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    Home » Recipe Index » Drinks

    The Best Hot Chocolate Toppings

    January 2, 2019 Updated February 27, 2024 By Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD Desserts, Drinks, Entertaining, Winter Recipes

    Jump to Recipe
    hot chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candy for the best hot chocolate toppings
    hot chocolate in mugs for the best hot chocolate toppings with text overlay

    Check out these best hot chocolate toppings to liven up your hot cocoa. You'll find tasty toppings from peppermint to peanut butter that you and your guests will love. These add-ins are easy and quick to add to your hot chocolate.

    the best hot chocolate toppings on hot chocolate on a table

    [This recipe was originally posted in January 2019. It has been updated with new cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

    Table of contents

    • How will these hot chocolate bar ideas make your life better?
    • What are some good toppings for hot chocolate?
    • How do I add hot cocoa toppings to hot chocolate?
    • Storage/Reheating Tips
    • Substitutions/Tips
    • FAQ
    • What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    How will these hot chocolate bar ideas make your life better?

    If you're cold and need something exciting to warm you up, add one or a couple of these hot chocolate toppings to your cocoa for a quick treat.

    Or create a hot chocolate bar by setting out these easy hot chocolate toppings. Definitely start with great hot chocolate, and then add individual toppings that guests can add to their cocoa.

    And that's it, can a holiday party be any easier?

    You can also serve this grapefruit avocado salad, or any other winter recipe or bring it if you're not hosting. Serve these chocolate dipped oreos or bring them as a host gift for the holidays.

    What are some good toppings for hot chocolate?

    Your favorite hot chocolate mix + milk +

    • Whipped cream
    • Crushed peppermint candy
    • Powdered peanut butter
    • Dark cocoa powder
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Chocolate candies or chocolate chips
    • Candy cane
    • Mint extract
    • Berry jam
    • Fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, raspberries, etc.
    • Caramel or chocolate sauce

    How do I add hot cocoa toppings to hot chocolate?

    Here's how to make delicious hot cocoa with lots of different toppings. Make a cup of hot chocolate with your favorite mix (according to mix directions) or try this easy homemade cocoa mix- add 1-1.5 Tablespoons of mix to 1 cup milk.

    two mugs, one with hot cocoa, the other with milk next to a spoon

    Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream as one of your hot chocolate toppings.

    one mug with hot cocoa & whipped cream, the other with milk

    Top with any additional toppings like:

    • 1 Tablespoon crushed peppermint candy
    • 1 teaspoon powdered peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon dark cocoa powder
    • 1 Tablespoon mini marshmallows
    • 1 teaspoon chocolate candies
    • 1 candy cane
    • 1 Tablespoon berry jam
    • Handful of berries
    • Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
    • Mint or almond extract
    one mug with hot cocoa whipped cream and peanut butter powder, the other with milk

    Great topping combos:

    • Peppermint candy + mini marshmallows + dark cocoa powder
    • Peanut butter powder + dark cocoa powder + mini marshmallows.

    Enjoy your cocoa with hot chocolate toppings immediately. 

    Storage/Reheating Tips

    Store any leftover premade hot chocolate in an airtight container. A large jar with tight lid works great. Store leftover toppings in individual containers or bags.

    Premade hot chocolate should last about a week. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Hot chocolate toppings should last a while, the candies will at least. Enjoy the berries within a couple days to a week.

    Substitutions/Tips

    • Make your own hot cocoa by following this 3 ingredient recipe and then add your favorite toppings. 
    • Add more sugar if desired.
    • Add crushed peppermint candy + mini marshmallows + dark cocoa powder OR peanut butter powder + dark cocoa powder + mini marshmallows.

    FAQ

    What are good hot chocolate toppings?

    Add crushed peppermint candy + mini marshmallows + dark cocoa powder OR peanut butter powder + dark cocoa powder + mini marshmallows. Add whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed candy cane, or other cocoa toppings.

    Is hot cocoa better with milk or water?

    Milk, definitely. If you have a choice definitely choose milk. Hot cocoa made with milk will be creamier, will taste chocolatier and will be tastier than hot cocoa made with water.

    What do you put on a hot cocoa bar?

    If you're hosting a party in the winter, or having guests over, a hot cocoa bar is a really fun & easy way to treat your guests.

    Just pour hot chocolate toppings into bowls (read ingredients in recipe card below), keep milk and water warm on the stove or in a vessel to keep it warm, and add toppings to small bowls.

    a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream for the best hot chocolate toppings

    What can I make with leftover ingredients?

    • Milk: Semi-Homemade BBQ Ranch Dressing, Frozen Breakfast Sandwich, and Peanut Butter Chia Pudding.
    • Peppermint Candy: add to chocolate covered oreos, or this Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie.
    • Peanut Butter Powder: Peanut Butter Caramel, Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie, or add to a smoothie like this triple berry smoothie with granola
    • Whipped Cream: make cream cheese whipped cream on this pumpkin bundt cake or top some Holiday Gingerbread Cake.

    Did you make cocoa with any of these hot chocolate toppings? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

    mug with hot chocolate, cream, crushed peppermint

    The Best Hot Chocolate Toppings

    Cold weather calls for warming up with hot cocoa. Liven up your hot cocoa with the best hot chocolate toppings: peppermint and peanut butter powder.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Author: Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN

    Equipment

    • Small Saucepan
    • whisk

    Ingredients

    Hot Chocolate

    • 1-2 Tablespoons favorite hot chocolate mix
    • 8 ounces milk or water multiply for more servings

    Optional Hot Chocolate Toppings

    • 1 tablespoon whipped cream
    • 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candy optional
    • 1 teaspoon powdered peanut butter optional
    • 1 teaspoon dark cocoa powder optional
    • 1 tablespoon mini marshmallows optional
    • 1 teaspoon chocolate candies optional
    • 1 candy cane optional

    Instructions

    • Make a cup of hot chocolate with your favorite mix (according to mix directions). Double, triple, or make enough for a crowd. Add about 1-2 Tablespoons powdered hot chocolate mix per 8 ounces of milk.
    • Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Top with any of the above toppings. Enjoy. 

    Notes

    • Make your own cocoa by following this 3 ingredient recipe. 
    • Add more sugar if desired.
    • Add crushed peppermint candy + mini marshmallows + dark cocoa powder. OR Peanut butter powder + dark cocoa powder + mini marshmallows. Or make your own flavor combination.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @NourishNutriCo or tag #NourishNutriCo!

    Want time saving tips to make recipes like these hot chocolate toppings delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Cooking for One Time Saving Tips.

    Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started. 

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    About Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian who has been cooking for one for over 10 years. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gabi says

      January 02, 2019 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      Although I love to eat nutrient-dense foods like you, I'm also with you regarding seldom indulgences. Great topping inspirations! My favorite is adding dark chocolate cocoa powder and some peanut butter to the regular mix.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        January 03, 2019 at 8:19 am

        dark cocoa powder is one of my faves!

        Reply
    2. Edyta at Eating European says

      January 02, 2019 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      Great ideas with all the hot chocolate toppings. I don't know which one I will be trying first but I want to try them all 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        January 03, 2019 at 8:19 am

        awesome! glad you like them

        Reply
    3. Jacqueline Meldrum says

      January 02, 2019 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      That sounds rather luxurious. If you are needing any testers .......... Happy to help 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        January 03, 2019 at 8:20 am

        ohhhh fabulous!

        Reply
    4. Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites says

      January 02, 2019 at 9:13 am

      5 stars
      I must have marshmallows in my hot chocolate, but my son loves mint so the candy cane idea is right up his alley! Such fun ideas!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        January 03, 2019 at 8:20 am

        oh awesome! there are so many great toppings out there

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes

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    I'm a registered dietitian and solo cook. I'm here to help you make cooking for one easier and more fun!

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