Now that Thanksgiving is over, we’re all in our post-Thanksgiving feast mode (aka fatigued and full). Preparations for Christmas are now upon us, so get cozy with a cup of hot chocolate and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie (or two . . . or three—we won’t judge J)! Here are some recipes to spice up your typical hot chocolate recipe. They include red velvet, salted caramel, mint, and more!

 

RED VELVET HOT CHOCOLATE: What you’ll need for the hot chocolate: 4 cups whole milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 10oz semi-sweet baking chocolate (coarsely chopped, or you can use mini chocolate chips), 2 teaspoons McCormick Red Food Coloring, and 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract. For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream: ¼ cup heavy cream (cold), 4 ounces cream cheese (softened), ½ cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract. First, place milk and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and stir to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat. Stir in the chocolate with a whisk until melted. Stir in food coloring and vanilla. Pour into serving cups and serve with marshmallows and Cream Cheese Whipped Cream!

 

To make the whipped cream, whip cold cream in a bowl until soft peaks form (could take up to 5 – 10 minutes). Start on low and gradually increase to high speed. Place whipped cream in a medium bowl and set aside. Place the cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a bowl and beat until creamy. Fold in the whipped cream by hand until it’s fully combined and fluffy. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream onto the red velvet hot chocolate and enjoy!

 

SALTED CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE: Here’s what you’ll need: 1 cup milk, 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix, 1 – 2 tablespoons of Mrs. Richards Caramel Sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. Heat milk and caramel for 90 seconds. Add the hot chocolate mix and a pinch of salt. Stir well until dissolved. Enjoy the delicious taste of salted caramel hot chocolate!

 

COOKIES ‘N CREAM HOT CHOCOLATE: Do you love Cookies ‘N Cream ice cream? Why not try it as hot chocolate?! Here’s what you’ll need: 1 cup milk, 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix, 3 tablespoons sweet and condensed milk, and 5 Oreo cookies crushed. Heat the milk and also the sweet and condensed milk for 90 seconds. Add the mix and crushed Oreos. Mix well and enjoy your delicious Cookies ‘N Cream Hot Chocolate!

 

MINT AND WHITE CHOCOLATE HOT COCOA: Mint lover? Try this recipe! What you’ll need: 2 cups milk, 2 cups half and half, ½ bag white chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, few drops of food coloring (green), and crushed Andes Mints and whipped cream (as garnish). Add milk and half and half in a large pot over medium heat until hot (but not boiling). Stir in the white chocolate chips until completely melted. Add peppermint extract and green food coloring. Top with whipped cream and Andes Mints. Now your Mint and White Chocolate Hot Cocoa is ready to serve!

 

PEPPERMINT PUNCH: A fun twist on peppermint drinks! What you’ll need: 1 quart Egg Nog, ½ gallon peppermint ice cream, 1 liter Club Soda/Ginger Ale, and crushed Candy Cane. Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Sprinkle candy canes on top after pouring into cups. Enjoy this yummy Peppermint Punch!

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