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Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar

Featured in: Chili Infusions

Create a warm and interactive holiday drink station with rich hot cocoa made from milk, cream, cocoa, and chocolate. Serve with an array of toppings like marshmallows, peppermint candies, and cinnamon sticks to add festive flair. This easy setup invites guests to customize their drinks, perfect for gatherings and cozy winter nights. Dairy-free alternatives and adult twists can also be incorporated to suit different tastes.

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Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:32:00 GMT
Steaming Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar with an array of colorful toppings like marshmallows and sprinkles. Save
Steaming Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar with an array of colorful toppings like marshmallows and sprinkles. | pepperplume.com

A festive, interactive holiday drink setup featuring rich hot cocoa and a variety of delightful toppings—perfect for gatherings and cozy nights.

This setup brings warmth and fun to our holiday celebrations, making every sip special for family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Hot Cocoa: 4 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Toppings & Add-Ins: Mini marshmallows, Whipped cream, Crushed peppermint candies, Mini chocolate chips, Holiday sprinkles, Caramel sauce, Chocolate syrup, Candy canes, Cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2:
Continue whisking frequently as the mixture heats. Once the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is hot (but not boiling), remove from heat.
Step 3:
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
Pour the hot cocoa into a large insulated carafe or keep warm in a slow cooker set to low.
Step 5:
Arrange all toppings and add-ins in bowls or jars, setting them out with spoons and tongs for easy serving.
Step 6:
Invite guests to fill mugs with hot cocoa and customize with their favorite toppings.
A cozy image detailing a Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar, ready to be enjoyed on a cold winter night. Save
A cozy image detailing a Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar, ready to be enjoyed on a cold winter night. | pepperplume.com

Setting up the hot cocoa bar creates cherished family moments filled with laughter and creativity every holiday season.

Required Tools

Large saucepan, Whisk, Insulated carafe or slow cooker, Bowls and jars for toppings, Serving spoons and tongs

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk, possible soy and gluten (chocolate chips and toppings). Some toppings may contain nuts or gluten&check packaging if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 6 g per serving

Imagine this: a festive Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar, brimming with sweet add-ins like whipped cream and candy canes. Save
Imagine this: a festive Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar, brimming with sweet add-ins like whipped cream and candy canes. | pepperplume.com

This hot cocoa bar is the perfect finale to any winter gathering, inviting everyone to cozy up and enjoy.

Recipe FAQ

→ What ingredients create the hot cocoa base?

Combine whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips, salt, and vanilla extract for a rich and creamy base.

→ How can I keep the cocoa warm during serving?

Use an insulated carafe or a slow cooker set to low to keep the hot cocoa warm and ready for guests.

→ What are some popular toppings to offer?

Common toppings include mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, chocolate chips, holiday sprinkles, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks.

→ Are there dairy-free options available?

Yes, substitute milk and cream with oat or almond milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.

→ Can this setup be customized for adults?

Adding a splash of espresso or Irish cream liqueur provides an adult twist to the festive drink bar.

Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar

A cozy holiday drink setup featuring rich hot cocoa and a variety of festive toppings to personalize.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

Hot Cocoa

01 4 cups whole milk
02 2 cups heavy cream
03 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 ½ cup granulated sugar
05 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
06 ¼ teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Toppings & Add-Ins

01 Mini marshmallows
02 Whipped cream
03 Crushed peppermint candies
04 Mini chocolate chips
05 Holiday sprinkles
06 Caramel sauce
07 Chocolate syrup
08 Candy canes
09 Cinnamon sticks

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and salt until smooth.

Phase 02

Heat Mixture: Continue whisking frequently as the mixture warms; once chocolate chips have melted and the liquid is hot but not boiling, remove from heat.

Phase 03

Add Flavor: Stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly.

Phase 04

Serve Hot Cocoa: Transfer the hot cocoa to an insulated carafe or keep warm in a slow cooker set on low heat.

Phase 05

Prepare Toppings: Arrange toppings and add-ins such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint in bowls or jars with spoons and tongs for self-serving.

Phase 06

Customize and Enjoy: Encourage guests to fill mugs with hot cocoa and personalize with preferred toppings.

Necessary tools

  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Insulated carafe or slow cooker
  • Bowls and jars for toppings
  • Serving spoons and tongs

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk; possible soy and gluten from chocolate chips and some toppings
  • Some toppings may contain nuts or gluten; verify packaging if allergies are a concern

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 6 g