🍪 How to set up a hot cocoa bar for kids (+ easy recipe)
Prep: 15 min · Cook: 10 min · Makes: 6 kid-size mugs
A hot cocoa bar is the easiest way to turn an ordinary December evening into an event. Make one pot of good homemade cocoa, set out a row of toppings, and let the kids build their own mug. They'll be talking about it for days.
It's perfect for a holiday movie night, a get-together after sledding or cookie decorating, or a cozy evening of wrapping presents.
What to put out
- The cocoa: in a thermos with a spout or a slow cooker with a ladle.
- Sweet toppings: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, sprinkles.
- Fancy extras: cinnamon sticks to stir with, a shaker of cinnamon, orange zest for the grown-ups.
- Mugs: kid-size mugs with handles, and a marker so everyone can write their name on a paper cup if you're hosting a crowd.
For little helpers
- Kids can whisk the cocoa and sugar together (before it goes on the heat), crush candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, and arrange the toppings.
- Make little labels together: "Snowballs" for marshmallows, "Reindeer Sprinkles", "Candy Cane Crunch".
- Put a tray under everything. Trust us.
Variations
- Peppermint cocoa: add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- White cocoa: use white chocolate and skip the cocoa powder and most of the sugar.
- Mexican-style: add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a tiny pinch of chili powder for the grown-ups.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (or any milk you like)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (about 1/2 cup), optional for extra richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
- toppings: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, cinnamon sticks
Method
- In a medium saucepan, whisk the cocoa powder, sugar and salt with about 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth, with no lumps.
- Whisk in the rest of the milk and warm over medium-low heat, stirring often, until steaming. Do not let it boil.
- If using the chopped chocolate, add it now and whisk until melted.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Let the cocoa cool for a few minutes until it is warm, not hot, before kids help themselves. Keep it in a thermos or a slow cooker on the warm setting.
- Set out the toppings in small bowls or jars with spoons, plus mugs, napkins, and a few labels so everyone knows what's what.
Questions
How hot should hot cocoa be for kids?
Warm, not steaming. Let it cool for a few minutes and test a drop on your wrist, like a baby bottle. A splash of cold milk in each mug cools it fast.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use oat or soy milk and dairy-free chocolate. Oat milk makes a particularly creamy cocoa.
How do I keep cocoa warm for a party?
A slow cooker on the low or warm setting keeps it at a good temperature for about 2 hours. Stir it now and then.