This post has been sponsored by Nonni’s. I received product and compensation, but all opinions are my own.
It’s the best time of the year – Hot Cocoa Season! And while we like to enjoy our favorite hot chocolate recipe multiple times throughout the colder months, one of our Christmas traditions is to set up a hot cocoa bar and enjoy a holiday movie!
I vary the setup every year but this year, since we will be home more than ever, I’ve arranged it in a way that’s easy to replenish.
A hot cocoa bar does not have to be an elaborate endeavor. A few fun mugs, whipped cream and marshmallows is all you really need. Of course, for Christmas we like to go a little extra with different shaped marshmallows, chocolate and peppermint stir sticks and my personal favorite – Nonni’s Gingerbread Biscotti.
In my house, Christmas and gingerbread are synonymous. Nonni’s Gingerbread Biscotti are made with crunchy California almonds, real molasses and premium spices dipped in gourmet white icing. This cookie will bring on the warmth of the holidays, especially when dipped into delicious freshly made hot cocoa! For your own hot cocoa bar, find your Biscotti on Nonnis.com!
My kids love to use their elf, Santa and snowman mugs for their hot cocoa, while I find the copper mugs and little more elegant for adults.
There’s a million different recipes out there for hot chocolate, but our family favorite is a simple hot cocoa recipe that takes only 5 minutes to make. You can make it in a saucepan or slow cooker to keep it warm for guests.
The basic hot cocoa recipe can be modified by adding peppermint extract, hazelnut syrup or even a drop of alcohol!
If you’re serving guests outdoors this year, festive paper cups will make for easier clean up and you won’t have to worry about anyone dropping your pretty mugs!
Every hot cocoa bar needs a sign, right? You could easily write one up on a chalkboard, or purchase one from Etsy, but I picked up this cute little fabric sign from HomeGoods and thought it was the perfect touch.
I like the idea of creating a giftable version of this hot cocoa bar, too. Simply fill a box with a festive mug, hot cocoa mix and some Nonni’s biscotti and marshmallows and you’ve got a thoughtful gift for teachers, friends and neighbors!
We’re all going to be spending a lot of time at home this winter, so we may as well enjoy it with a delicious set up like this, right?