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Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar

Featured in: Lighter Choices

Create a warm and inviting hot cocoa bar featuring creamy chocolate drink and a variety of festive toppings. Combine milk, cream, cocoa, and chocolate chips until smooth and heated gently. Serve with bowls of marshmallows, peppermint, whipped cream, and more for guests to customize. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Dairy-free and adult options add versatility. Use simple tools like a saucepan and insulated carafe to keep chocolate warm and ready.

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Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:56:00 GMT
Steaming Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar with mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes ready to be served. Save
Steaming Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar with mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes ready to be served. | tastybattle.com

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

This hot cocoa bar is a favorite at our holiday parties where everyone customizes their perfect cup.

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 festive Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar display includes whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sweet holiday sprinkles. Save
A festive Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar display includes whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sweet holiday sprinkles. | tastybattle.com

Our family loves gathering around this hot cocoa bar to share stories and laughter 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

Rich, homemade Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar, perfect for gathering friends and family on a cold, cozy evening. Save
Rich, homemade Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar, perfect for gathering friends and family on a cold, cozy evening. | tastybattle.com

This hot cocoa bar is sure to be the highlight of your holiday celebrations creating cozy memories.

Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep the hot cocoa warm during the event?

Use an insulated carafe or a slow cooker set to low heat to maintain the temperature without boiling or scorching the cocoa.

→ Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, substitute whole milk and cream with oat or almond milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to suit dietary needs.

→ What toppings pair well with rich hot cocoa?

Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and cinnamon sticks add delightful flavors and textures.

→ How do I prevent the chocolate from burning while heating?

Heat the mixture over medium heat and whisk frequently, removing it once chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling.

→ Are there options to add adult flavors to the drink?

A splash of espresso or Irish cream liqueur can be added after heating to create an adult twist without altering the base flavor.

Reindeer Hot Cocoa Bar

Rich hot cocoa served with an array of festive toppings for cozy, interactive enjoyment.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free

Components

Hot Cocoa

01 4 cups whole milk
02 2 cups heavy cream
03 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
06 1/4 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 the chocolate chips melt and the liquid is hot but not boiling, remove from heat.

Phase 03

Add flavoring: Stir in pure vanilla extract thoroughly.

Phase 04

Keep warm: Pour the hot cocoa into an insulated carafe or maintain warmth using a slow cooker set to low heat.

Phase 05

Arrange toppings: Place all toppings and add-ins into separate bowls or jars, providing spoons and tongs for easy serving.

Phase 06

Serve and customize: Invite guests to fill mugs with hot cocoa and personalize with their choice of toppings.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk, possible soy and gluten from chocolate chips and some toppings.
  • Some toppings may contain nuts or gluten; verify packaging if allergic.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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