Swirls of Flavor

Savor The Moments!

Be Social…

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Salads
    • Salad Dressings
    • Main Dish Salad
    • Side Dish Salad
  • Desserts
    • Brownies
    • Cakes and Cupcakes
    • Cookies
    • Frozen Desserts
    • No Bake Desserts
  • Meal Planning
    • Sunday Supper
    • Meatless Monday
    • Taco Tuesday
    • Weeknight Dinner
  • One Pot Recipes
    • Casserole
    • Instant Pot
    • Sheet Pan
    • Skillet
    • Slow Cooker
  • Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Butters
    • Breads
    • Soup
    • Breakfast
    • Sandwiches
    • Burgers and Sliders
    • Apple Recipes
    • Beef
    • Poultry
    • Fish and Seafood
    • Grilling
      • Grilled Chicken
    • Vegan
    • Whole30
    • Best Ever Recipes
    • Gluten Free
    • Jersey Bites
  • Entertaining
    • Appetizer
    • Brunch
    • Drinks & Cocktails
    • Fun for Kids
    • Holidays
      • New Year’s
      • Super Bowl
      • Valentine’s Day
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Easter
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother’s Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Father’s Day
      • 4th of July
      • Labor Day
      • Halloween
      • Reindeer Recipes blog tour
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • Olympics
      • National Food Holidays
  • My Storefront

Hot Cocoa Bar

December 12, 2020 by GG 44 Comments

22shares
  • Facebook
  • Yummly 1
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
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 Chocolate 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 cocoa 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 and the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

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!

Be sure to scroll down and enter for a chance to win the $100 Amazon gift card!

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 cocoa ingredients on tray with text overlay

Ingredients you will need to make this recipe

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

Related Recipes

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




 


 

5 from 2 votes
three tier tray with hot cocoa bar ingredients
Print
Hot Cocoa Bar
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
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
Servings: 12
Calories: 112 kcal
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
  1. Serve hot water in a carafe and place remaining ingredients in serving jars.
  2. Arrange on a tray or table.
  3. Combine hot chocolate mix with hot water, add stir-ins and toppings.
  4. Serve with cookies and your favorite sweet treats.
Recipe Notes

Swirls of Flavor Recipe TIps

  • Serve your favorite homemade or store bought hot cocoa mix
  • Use a candy cane stirrer for a peppermint hot chocolate
  • For an adult hot chocolate, add a splash of whiskey, Baileys or Peppermint Schnapps
Nutrition Facts
Hot Cocoa Bar
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Sodium 250mg11%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 1g2%
Calcium 35mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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!

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
 

 

Related Posts

  • Toasted Pecan Snowball Cookie RecipeToasted Pecan Snowball Cookie Recipe
  • Christmas Tree CookiesChristmas Tree Cookies
  • White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal CookiesWhite Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
  • Peppermint Chocolate CookiesPeppermint Chocolate Cookies

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Drinks, Entertaining, Holidays

« Best Ever Crumb Cake
Reindeer Chow »

Comments

  1. Tamara Bigelow says

    December 12, 2020 at 10:33 am

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

  2. GG says

    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 says

    December 12, 2020 at 6:53 pm

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

  4. GG says

    December 12, 2020 at 7:04 pm

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

  5. Carolsue says

    December 13, 2020 at 3:20 am

    I think my favorite holiday recipe is Peppermint Bark candy

  6. saaya shah says

    December 13, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    I love Peppermint bark!!

  7. Andrea says

    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 says

    December 13, 2020 at 6:38 pm

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

  9. GG says

    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 says

    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 says

    December 13, 2020 at 9:26 pm

    I love gingerbread bars! Nettie

  12. Suzanne Greene says

    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 says

    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. says

    December 14, 2020 at 10:59 am

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

  15. DeeAnn says

    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 says

    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 says

    December 14, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    5 stars
    This all looks so delicious!

  18. Dionne Dyer says

    December 14, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Favorite holiday recipes include chocolate babka and peppermint bark.

  19. Phyllis Huebbe says

    December 14, 2020 at 2:26 pm

    I guess mine would be green rice

  20. Kassie Brown says

    December 14, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    I always enjoy making bourbon balls during the holidays.

  21. belinda bell says

    December 14, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    We love making homemade sugar cookies

  22. Brianna Evers says

    December 14, 2020 at 10:40 pm

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

  23. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:06 am

    Delicious!

  24. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:07 am

    I love making holiday cookies too!

  25. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:07 am

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

  26. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:07 am

    I’ve never had green rice!

  27. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Two good choices for favorites!

  28. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Thank you so very much! Happy holidays!

  29. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:09 am

    I love keeping family traditions throughout the years!

  30. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:09 am

    They sound so delicious and so pretty too!

  31. GG says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:10 am

    So pretty and delicious!

  32. GG says

    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 says

    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 says

    December 15, 2020 at 9:12 am

    Gingerbread bars are so delicious and a festive holiday flavor!

  35. thomas batanglo says

    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 says

    December 17, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    Your mom’s cookies must have been amazing!

  37. Melinda Barlow says

    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 says

    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 says

    December 20, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    I love candies like Buckeyes for Christmas!

  40. Dale Schrieber says

    December 20, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    I am getting hungry looking at this stuff

  41. samantha says

    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 says

    December 21, 2020 at 10:07 am

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

  43. GG says

    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 says

    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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Gwynn Galvin headshot wearing black shirt

Welcome to GG’s kitchen!

Hi there, I'm Gwynn, also known to many as GG, 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 that are perfect for a busy lifestyle. So come on in and gather round the table. It's time to Cook, Share and Savor the Moments together. Read more...

Trending Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Soup is bursting with tender mushrooms, carrots, celery and onions complimented by bits of barley in a perfectly seasoned broth. soup | slow cooker | crockpot | mushroom | barley | vegetable | dinner Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Soup
  • hot chocolate in a clear mug topped with mini marshmallows Italian Hot Chocolate
  • chicken with avocado and cilantro Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken
  • slices of bread without yeast on blue and white napkin Easy Homemade Bread Without Yeast
  • chicken chili in flour tortillas Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
  • mini macaroni and cheese with bacon Bacon Mac And Cheese Bites

Join my Recipe Club!

Sign up for the newsletter and get my 7 Simple One Pot Suppers eBook for free!

Follow Swirls of Flavor's board Fabulously Delicious Recipes! on Pinterest.
About | Meet the Chef | Press | Privacy Policy | Recipe Index | Archives
Contact | Let’s Work Together | Blogger Resources

Copyright © 2021 Swirls Of Flavor · Implemented by WPopt