This Christmas Hot Chocolate is a delicious dairy-free and refined sugar-free version of the classic winter treat. Enjoy it with your favorite hot chocolate toppings, or serve it with a DIY hot cocoa bar at your next gathering this holiday season!

a closeup of a glass mug filled with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and peppermint shavings

 

What Makes This Recipe Great

Nothing screams winter more than a warm cup of homemade hot cocoa while watching a Christmas movie (Polar Express is my fave!) on a cold winter evening!This Christmas hot chocolate!  is cozy, warm, and one of my favorite healthier treats to have while snuggled up on the couch during the colder months.  

Regular hot chocolate mix is loaded with sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy, and other additives I can’t even pronounce. I set out to make a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan hot chocolate recipe that everyone can enjoy. 

With a few basic ingredients, I swear that this healthier homemade Christmas hot chocolate tastes JUST like the real deal, without the junk. It also goes perfectly with all the traditional, fun toppings (see below for fun hot chocolate bar ideas!). 

Recipe Highlights

  • Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, & Vegan
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Endless Hot Chocolate Toppings
  • Perfect to have while decorating the Christmas tree
  • Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas
  • Easily Make a Peppermint Mocha or Boozy Hot Chocolate!
  • Made with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

an overhead view of Christmas hot chocolate with whipped cream, peppermint and chocolate crumbles

Coconut Milk: Native Forest is my favorite brand.It makes the best creamy hot chocolate!

Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk: I love Califia Farms almond milk, but feel free to use whichever one you like. 

Raw Cacao Powder: I like Thrive Market’s brand of raw cacao powder. It’s also packed with antioxidants. If you don’t have this, feel free to use unsweetened cocoa powder.

Pure Maple Syrup: We get our pure maple syrup from Costco (it’s a big jug for like $11.).

Peppermint Extract: Optional. You can get this at most grocery stores in the baking section near the vanilla extract. 

Vanilla Extract: Optional. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to give it a warm vanilla flavor. 

Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Optional for the topping.

How To Make This Hot Cocoa Recipe

a side view of a mug of Christmas hot chocolate
  1. Combine all ingredients (except whipped cream) in a small saucepan.
  2. Whisk constantly over medium heat until combined and heated through to the temperature of your liking, about 5 minutes!
  3. Pour the warm hot cocoa mix into a mug and top with your favorite toppings if desired. Enjoy!

How To Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate

To make this homemade hot cocoa in the slow cooker, simply combine all of the ingredients and whisk well. Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours and keep on warm until ready to serve.

How to Serve Christmas Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate Toppings

Hot chocolate toppings options are truly endless. If you have one that you love that isn’t on the list, let me know in the comments below!

  • Whipped Cream: Use dairy-free whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, or your favorite regular dairy whipped cream. 
  • Chocolate Chips: I love Enjoy Life dark chocolate chips because they are gluten free and dairy free. Feel free to use your favorite! 
  • Candy Canes: I like these candy canes from Yum Earth. Peppermint candies are also a great option.  
  • Mini Marshmallows: My favorite gluten-free marshmallows are Dandies. They are gluten-free and vegan. 
  • Sprinkles: These sprinkles are amazing. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
  • Nuts: Chopped nuts of any kind go so well on top, adding a nice crunch. 
  • Chocolate Shavings: Pick your favorite chocolate bar and use our zester to shave off some chocolate. Hu Kitchen is my favorite paleo chocolate brand! Milk chocolate shavings will also work.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: This gives that delicious sweet and salty combination. 
  • Caramel Drizzle: Use caramel, white chocolate, or chocolate syrup for a drizzle. 

Hot Cocoa Bar 

If you’re having a holiday gathering, a hot cocoa bar is always a big hit. 

Place your favorite hot chocolate toppings into bowls and let everyone top their hot chocolate with whatever they like. This DIY hot chocolate bar is fun for the kids AND the adults! 

Boozy Hot Chocolate

Add a 3 oz shot of Bailey’s or Peppermint Schnapps and have yourself a merry little cocktail. Put this out at the cocoa bar for a fun DIY mix-in for the parents.

Coffee + Hot Chocolate

You could also add a shot of espresso, espresso powder, or some coffee to turn this into a delicious peppermint mocha!

hot chocolate in a glass mug

Mary’s Tips & Tricks

Regular Dairy: If you are not dairy free, you can substitute the almond milk and coconut milk with regular milk and heavy cream.

Sweetener: You can use an alternative to maple syrup if you prefer. While it won’t be refined sugar-free, this will still be delicious. Choose your favorite sweetener. 

Recipe FAQs

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

As is, this recipe is not keto-friendly. However, you can easily make a keto version by swapping the maple syrup for monk fruit sweetener.

Is this homemade hot chocolate vegan?

Yes! As written, this recipe is completely vegan and dairy-free. Be sure to choose vegan toppings as well.

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section. Or, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram today!

Cozy Christmas Hot Chocolate

This Christmas Hot Chocolate is a delicious dairy-free and refined sugar-free version of the classic winter treat. Enjoy it with your favorite hot chocolate toppings, or serve it with a DIY hot cocoa bar at your next gathering.
5 from 5 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or regular is fine, too
  • â…“ cup raw cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • dairy free whipped cream , optional – for topping

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients (except whipped cream) in a small saucepan.
  • Whisk constantly over medium heat until combined and heated through to the temperature of your liking, about 5 minutes!
  • Pour the warm hot cocoa mix into a mug and top with your favorite Christmas hot chocolate toppings if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Regular Dairy: If you are not dairy free, you can substitute the almond milk and coconut milk with regular milk and heavy cream.
Sweetener: You can use an alternative to maple syrup if you prefer. While it won’t be refined sugar-free, this Christmas hot chocolate will still be delicious. Choose your favorite sweetener.

Hot Chocolate Toppings

Hot chocolate toppings options are truly endless. If you have one that you love that isn’t on the list, let me know in the comments below!
  • Whipped Cream: Use dairy-free whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, or your favorite regular dairy whipped cream. 
  • Chocolate Chips: I love Enjoy Life chocolate chips because they are gluten free and dairy free. Feel free to use your favorite! 
  • Candy Canes: I like these candy canes from Yum Earth. 
  • Marshmallows: My favorite gluten-free marshmallows are Dandies. They are gluten-free and vegan. 
  • Sprinkles: These sprinkles are amazing. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
  • Nuts: Chopped nuts of any kind go so well on top, adding a nice crunch. 
  • Chocolate Shavings: Pick your favorite chocolate bar and use our zester to shave off some chocolate. 
  • Flaky Sea Salt: This gives that delicious sweet and salty combination. 
  • Caramel Drizzle: Use caramel, white chocolate, or chocolate syrup for a drizzle. 

 

Hot Cocoa Bar 

If you’re having a holiday gathering, a hot cocoa bar is always a big hit. 
Place your favorite hot chocolate toppings into bowls and let everyone top their hot chocolate with whatever they like. This DIY hot chocolate bar is fun for the kids AND the adults! 

Boozy Hot Chocolate

Add a shot of Bailey’s or Peppermint Schnapps and have yourself a merry little cocktail. 

Coffee + Hot Chocolate

You could also add a shot of espresso or some coffee to turn this into a delicious peppermint mocha! This recipe makes two 8 oz servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 167mg, Potassium: 266mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 190mg, Iron: 2mg

This post was originally published on December 15, 2019 and updated with new copy on November 21, 2023.