Cold weathers’ favorite drink is comfort in a cup. Why not make a hot cocoa or a hot chocolate board for family and friends.
It’s pretty obvious that I love hot chocolate, after all I drink it 365 days a year. A steaming mug of hot chocolate is comfort in a mug and is the perfect festive treat for hot chocolate lovers or just those with a sweet tooth. This year why not make a hot chocolate board for the holidays?
Why Make a Hot Chocolate Board?
Charcuterie boards are traditionally made with meats and cheese, and have been around since the 15th century but over the last few years themed charcuterie boards have been all the rage. With the help of social media these boards have soared in popularity and have moved on from meat and cheese to all sorts of food, including candy, cookies, butter, waffles and hot chocolate.
The long cold winter months can sometimes bring on the winter blues and a hot chocolate or a hot cocoa board is just one small way to lift the spirits of your family and friends.
This board is fun way to serve hot chocolate on weekend mornings at family get-togethers, holiday gatherings and of course on Christmas morning. You could also make a festive hot chocolate charcuterie board for your cookie exchange, an afternoon at home watching your favorite Christmas movies or after a day of fun ticking off Fall and Winter bucket list ideas.
What You Need to Make a Hot Chocolate Board
To make your hot chocolate board you need hot chocolate, hot cocoa and toppings. It is that simple. You can make the hot chocolate ahead in a slow cooker or have it is an insulated container or let your guests make their own with hot milk or water. After that it’s up to them to create and top their mug of hot chocolate with their favorite toppings.
- A large tray, cutting board or wooden tray
- Small Bowls and plates
- Favorite homemade hot chocolate recipes, hot milk or hot water
- hot chocolate mix, hot cocoa mix, hot cocoa bombs
- chocolate syrup
- caramel sauce
- large fluffy marshmallows, mini marshmallows or homemade marshmallows
- cinnamon sticks
- chocolate spoons
- chocolate chips
- hot chocolate bombs
- peppermint sticks and mini candy canes
- For boozy hot chocolate add small pitchers or containers of peppermint schnapps, Kalyan, Bailey’s Irish Cream on the side away from kids.
- One a smaller board add all kinds of homemade goodies, cookies, gingerbread cookies, graham crackers, candy and more.
How to assemble a hot chocolate board
- Get a large tray or wood board.
- Fill small bowls with your hot chocolate and hot cocoa mix.
- Add larger cookies and chocolates to the outer edge of the tray.
- Fill in the rest of the tray with chocolate chips, marshmallows, candies, etc.
- Serve guests steaming hot mugs of milk to mix in their hot chocolate and then add their favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hot chocolate better with milk or water?
Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are always better when made with quality ingredients including milk, heavy cream and plant based milk options. Water can be used for hot cocoa or hot chocolate in a pinch but for a smooth, creamy, silky treat I recommend milk.
What can you add to hot chocolate to make it taste better?
Hot chocolate is a rich and delicious chocolate treat on its own but you can always add different things to amp up its flavor. Some of my favorites are peanut butter, Nutella, cookie butter, peppermint, caramel, a shot of coffee, your favorite extract, orange liquor, Bailey’s Irish Cream or even Kaulah. Or simply top with homemade or store bought marshmallows or a large dollop of sweetened whipped cream.
Where to buy candy, cookies and hot cocoa for your hot chocolate bar and board.
Trader Joes, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Target and your favorite grocery store will have everything you need to make your own hot cocoa charcuterie board.
How to store leftover hot chocolate
If the hot chocolate has not been mixed with milk store in an airtight container. If you have already mixed the hot chocolate you can store it in a pitcher, a thermos or even a Tupperware container. To reheat either use the microwave or heat in a pan on the stove.
What goes with hot cocoa?
Hot chocolate in my opinion goes with everything, especially on cold days. But donuts, cookies, churros , nuts, popcorn, and cake are all delicious things to eat as you sip your steaming cup.
If you know a hot chocolate or a hot cocoa lover than you should make them a hot chocolate gift basket this year! It is the perfect gift in my opinion. And add this Christmas Candy & Cookie Board to your celebrations.
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THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
I hope that you make a hot cocoa and hot chocolate board this holiday season! Have a great day friends, thank you for spending part of your day with me.
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PrintHow to Make A Hot Cocoa or Hot Chocolate Board
Cold weathers’ favorite drink is comfort in a cup. Why not make a hot cocoa or a hot chocolate board for family and friends.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- A large tray, cutting board or wooden tray
- Small Bowls and plates
- Favorite homemade hot chocolate recipes, hot milk or hot water
- hot chocolate mix, hot cocoa mix, hot cocoa bombs
- chocolate syrup
- caramel sauce
- large fluffy marshmallows, mini marshmallows or homemade marshmallows
- cinnamon sticks
- chocolate spoons
- chocolate chips
- hot chocolate bombs
- peppermint sticks and mini candy canes
- For boozy hot chocolate add containers of peppermint schnapps, Kalyan, Bailey’s Irish Cream
- You could also have one a smaller board add all kinds of homemade goodies, cookies, gingerbread cookies, graham crackers, candy and more.
Instructions
How to assemble a hot chocolate board
- Get a large tray or wood board.
- Fill small bowls with your hot chocolate and hot cocoa mix.
- Add larger cookies and chocolates to the outer edge of the tray.
- Fill in the rest of the tray with chocolate chips, marshmallows, candies, etc.
- Serve guests steaming hot mugs of milk to mix in their hot chocolate and then add their favorite toppings.
- Or make the hot chocolate ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker and serve guests the hot chocolate already made and let them add their favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stove Top
On My Radar
Love this idea Elizabeth! I think I’ll make one for our tree trimming party. Questions for you? What is between the marshmallows and the foiled wrap snowmen? Have you ever tried any of the various flavors of Stephen’s hot cocoa? I enjoy their candy cane one. What is your favorite hot chocolate or do you have a couple since you enjoy it year round?
Hello, I think it is such a fun idea for the holidays. Between the marshmallows and foil wrapped snowmen are chocolate chip French cakes, they are like Madeline cookies/cakes.
I love TCHO hot chocolate, Bixby, Chocolat Vitale and Dolphin Chocolat from Belgium.