Hot Chocolate Board

Hot Chocolate Boards are a fun and interactive way to serve something delicious to your friends and family. This all-ages treat features homemade hot chocolate and a variety of toppings so that you can mix and match to create the hot chocolate of your dreams. Easy and impressive, this fun board is perfect for entertaining or just a quiet night at home with the family.

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I LOVE doing big, festive and fun boards, and there’s nothing like a hot chocolate board to get everyone in a holiday mood. They’re so much fun to build, and the best part with this Hot Chocolate Board is that most of the ingredients are store-bought so you can assemble it at the last minute without a lot of fuss.

I make my own hot chocolate for this board. The recipe is below. If you’ve never had homemade hot chocolate, you’re in for a treat! It is so much richer and more delicious than any powdered mix.

Get the kids involved, and let them help you! It’ll taste more delicious knowing it was made with love and with help!

What’s a Hot Chocolate Board?

A hot cocoa board centers around a homemade hot chocolate recipe, accompanied by a variety of toppings and add-ins. It’s like a cheese or charcuterie board, but for hot chocolate. This board allows guests to customize their drinks, making it a fun and interactive feature of any event, especially during colder months.

Ingredients

For the hot chocolate

• Heavy whipping cream – Adds richness and body. For the creamiest hot chocolate, use a mix of cream and whole milk rather than milk alone.
• Chocolate – Milk chocolate, semisweet, or dark chocolate all work. Use real chocolate bars chopped fine, not chocolate chips—chips have stabilizers that keep them from melting as smoothly.
• Whole milk – Whole milk makes the richest hot chocolate. Low-fat or skim will be thin and watery.
• Sugar – Adjust based on the chocolate you use. Dark chocolate needs more sugar; milk chocolate needs less or none.

For the toppings

• Mini marshmallows – Regular mini marshmallows for floating and melting on top.
• Dehydrated marshmallows – Like the kind that comes in hot chocolate packets; you can order them online.
• Mini candy canes – Use as stirrers or garnish. They add peppermint flavor as they melt.
• Crushed candy canes – Crush them yourself in a bag with a rolling pin for the freshest flavor and best texture.
• Chocolate sprinkles – Add color and a little extra chocolate.
• Whipped cream – Homemade whipped cream tastes best, but canned works for convenience at a topping bar.
• Toffee bits – Heath or Skor bits both work. Add crunch and buttery caramel flavor.
• Mini chocolate chips – Smaller chips melt faster into the hot chocolate.
• Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon adds warm spice. A little goes a long way.
• Chopped nuts – Toast them first for better flavor and crunch. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work.

How to Build An Epic Hot Chocolate Board

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Heat the whipping cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling, add the chopped chocolate, and stir until melted.  Whisk in the milk and sweeten with sugar as needed. Transfer the hot chocolate to a slow cooker to keep warm, or pour it into a thermal carafe.

Find a sturdy spot to put your board for the hot chocolate and toppings, or use a large platter or countertop. Place the slow cooker or carafe in the center of the board, and arrange small bowls of toppings around the board. 

Fill in the gaps with pine boughs, garlands or other festive decorations. Serve in festive mugs and enjoy!

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Have a variety of cookies on hand to go with your board.
• Have small spoons or tongs for the toppings and spoons for stirring the hot chocolate.
• Encourage your guests to bring their favorite Christmas mugs for serving
• Offer dairy-free or sugar-free hot chocolate options for those with dietary requirements.
• Balance the colors and textures on the board to make it visually appealing and inviting.
• Keep extra toppings easily accessible for replenishing the board as needed.

How to Make Adult Hot Chocolate

Offer a variety of liqueurs for adding to their hot cocoa creations. The following are some of my favorites:

• Baileys Irish Cream: This creamy liqueur adds a rich, smooth texture and a hint of Irish whiskey flavor.
• Kahlúa: A coffee-flavored liqueur that can give your hot chocolate a mocha twist.
• Peppermint Schnapps: For a minty flavor, peppermint schnapps pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
• Rum: Dark or spiced rum can add warmth and depth to your hot chocolate.
• Bourbon or Whiskey: These spirits can bring a robust and warming character to the drink.
• Amaretto: This sweet, almond-flavored liqueur adds a nutty dimension.
• Grand Marnier or Cointreau: These orange-flavored liqueurs offer a delightful citrus note.
• Brandy: A classic choice that blends well with the creamy and chocolatey flavors.
• Frangelico: A hazelnut liqueur that contributes a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
• Chambord: This raspberry liqueur adds a fruity and slightly tart contrast to the rich chocolate.