Santa's Hot Chocolate Bar Recipe
Rich, smooth hot chocolate made with grated semi-sweet chocolate, sugar, and milk, finished with vanilla. Serve from a thermos with an assortment of toppings including whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate chips, caramel and chocolate sauces, and flavored syrups for a customizable holiday drink station.
Ingredients
- 6 ½ cups whole or 2% milkhalf-and-half1:1texturedairy-free
richer, creamier
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate, grateddark chocolate1:1flavor
darker, less sweet
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅝ cup water, boiling
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- fresh whipped cream(optional)
- mini chocolate chips(optional)
- caramel sauce(optional)
- chocolate sauce(optional)
- marshmallows, mini and large(optional)
- candy canes(optional)
- flavored syrups, assorted(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine grated chocolate, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan.
- 2
Add boiling water and stir until combined.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Add milk and heat until hot but not boiling.
- 5
Stir in vanilla extract.
- 6
Pour into thermos or carafe and mugs.
- 7
Garnish each serving with desired assorted condiments.
Tips
Use a thermos to keep chocolate hot for extended serving
Set up condiments in small bowls for easy self-service
Good to Know
Hot chocolate base can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Prepare hot chocolate base up to 2 hours ahead; keep warm in thermos or reheat gently just before serving. Arrange condiments in advance.
Serve hot, garnished with desired toppings. Ideal for holiday gatherings, winter parties, or Christmas morning.
Common Mistakes
Do not boil the milk mixture to avoid scalding and developing a cooked flavor
Stir chocolate mixture thoroughly when adding boiling water to avoid lumps
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
richer, creamier