners by myself at the age of 8. Because my family had the family business. And I had to feed my siblings. I love the cookie recipes. And will they some for christmas.

    14. L.C.

      December 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

      This is mine! (Not my recipe though)
      https://pin.it/6gyYUUz

    15. DeeAnn

      December 14, 2020 at 11:40 am

      My favorite recipe is for chocolate french lace sandwich cookies. I make them every year and the kids love 'em.

    16. rita leonard

      December 14, 2020 at 12:05 pm

      My mother always made nut bread over the holidays and I still do it every year

    17. Amanda

      December 14, 2020 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      This all looks so delicious!

    18. Dionne Dyer

      December 14, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      Favorite holiday recipes include chocolate babka and peppermint bark.

    19. Phyllis Huebbe

      December 14, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      I guess mine would be green rice

    20. Kassie Brown

      December 14, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      I always enjoy making bourbon balls during the holidays.

    21. belinda bell

      December 14, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      We love making homemade sugar cookies

    22. Brianna Evers

      December 14, 2020 at 10:40 pm

      5 stars
      My favorite holiday recipes are homemade sugar cookies decorated with icing!

    23. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:06 am

      Delicious!

    24. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:07 am

      I love making holiday cookies too!

    25. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:07 am

      Oh! I would love those. Bourbon is my favorite!

    26. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:07 am

      I've never had green rice!

    27. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:08 am

      Two good choices for favorites!

    28. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:08 am

      Thank you so very much! Happy holidays!

    29. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:09 am

      I love keeping family traditions throughout the years!

    30. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:09 am

      They sound so delicious and so pretty too!

    31. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:10 am

      So pretty and delicious!

    32. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

      I started cooking a family dinner once a week when I was about 9 years old and that began my love of cooking. You had a lot of responsibility when you were just 8 years old!

    33. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:12 am

      Thank you so much! I love that it has stir-ins, toppngs and even cookies to munch on too!

    34. GG

      December 15, 2020 at 9:12 am

      Gingerbread bars are so delicious and a festive holiday flavor!

    35. thomas batanglo

      December 15, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      My favorite recipe remains my mother's Italian cookies. They used to attract people from all over the neighborhood. Not to mention our relatives.

    36. GG

      December 17, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      Your mom's cookies must have been amazing!

    37. Melinda Barlow

      December 19, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      Love the Hot Chocolate bar idea. My grands will love it too. Maybe we will all be together by Valentines and I can tweak the decor a bit. Can’t wait to do this!

    38. GG

      December 20, 2020 at 8:06 am

      I love the idea of making a Hot Cocoa Bar for other occasions! And yes, let’s hope that we can be together with our loved ones by Valentine’s Day. Savor the Moments, GG

    39. Susan Broughton

      December 20, 2020 at 6:14 pm

      I love candies like Buckeyes for Christmas!

    40. Dale Schrieber

      December 20, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      I am getting hungry looking at this stuff

    41. samantha

      December 20, 2020 at 11:17 pm

      I am a simple woman. I like stuffing, Greenbean, casserole and turkey. Every year we have ham to but my favorite ham is pineapple glazed honey baked ham.

    42. GG

      December 21, 2020 at 10:07 am

      I recently tried Buckeyes for the first time. So good!

    43. GG

      December 21, 2020 at 10:07 am

      You're too funny! But yes, you eat with your eyes first, so makes perfect sense to me!

    44. GG

      December 21, 2020 at 10:08 am

      It all sounds so delicious! And now I'm hungry for all of that, especially a pineapple glazed ham!

    45. Dionne

      December 02, 2021 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      I am so ready for it. So excited about the season and about making something like this bar!

    46. Mahy

      December 02, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      5 stars
      Can't wait to give this bar a try. It looks so festive!

    47. Sara Welch

      December 02, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea for Christmas! Going to make this for my kids; they can't resist hot chocolate!

    48. Nathan

      December 02, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      This hot cocoa bar is so cute and festive, I can't wait to put one together myself during the holidays! I never knew hot cocoa and hot chocolate are technically two different drinks, cool to learn that too!

    49. Jessica Formicola

      December 02, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      We did this for Christmas last year and it was a total hit! Definitely doing it again this year!

    50. GG

      December 05, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      A hot cocoa bar is so much fun. Happy holidays Nathan!

    51. GG

      December 05, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      We all need some holiday cheer this year! And this hot cocoa bar will fill the holidays with lots of deliciousness!

    52. Talaia Whisenant

      January 02, 2022 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, how fun this is and great for the holidays!

    53. GG

      January 05, 2022 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks Talaia! Everyone always loves this when I serve it, especially during the holidays! Enjoy!

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    GG, owner and creator of Swirls of flavor website

    Hi there, I'm Gwynn, the creator of Swirls of Flavor. Welcome to my kitchen where delicious memories are made. My passion is bringing people together through food. I create easy, family friendly recipes made with fresh, simple ingredients. So come on in and gather round the table. Let's Cook, Share and Savor the Moments together.

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