Get into the holiday spirit with these irresistible Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups! These mini hot chocolate treats are rich, creamy, and perfectly festive, making them an ideal addition to your holiday gatherings. Each chocolate cup is filled with decadent hot cocoa, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and garnished with colorful holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a fun treat for the family, these Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups are sure to bring joy to everyone.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup dark chocolate (or milk chocolate), chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping
Holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows, for garnish
Directions:
Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
Add the Chocolate: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to elevate the flavor of the hot chocolate.
Serve in Small Cups: Carefully pour the hot chocolate into small cups or espresso cups for a fun, festive touch. These mini servings are perfect for a holiday treat!
Garnish: Top each mini cup with a dollop of whipped cream and finish with holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows for a colorful and festive look.
Serving Tips:
Perfect for Parties: These mini hot chocolate cups are great for serving at holiday parties. Arrange them on a festive tray and garnish each with whipped cream and sprinkles for an extra special touch.
Fun for Kids and Adults: Kids will love the mini size and festive toppings, while adults can enjoy them as a fun, indulgent treat. Pair these hot cups with a variety of holiday desserts for a delightful spread.
Warm and Fresh: For the best experience, serve the hot chocolate immediately after preparation to ensure it’s warm, creamy, and delicious. The whipped cream will melt slightly into the hot cocoa, adding a luscious texture.
Themed Cups: To add more holiday charm, use themed cups such as mini mugs, holiday-themed espresso cups, or even small mason jars for a rustic touch.
Storage Tips:
Storage of Leftover Hot Chocolate: If you happen to have leftover hot chocolate (though it’s unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Storage for Prepping in Advance: If you’re making the hot chocolate ahead of time for your event, you can prepare the chocolate mixture in advance (without the whipped cream and garnishes). Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat, pour into cups, and top with whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving.
Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the hot chocolate mixture, as dairy can separate when frozen and thawed, affecting the texture and taste. Enjoy it fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make these Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups dairy-free?
Yes, you can make these hot cups dairy-free by using plant-based milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, instead of whole milk and heavy cream. Additionally, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips and whipped cream for a completely dairy-free treat.
How can I make these hot chocolate cups ahead of time?
You can prepare the hot chocolate mixture in advance. Simply cook the chocolate and milk mixture, then allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve and top with whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving.
Can I freeze the hot chocolate mixture?
It’s not recommended to freeze the hot chocolate mixture, as the texture of the dairy can change when frozen and thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.
What are some creative topping ideas for these Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups?
While whipped cream and holiday sprinkles are classic toppings, you can get creative with your garnishes! Try adding mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup. For a fun twist, you could even add a small cinnamon stick or a few chocolate curls for a festive look.
Conclusion:
These Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer while satisfying your sweet tooth. Serve them at your next Christmas gathering and watch your guests’ faces light up with joy!
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups are the perfect festive treat for the holidays! Rich, creamy, and topped with whipped cream and colorful holiday sprinkles, these mini cups of hot cocoa make a fun and indulgent addition to any Christmas gathering. Ideal for parties or as a cozy family treat, this easy recipe is sure to spread holiday cheer.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup dark chocolate (or milk chocolate), chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping
Holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Add the Chocolate: Lower the heat to medium-low and add semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve in Small Cups: Pour the hot chocolate into small cups or espresso cups for a fun holiday presentation.
- Garnish: Top each cup with whipped cream and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
You can make the hot chocolate mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats, Hot Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 mini cups
- Calories: 180 kcal
