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Whoville Hot Cocoa Bar

Whoville hot cocoa bar pairs a smooth, steaming chocolate cocoa with a spread of festive toppings. Set out marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint candies, and sprinkles so everyone can customize a mug.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 495
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cocoa
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 6 cup whole milk divided
  • 2 cup half-and-half
  • 6 oz semisweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the toppings
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 can (13 oz) whipped cream
  • 0.5 cup peppermint candies crushed
  • 0.25 cup sprinkles red and green

Equipment

  • 1 4-quart saucepan

Method
 

Make the cocoa
  1. In a 4-quart saucepan, whisk the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and 1 cup of the milk until smooth.
  2. Whisk in the remaining 5 cups milk and the half-and-half.
  3. Add the chopped chocolate.
  4. Heat over medium heat, whisking often, for 6 to 8 minutes, until steaming and smooth; do not let the cocoa boil.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Set up the bar
  1. Arrange the mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and sprinkles in separate serving bowls.
  2. Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs.
  3. Let everyone add toppings to taste.

Notes

For the smoothest cocoa, keep whisking and do not let it boil. Refrigerate leftover cocoa for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free milk and cream and dairy-free semisweet chocolate.