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Quick & Easy Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar Setup

Quick Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar Setup - featured image
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A fast, forgiving, and inviting hot cocoa bar setup that uses pantry staples and a simple microwave method. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it features a rich, creamy base and customizable toppings that make everyone feel taken care of.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.5 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270 grams)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20 grams)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 can or 1 cup whipped cream
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes (about 6–8 candy canes)
  • ½ cup chocolate shavings
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • ¼ cup festive sprinkles
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. In a large microwave-safe bowl or pitcher, combine 6 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Do not fill more than halfway.
  2. Microwave on high for 3 minutes until steaming but not boiling.
  3. Remove from microwave (use oven mitts). Add 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Let sit for 1 minute.
  4. Whisk vigorously until smooth and chocolate is fully melted, about 45 seconds.
  5. Whisk in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity if desired.
  6. Return to microwave and heat for another 2 minutes on high. Whisk again.
  7. Pour hot cocoa into a slow cooker set to ‘warm’ or a pre-warmed insulated carafe.
  8. While cocoa heats, arrange toppings in small bowls: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, and cinnamon sticks. Place whipped cream and caramel sauce nearby with serving utensils.
  9. Set up the station: mugs first, then cocoa, then toppings in logical order. Add labels if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with oat milk, use dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and dairy-free chocolate chips. For a spiked adult version, offer peppermint schnapps, bourbon, or Irish cream liqueur. To prevent a skin from forming on the cocoa in the slow cooker, whisk every 30 minutes or place plastic wrap directly on the surface before covering.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa, hot chocolate, holiday, party, quick, easy, cocoa bar, toppings, Christmas, winter

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-and-easy-holiday-hot-cocoa-bar-setup/