Unicorn Hot Chocolate and 5 Other Legendary Hot Chocolate Recipes

Hot chocolate is always a great treat, especially during chillier weather. It’s fun to enjoy with kids, while you’re relaxing with your favorite book or show, or to make when you’re hosting friends and family. Let’s dive into fun and simple ways to make hot chocolate using delicious Organic Valley ingredients, including recipes for:

• Simple homemade hot chocolate
• Simple whipped cream
• Hot Chocolate Bombs
• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• Iced Hot Chocolate
• Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
• Unicorn Hot Chocolate
• Hot Chocolate Dip

How to Make Homemade Organic Hot Chocolate

First, let’s look at a simple homemade hot chocolate option. It’s easier than you think to make homemade organic hot chocolate. All you need to do is throw a few simple ingredients together over the stove and you will quickly have a rich, delicious and cozy hot drink! If you’re looking to make your hot chocolate extra rich and decadent, substitute the milk for Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream or Organic Valley Half and Half.

Simple Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I recommend Guittard Organic Cocoa Powder)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or organic cane sugar
• ¼ cup organic semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (2 ounces)

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Metal whisk or stirring spoon

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Notes
Chopped baking chocolate or chocolate chips can be used. For best results, heat the ingredients in a small saucepan on the stovetop on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally (a metal whisk works best) until the chocolate has melted completely. You can also heat in the microwave.

Easy Homemade Whipped Cream

Make easy homemade organic whipped cream using just three ingredients. Use a hand or a stand mixer to combine Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream, powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form, then spoon it on top of your organic hot chocolate! One cup of heavy whipping cream will yield about 2 cups of whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Easy Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot chocolate bombs are a really fun way to combine all of your hot chocolate ingredients ahead of time and then just add hot milk or cream when you’re ready to drink it. These are great for kids and adults, and the flavor combinations are endless. For more tips and hot chocolate bomb variations, visit this article. If you’re looking to make your hot chocolate extra rich and decadent, substitute the milk for Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream or Organic Valley Half and Half.

Ingredients

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate (9 ounces)
• 5 packets of instant hot chocolate mix (about 1 cup). I recommend this organic hot cocoa mix
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• 2.5-inch round silicone molds
• Metal spoon
• Ceramic, microwave-safe plate

Prep time: 15 minutes
Set time: 10 minutes
Assembly time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Instructions
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or over the stovetop, then use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate all throughout the round molds. Place the molds in the fridge or freezer to allow the chocolate to set. Next, heat a microwave-safe ceramic plate in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

Remove one of the set chocolate hemispheres from the mold and swirl the edge over the warm plate to slightly melt the chocolate. (This melted chocolate will act as the glue to paste the two pieces together.) Add the filling to that sphere (1-2 teaspoons of hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, plus any other flavorings). Then set it down. Grab another chocolate hemisphere out of the mold and swirl the edge over the warm plate to melt the edge. Place this hemisphere piece over the other half with the fillings. Use your finger to smooth the crease if necessary. Place the cocoa bombs in cupcake liners to keep them from rolling away or melting easily in your hand.

Watch Jackie Thesing make hot cocoa bombs here.

Homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate

Looking for a twist on the classic hot chocolate? Try this easy homemade Mexican hot chocolate! This hot chocolate has the same base recipe as the Homemade Organic Hot Chocolate listed above, then we add a touch of cinnamon, chili powder and cayenne pepper. The spice blends perfectly with the creamy chocolate base. If you’re looking to make your Mexican hot chocolate extra rich and decadent, substitute the milk for Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream or Organic Valley Half and Half.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I recommend Guittard Organic Cocoa Powder)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or organic cane sugar
• ¼ cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (2 ounces)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Metal whisk or stirring spoon

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Notes
Chopped baking chocolate or chocolate chips can be used. For best results, heat the ingredients in a small saucepan on the stovetop on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also heat in the microwave. Feel free to omit the cayenne pepper if you would like the hot chocolate to be slightly less spicy.

Iced Hot Chocolate in Minutes

Looking to enjoy the chocolatey goodness without the heat? Try this simple recipe to make iced hot chocolate. Make the simple Homemade Organic Hot Chocolate recipe listed above and allow it to cool for a few minutes, then pour it over ice. You could also toss it in the blender and blend it and make a smooth frozen hot chocolate. This drink is perfect for warmer weather or if you’re just looking for a refreshing, delicious beverage. This iced hot chocolate can also be made using instant hot chocolate mix, but homemade hot chocolate is recommended.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I recommend Guittard Organic Cocoa Powder)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or organic cane sugar
• ¼ cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (2 ounces)
• 2 cups ice cubes

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Metal whisk or stirring spoon
• Blender (optional)

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Notes
Chopped baking chocolate or chocolate chips can be used. For best results, heat the ingredients in a small saucepan on the stovetop on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also heat in the microwave. Allow the hot chocolate to cool for 5-10 minutes, then pour over ice. You can also add the ice and the cooled hot chocolate to a blender to make Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

This easy slow cooker hot chocolate is great for serving several people and it doesn’t involve using the stove. Simply mix the ingredients, turn on your slow cooker, and you’re all set. Feel free to substitute Organic Valley Half and Half instead of heavy whipping cream. You may want to make a double or triple batch if you have a houseful of guests — once people try it, they will want more!

Ingredients

• 3 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk
• 1 cup Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar or organic cane sugar
• 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (6 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Crock-Pot or other slow cooker
• Metal whisk or stirring spoon
• Ladle (for serving)

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour on high setting
Servings: 4-6

Notes
Stir every 20-30 minutes to ensure that the chocolate doesn’t burn on the bottom of the slow cooker. Serve as soon as it’s warm and all of the chocolate is melted.

Unicorn Hot Chocolate

This unicorn hot chocolate is a spin on homemade white hot chocolate. This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in making their hot chocolate and adding their favorite toppings. Simply add a few drops of pink or blue food coloring to color the white hot chocolate. You can substitute artificial coloring with a few drops of beet juice or other natural ingredients. (Check out this article on natural ingredients for more natural dye ideas.) Then top with colorful natural sprinkles, homemade whipped cream and whatever your inner unicorn desires!

Ingredients

• 2 cups Organic Valley Whole Milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or organic cane sugar
• ¼ cup white chocolate (2 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Food coloring

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Metal whisk or stirring spoon

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Notes
If you would just like to have white hot chocolate, simply omit the food coloring and enjoy! Using white baking chocolate is recommended over chocolate chips as it melts and incorporates into the milk more easily. For best results, heat the ingredients in a small saucepan on the stovetop on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also heat in the microwave.

More Ways to Enjoy Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate can be more than just a delicious drink. Both homemade and instant hot chocolate can be repurposed into delicious desserts as well. Another fun way to treat your family is by creating a hot chocolate charcuterie board. Or how about a delicious hot chocolate dip using instant hot cocoa mix and Organic Valley ingredients? Interested? Read on.

Hot Chocolate Dip

This hot chocolate dip is perfect for hosting or to enjoy with kids! It is made by whipping Organic Valley Cream Cheese and Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream along with instant hot chocolate mix. Serve with animal crackers, graham crackers, cookies or fresh fruit for dipping.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Organic Valley Cream Cheese
• 1 cup instant hot chocolate mix (5 packets), I recommend this organic hot cocoa mix
• ½ cup Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixer

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Instructions
Use a mixer to beat softened cream cheese and instant hot chocolate until smooth. Next, use a mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is fully incorporated.

The Best Things to Add to Hot Chocolate

Now that we have walked through several ways to make hot chocolate, let’s talk about how we can elevate the classic drink even more! These additions can be used for homemade or instant hot chocolate. Here are 10 things that you can put in your hot chocolate to make the drink your own.

• Homemade whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle
• Peppermint extract or candy canes
• Espresso or fresh brewed coffee
• Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
• Chocolate shavings or a chocolate truffle
• Marshmallows (try homemade marshmallows!)
• Creamy peanut butter or peanut butter powder
• Coconut or almond extract
• Orange juice and zest

Now that you’ve walked through the many ways that you can make organic hot chocolate, which recipe will you try next? When rich and decadent chocolate is combined with creamy and fresh organic dairy, you really can’t go wrong! Organic hot chocolate, whether it’s made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, spiced with chili pepper or topped with homemade whipped cream, is truly the most indulgent beverage.

More of a coffee lover? Try these Easy Homemade Coffee Recipes using delicious, organic dairy products.