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Go ahead and stock up on packets of hot cocoa mix — we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves. No, we’re not suggesting that you warm up with mugful after mugful — where’s the fun in that? Instead, check out these 19 recipes that put the powder to good use in unique ways. Spoiler alert: they may be even sweeter than its intended sip-able form. From baked goods to, ironically enough, frozen treats, we’re loving all the creative ways to get more hot chocolate action in our lives.
1. Hot Chocolate Pound Cake: With over a half pound of butter, a block of cream cheese and a whole lotta chocolate action, you know this pound cake has got to be good. (via My Invisible Crown)
2. Hot Cocoa Pudding: Hot cocoa mix makes this pudding extra creamy, and likely an excellent contender for frozen hot chocolate pudding pops. (via Simply Gloria)
3. Hot Chocolate Krispie Treats: You’ll love the sweet cocoa flavor featured throughout these squares. Once summer rolls around, you can sprinkle some graham cracker on top to make a campfire-esque treat. (via Crazy for Crust)
4. Hot Chocolate Macarons With Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting: Marshmallow cream frosting sandwiched between chocolate shells earns these macarons high marks in the flavor-pairing department. (via Tried and Tasty)
5. Mexican Hot Cocoa Cake: Cayenne and cinnamon add an extra layer of welcome warmth to these baked-in-a-Mason-jar cakes. We recommend cuddling up with your personal-sized treat next to the fire. (via The Vintage Mixer)
6. Best Ever Hot Chocolate French Toast: Well good morning, gorgeous. Talk about a sweet remedy for a snow day. (via Half Baked Harvest)
7. Hot Chocolate Cookies: Enjoy the subtle chocolatey flavor of these marshmallow-studded cookies. While delicious on their own, the addition of a mini chocolate bar and dollop of fluffy ‘mallow buttercream on top adds that finishing touch. (via Cookies and Cups)
8. Hot Cocoa Monkey Bread: At first glance, this may resemble your run-of-the-mill monkey bread. Trust us, it’s anything but. Gooey marshmallows and plenty of chocolatey goodness set it apart with only six ingredients. (via Food Network)
9. Hot Chocolate Popcorn Balls: We love these marshmallowy popcorn balls as an alternative to the usual caramel-enrobed kernels. They’ll also make #easygifts this holiday season. (via Blahnick Baker)
10. Hot Cocoa Pancakes: Wash down a short stack of these chocolate pancakes with a steaming mugful of cocoa or a cuppa joe — it all depends on your sweet tooth level. (via My San Francisco Kitchen)
11. Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow: Nibble on this Chex mix, and you just might find that hot cocoa packets taste even better in snack form than as a sip. Who knew? (via Sweet as a Cookie)
12. Chocolate Snow Ice Cream: Now this is one sweet perk of living (or visiting) an area that gets snowfall. You’ll need a few cupfuls of freshies to enjoy this no-churn chiller. (via Coordinately Yours)
13. Hot Chocolate Icebox Cake: We’re thinking the hot-chocolate-infused whipped cream frosting would taste just as good spooned in a mugful of steaming cocoa as it does slicked between the layers of rich chocolate cake. (via Beyond Frosting)
14. Starbucks Hot Cocoa Chocolate Chip Muffins: Bake up a big batch of these double chocolate muffins to have on hand for grab-and-go breakfasts or an afternoon pick-me-up. (via Amanda’s Cookin’)
15. Hot Chocolate Popcorn: There’s more than meets the eye going on flavor-wise here. White chocolate and mini mallows are cleverly disguised by fluffy corn and a dusting of the powdered stuff. (via Cookies and Cups)
16. Frozen Hot Chocolate: DIY your own glass of pure bliss for just pennies per serving. It may be frozen, but it’s just as sweet even when the mercury plummets. (via Picky Palate)
17. Hot Chocolate Cookies With Marshmallows: These are just the treat you need to make it through a long winter. (via Dine and Dish)
18. Hot Cocoa Waffles: We’re adding these to our ever-growing weekend waffle rotation, STAT. (via Babble)
19. Basic Chocolate Oatmeal: Once you have this basic brekkie recipe down, it’s time to start playing around with variations. From flavors inspired by peanut butter cups to peppermint patties, your tastebuds won’t fall asleep on you any time soon. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)
What’s your favorite way to enjoy hot chocolate other than in its intended sip-able form? Share with us below!
Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.