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By Sarah Hunt, AZFB Communications Intern

Hot chocolate is one of my favorite drinks when the weather turns cold, and this new trend on Pinterest of making a hot chocolate bar has piqued my interest. They are great for holiday parties. Although these events most likely won’t be taking place this year due to the pandemic, you can make a hot chocolate bar for your family and put on a Christmas movie, or even put together a make-it-yourself kit to drop off for your friends, extended family and neighbors!

Here is how to put together the perfect hot chocolate bar:

Step 1: You will need an awesome hot chocolate recipe. My favorite recipe is by Pioneer Woman. So simple, easy, and delicious. It is completely homemade, so there’s none of that powdery, instant, microwaveable hot cocoa. Just milk, half and half, and chocolatey goodness. Find the recipe here.

Step 2: Get some plastic spoons. Melt some melting chocolate (dark, white, or milk. Or all three for variety) and dip the plastic spoons in the melting chocolate so the ladle part of the spoon is completely covered in chocolate. Next, add your favorite toppings. This could be crushed Andes mints, graham crackers, candy cane, or Oreos, or chopped pieces of your favorite candy bar. You could also add mini caramels or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on it (best with white chocolate). The toppings can be as limitless as your imagination. Let these cool on parchment paper until the chocolate hardens.

Step 3: Assemble items to stir into your hot chocolate. These spoons are just one option. Put candy canes, Pirouettes, giant marshmallows, butter mints, girl scout cookies, different flavors of Hershey’s kisses, and/or chocolate dipped pretzel rods (these are also fun to make homemade. Wrap in caramel sheets for caramel apples before dipping in chocolate).

Step 4: Purchase a few different kinds of seasonal flavored creamer if people don’t want to add toppings. Starbucks makes some delicious flavors including a Cinnamon Dulce one that tastes like gingerbread. Other brands have flavors like peppermint mocha and caramel that are sure to please. Buy or make homemade whipped cream as the finishing touch. Get caramel and chocolate syrup to drizzle on top.

Step 5: Bring everyone together and enjoy! Use your favorite mugs or seasonal ones to put you in the Christmas spirit. I recommend doing this activity with a Christmas movie night so you can sip your hot cocoa while enjoying some of your favorite holiday films. Wear your Christmas pajamas if you want to add even more coziness to the event.

Find more inspiration for hot chocolate bars through these Pinterest links:

Host a Hot Chocolate Bar Party + The Most Luxurious Hot Chocolate

Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas for your upcoming Winter Party

Hot Chocolate Dessert Charcuterie Board

Make Hot Chocolate for a Crowd with these Ultra Cute DIY Bar Ideas + FREE sign and labels

How to Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar