Hot Cocoa Dip is filled with the flavor of your favorite cozy chocolate sipper, but in a fun form that’s perfect for cookie swaps or Christmas parties! Give it a whirl, and you may just find that it’s your new favorite addition to your holiday celebrations.
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About this Hot Cocoa Dip recipe
When it comes to winter, hot cocoa is pretty much a given. Whether it’s a cup of the chocolatey classic to warm up after playing in the snow, a spiked hot chocolate for dessert (only for those 21+, of course) or a hot chocolate party with all the fixings for friends and family, there’s a reason it’s a favorite of the season.
If you want to give a nod to the cozy sipper, this dessert dip is a wonder. It’s packed with all the flavors of a cup of cocoa, but in a sugary sweet form that everyone will love. You can dip cookies, graham crackers or even something like pretzels for a salty-sweet combo that’s hard to beat.
Even better, it comes together quickly. Keep the ingredients on-hand for a fun addition to cookie exchanges, holiday happy hours and Christmas movie nights!
More hot chocolate recipes: Hot Chocolate Cookies • Hot Cocoa Bombs • White Hot Chocolate
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It brings classic flavors in a new form. If you love hot chocolate, you’re going to fall for this dip!
- Perfect for any occasion. Add a sweet touch to get-togethers all season long.
- Play with fun variations. There are so many different ways to make this dip your own!
Tools & equipment
Already drooling over this recipe? Not to worry, I be you already have everything you need in your kitchen!
You’ll want a large mixing bowl *, measuring cups and an electric mixer, plus a heat-safe bowl and spatula *. If any of your dip is left over, make sure you have a covered container for storage. A spoon or two is also a must — you’ll want it available to stir in any additions, and maybe for a taste test or two!
baking essentials
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Ingredients
Plenty of goodness goes into this dip! Add the following to your shopping list:
- Cream cheese
- Marshmallow fluff
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Toppings like mini M&M’s, mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles * or crushed candy canes
When it comes to cocoa, use a good-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa will give your dip a richer color and smoother taste.
If you’d like for your hot cocoa dip to be extra sweet, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar.
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Topper & dipper ideas
Much like making your perfect cup of cocoa, toppings come down to personal preference. If you can’t decide, leave your dip un-topped and provide several toppings for guests to use on their own portions.
- If you’re someone who likes peppermint hot chocolate, try topping your dip with crushed candy canes.
- For an extra burst of chocolate, use mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles *.
- Teeny tiny marshmallows are reminiscent of a traditional cup of the winter warmer and are oh so tasty!
Dippers also come down to personal preference. Double down on sweetness by dipping cookies or graham crackers. Balance the sweet with some salty by dipping pretzels or crackers. You could even use apple slices — truly anything can be a vessel when it comes to devouring this delicious dip!
Flavor variations
This dip is delicious as-is, but there are variations for every taste, too. Try these after enjoying the original recipe:
- Peppermint hot cocoa dip: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- Mocha version: Stir in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder * for a subtle coffee flavor.
- Salted caramel twist: Swirl in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- White hot chocolate dip: Replace melted chocolate with melted white chocolate, skip the cocoa powder and add a dash of vanilla or almond extract.
- Spiked version (adults only): Mix in a tablespoon of Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps for a boozy dessert dip.
- S’mores dip: Fold in mini marshmallows and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top before chilling.
Instructions
In just minutes, you’ll be ready to enjoy a batch of hot cocoa dip!
First, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff and cocoa powder together in your mixing bowl * using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
Next, fold in the melted dark chocolate and whipped cream. Using a spatula *, gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated and silky. Avoid over-mixing to keep it airy and silky.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up slightly. Garnish with fun toppings before serving, then serve cold or slightly softened with graham crackers, cookies or pretzels for dipping.
If there’s any leftover, keep it in an airtight container for up to three days.
Tips & tricks
- For a fluffier dip, whip heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, then fold it into the chocolate mixture. For a denser, fudgier dip, add heavy cream and mix gently.
- If your melted chocolate is too hot when you add it, it can melt the marshmallow fluff — let it cool for 5 minutes before folding in.
- This dip tastes best slightly chilled but not cold — 15 minutes at room temperature makes it creamy and easy to scoop.
Food pairings
Balance out the sweetness of this holiday dip with a Christmas charcuterie board. Cheeses, crackers and fruit will give your guests something other than sweets to fill up on.
A bacon ranch cheese ball is a great savory compliment to hot cocoa dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfectly shareable and is always a hit!
For something that balances sweet and savory, cranberry brie bites are one of my favorite holiday recipes for a crowd.
FAQ
Use an airtight container and keep your dip in the fridge for up to three days.
To avoid lumpy dip, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
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Hot Cocoa Dip
ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 ounces dark chocolate melted and slightly cooled
- ½ cup whipped cream
- toppings such as mini marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, crushed candy canes or mini M&M’s
- dippers such as graham crackers, cookies or pretzels
instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff and cocoa powder together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, fluffy, and well combined.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup marshmallow fluff, ½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pour in the melted dark chocolate and heavy cream. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated and silky. Avoid over-mixing to keep it airy.3 ounces dark chocolate, ½ cup whipped cream
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up slightly.
- Decorate with mini marshmallows, festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or mini M&Ms before serving. Serve cold or slightly softened with graham crackers, cookies or pretzels for dipping.toppings, dippers
notes
Flavor Variations
- Peppermint hot cocoa dip: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- Mocha version: Stir in 1 teaspoon Instant espresso powder For a subtle coffee flavor.
- Salted caramel twist: Swirl in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- White hot chocolate dip: Replace cocoa powder with melted white chocolate and add a dash of vanilla or almond extract.
- Spiked version (adults only): Mix in a tablespoon of baileys, kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps for a boozy dessert dip.
- S’mores dip: Fold in mini marshmallows and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top before chilling.
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