The Best Hot Cocoa Recipes You'll Drool Over

As the holiday season begins to wind down, it's time to give yourself a break. Hunker down during this winter season and cuddle up to a nice hot cup of cocoa. While there are several great hot cocoa recipes out there...these 3 will make you melt from their extra deliciousness. 

The Classic

You can never go wrong with the tried-and-true classic cocoa. No hidden surprises, extra flavors or sneaky special ingredients...just mouthwatering hot, creamy chocolate.

Here's what you'll need:

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, plus more for serving
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoonsgranulated sugar
• Lightly sweetened whipped cream (for serving)

Steps:

1. Bring 3/4 cup water to a simmer in saucepan, over medium, medium-high heat
2. Whisk in cocoa powder (stir until zero clumps), then add milk and bring back to simmer
3. Add in chopped chocolate and sugar, whisk until completely melted ( 5 min.)
4. Pour hot chocolate into mugs and serve with whipped cream on top.

The Bold

Now that you've had a taste of the classic cocoa, it's time to switch things up a little: Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Yep, that's right. We're adding the love of the homemade classic, to some sweet, refreshing coolness of mint. Think Thin Mints girl-scout cookies, but in liquid form.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• Sweetened whipped cream, forserving
• Chocolate shavings, for serving

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar and salt over medium-heat.
2. Once at a simmer, add in chocolate and stir until melted.
3. Once melted, add in drops of peppermint oil.
4. Pour into mugs and serve with whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings.

The Daring

Any peanut butter lovers out there? Well, this cocoa is for you: Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. Let's face it, peanut butter and chocolate are two best friends whose friendship will live on forever. Well, now they're are adding another friend to their group, and that's you!

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon chopped peanut butter cups
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• Whipped cream, for serving

Steps:

1. 1. Bring milk to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Once hot, add cocoa, powdered sugar and pinch of salt until smooth (no clumps)
3. Next, whisk in peanut butter until smooth
4. Pour into mugs and add whipped cream with chopped peanut butter cups on top

There you have it, three amazing hot chocolate recipes that will change your hot cocoa game forever. These drinks will surly make memories during this winter season!