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Keeping warm this season with my favorite Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa. Steamed milk, sweet chocolate, hints of coffee, and spiced with real vanilla. This is creamy, rich, perfectly sweet, and best enjoyed with a large helping of homemade whipped cream. Perfect for sipping while trimming the tree. this recipe requires just 6 simple ingredients (that you probably have on hand) and takes only minutes to make. Best part? It’s not loaded with sugar, making this a delicious festive option to be enjoyed by all!

front on photo of Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa with whipped cream and cookies

There’s really nothing better than a steaming mug of hot cocoa on a cold day…especially during the holidays. With Thanksgiving past, and December arriving in just a few short days, it’s full on Christmas mode over here, and I couldn’t be happier. No matter how hectic or hard life is, something about the holidays always makes things a little better. Or at least that’s how I view it. I know this time of year can be hard for some, but I really try and make it the best ever by doing at least one festive thing a day.

It can be as simple as ending the day by lighting my favorite candle, whipping up my favorite hot cocoa, or putting on my festive Christmas sheets. But by doing just one small holiday…ish thing a day, it makes this time of year so much fun. And really, everyone has time to light a candle or spare 15 minutes to make a mug of hot cocoa. It’s true, you do.

I know many of you may be planning to decorate the tree this weekend. So to get us into some holiday spirit, I thought I would share my go-to hot cocoa recipe. This recipe is perfect for sipping on while trimming the tree. Honestly, this is the hot cocoa I make every time the weather turns cool. It’s so simple to make and not overly sweet. So I don’t feel guilty enjoying a mug while typing away at the computer or enjoying some time by the fire.

Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa being poured into cocoa mug

Today’s post was originally supposed to be a new cookie recipe, but something in me really wanted to share this hot cocoa. It just felt so fitting. Maybe because we’ve had seriously cold temperatures and very snowy days. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to make hot cocoa. Either way I’m glad I’m finally sharing this recipe with you all.

And don’t worry, the cookies are coming later this week…because tis the season for all things sweet…

Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa with hands on mug

As mentioned, this hot cocoa is very simple and uses ingredients you probably have on had right now.

You’ll need milk, real maple syrup, cocoa, semi-sweet or dark chocolate, instant coffee, and vanilla. Pantry staples, right?

Mix all the ingredients in a pot and warm until steaming. Then just ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream and a little grated nutmeg, cinnamon, or a mix of the two…vanilla sugar would also be delicious.

So quick, but so delicious. What I love so much about this hot cocoa recipe is that while it feels rich and indulgent, it’s actually not loaded with any added sugars. It uses just a touch of maple for sweetness. You really can’t taste the maple, but it adds just the right of amount of sweetness to balance out the unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate.

overhead photo of Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa

I’m all for over the top treats this time of year. But I also think it’s nice to have something that’s sweet and delicious, but not worthy of a sugar headache at the same time, you know? This is perfect for sipping any day of the week, morning or night.

If you’re looking for a sweeter hot chocolate, try using milk chocolate in place of the dark chocolate. Or go all out and try my sugar cookie hot chocolate.

My recommendation? Be sure to have these ingredients on hand at all times. Then you can make this homemade cocoa anytime you’d like. Personally, I love enjoying a mug while typing away on the computer, or watching my favorite holiday movie. Either way, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year…

Please forgive all my cheesy lines that will be said throughout the next month. I truly can’t help it!

Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa with whipped cream dripping down the mugs

If you make this vanilla mocha hot cocoa be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 670 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate, vanilla, coffee powder, and pinch of salt to a large pot. Place the pot over medium low heat until the milk is scalding, but not boiling. Be sure to stir the pot often to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom and burning.
    2. Once the hot cocoa is steaming, ladle into mugs and dollop with whipped cream. Drink and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • 1. Add the milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate, vanilla, coffee powder, and pinch of salt to the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Switch to warm until ready to serve, up to 2 more hours. 
    2. Ladle into mugs and dollop with whipped cream. Drink and enjoy!
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horizontal photo of Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa

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Comments

  1. Hello! I was just wondering if there is a white chocolate version of this? I know white chocolate is thinner so idk if just substituting it in would work, but I’m gonna try it anyway!

    1. Hey Brandy,
      So sorry there isn’t, but you could certainly give it a try! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

  2. 5 stars
    Made this for a party and it was a huge hit! Recommend making homemade peppermint marshmallows-definitely took it up a notch.

    1. Hi Katelyn,
      Thanks so much for trying this recipe out, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  3. 5 stars
    I made this and omg I will never order anything like this from Starbucks again… this is the best mocha I have ever had! I subbed in skim milk for whole milk and a shot of espresso for espresso powder. Wow. way to go this is an amazing recipe!

  4. I just came across this post and haven’t tried the cocoa yet but LOVE, LOVE the mugs. Can you tell me who they are made by?

    1. Hey Trish,
      These mugs are old from Crate and Barrel. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other question. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  5. 5 stars
    OMG ~ not only does this look delicious! But where did you find those mugs?! I rarely see Christmas ware I like, but these are adorable. Source? Thanks. 🙂 Ann

    1. Hey Ann,
      Thanks so much! The mugs are old from Crate and Barrel. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

  6. vanilla mocha hot cocoa recipe, can’t wait to try this…but have a question where did you get the mugs that this cocoa is in? I love them…

    1. Hey Jennifer,
      The mugs are from Crate and Barrel, unfortunately they are very old. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

  7. Thank you, Tieghan – this looks absolutely scrumptious! Hot cocoa is my go-to when wrapping Christmas packages, so this yummy mocha version will help keep me energized thru that too 🙂 Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving!

  8. 5 stars
    This was so yummy! Made it for a cookie decorating get together and man was it perfect! So much chocolatey goodness!

  9. 5 stars
    I made this yesterday and it was delicious! The entire family loved this chocolatey treat on a cold afternoon.