Cold weather and hot chocolate go hand-in-hand. But don't get bored this year with plain chocolate cocoa--instead, try one of these alternative recipes which feature different forms of hot chocolate like truffles and thick Italian cocoa, as well as special flavor cameos like raspberries and Oreo cookies.
1. Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
Inspired by Willy Wonka's chocolate river, this creamy cocoa is thick, but still smooth enough to swallow (like a pudding). In fact, The Say at Home Chef advises that this particular "hot chocolate" is also amazing to try cold.
Not everybody is a fan of chocolate--and The Frugal Girls have dreamed up this opposite beverage for those vanilla lovers: "Hot Vanilla." The best part? It's only 4 ingredients, and you can make it in a crockpot.
Between pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and other delicious pumpkin recipes, The Frugal Navy Wife gives us another delicious pumpkin idea: pumpkin hot chocolate.
4. Cookies & Cream Hot Chocolate
Why stop at dunking cookies into milk? In this cocoa from The Recipe Critic, incorporate Oreo cookies into your delicious and creamy hot chocolate. We think you could really mix it up and use mint or other flavored Oreos for some extra fun flavors.
These hot chocolate truffles from Inspired Dreamer are beautiful and delicious--just pop them into a cup of hot water or milk and voila! Instant chocolatey goodness. They're perfect for neighbor gifts, or to just pop in your mouth for some outrageously rich chocolate indulgence.
If you or a loved one has a dietary restriction, this Mexican hot chocolate recipe from The Sprouting Seed is dairy free, gluten free, and Paleo.
7. Raspberry White Hot Chocolate
The Sugar Hero describes this cocoa as "a rich, comforting drink that tastes like melted berries and ice cream." Who could say "no" to that?
We saved the best for last: the Six Sisters have done it again with this absolutely decadent red velvet hot chocolate, complete with rosy hue that comes from this recipe's "secret" ingredient.
Get more creative holiday recipes, traditions, and crafts in 12 Days of Christmas with Six Sisters' Stuff.