Hot chocolate isn’t just for sipping—it’s a cozy flavor that deserves a spot in your dessert lineup. These hot chocolate–inspired treats take everything you love about a warm mug of cocoa and transform it into brownies, cakes, cookies, trifles, fudge, and more.
Each dessert is rich, comforting, and full of winter flavor, making them perfect for Christmas gatherings, snow days, holiday parties, or a cozy night in.
Whether you prefer something gooey and fudgy or light and creamy, this collection of 10 hot chocolate desserts delivers all the chocolatey warmth you’re craving this season.
Hot Chocolate Brownies
These Hot Chocolate Brownies are gooey, rich, and topped with melty marshmallows—everything you love about a steaming cup of cocoa baked into a fudgy, irresistible dessert.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix (any brand)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Additional chocolate drizzle (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Make the brownie batter
In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Bake
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
4. Add marshmallow topping
Remove brownies from the oven.
Immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly on top.
Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff and lightly melt.
5. Optional drizzle
Heat a few tablespoons of chocolate chips until smooth.
Drizzle over the warm marshmallows.
6. Cool and serve
Allow brownies to cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve warm for gooey marshmallow texture.
- Add crushed peppermint on top for a holiday twist.
- Pairs perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa or vanilla ice cream.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Marshmallow-topped brownies are not ideal for freezing.
Hot Chocolate Mug Cake
This Hot Chocolate Mug Cake is warm, fluffy, and ready in under two minutes—perfect for cozy winter nights when you want a chocolatey treat fast. Made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with marshmallows, it tastes just like a mug of hot cocoa in cake form.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon hot chocolate mix
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (optional)
- Handful of mini marshmallows (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare your mug
Use a microwave-safe mug (10–12 oz) to prevent overflowing.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, baking powder, and salt.
Stir until fully combined.
3. Add wet ingredients
Add milk, oil, and vanilla.
Stir until a smooth batter forms.
Fold in chocolate chips if using.
4. Microwave
Heat for 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave.
Cake should rise and look set but still slightly soft on top.
5. Add marshmallows
Immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows over the hot cake.
Let them melt slightly, or microwave for 5–10 more seconds for a gooier topping.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Eat warm for the coziest texture.
- Add chocolate syrup or powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness.
- For a peppermint twist, add crushed candy canes.
Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed immediately.
- Mug cakes do not store or reheat well—make fresh each time.
Hot Cocoa Cheesecake
This Hot Cocoa Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and infused with classic hot chocolate flavor. With a chocolate cookie crust, smooth cocoa filling, and a fluffy marshmallow topping, it’s the ultimate winter dessert for chocolate lovers.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos or similar)
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Optional: whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, hot cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Wrap the outside with foil if using a water bath.
2. Make the crust
Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter.
Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside.
3. Make the filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and mix well.
Mix in sour cream, hot chocolate mix, and cocoa powder.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Bake
Pour filling over the crust.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
5. Add marshmallows
Remove cheesecake and top with mini marshmallows.
Broil for 20–30 seconds until lightly toasted, or use a kitchen torch.
6. Chill
Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled with a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Add whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Perfect as a Christmas dessert centerpiece.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze (without marshmallows) for up to 2 months.
- Add fresh topping after thawing.
Hot Chocolate Mousse Cups
These Hot Chocolate Mousse Cups are silky, airy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor—just like a luxurious mug of cocoa turned into a creamy, dreamy dessert. Layered with whipped cream and topped with mini marshmallows, they’re perfect for winter gatherings.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the mousse:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For topping:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 20–30 second intervals until smooth.
Let cool slightly.
2. Whip the cream
In a large bowl, beat cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
3. Add cocoa flavor
Add hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
Whip until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine
Gently fold melted chocolate into the whipped cream mixture until smooth and fluffy.
5. Pipe or spoon into cups
Divide mousse into serving cups or dessert glasses.
6. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
7. Add toppings
Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve very cold for the best mousse texture.
- Use clear cups to show the layers.
- Add crushed peppermint for a holiday twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.
Hot Cocoa Poke Cake
This Hot Cocoa Poke Cake is ultra-moist, chocolatey, and soaked in warm hot chocolate for the ultimate winter comfort dessert. Finished with fluffy marshmallow cream topping, it tastes exactly like a cozy mug of hot cocoa in cake form.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
or homemade: - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
For the soak:
- 1 1/2 cups prepared hot chocolate (made from mix or scratch)
For the topping:
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the cake
Prepare cake according to box instructions or mix dry ingredients, add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
Stir in hot water or coffee.
Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Poke holes
Let cake cool for 5–10 minutes.
Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke deep holes all over the top (about 1 inch apart).
3. Add the hot chocolate soak
Pour warm prepared hot chocolate slowly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Allow cake to cool completely.
4. Make the marshmallow topping
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Fold in marshmallow fluff until smooth and fluffy.
5. Frost the cake
Spread marshmallow topping over the cooled cake.
Add mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled or slightly cold for the best texture.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra decadence.
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, or winter gatherings.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Not suitable for freezing due to the marshmallow topping.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
These Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey marshmallow pieces—just like sipping a warm mug of hot cocoa, but in cookie form. They’re the perfect winter-themed treat for holiday parties and cozy nights in.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (frozen for best results)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Cream butter and sugars
Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Add egg and vanilla
Mix in the egg.
Add vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients
Whisk flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Build the dough
Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Add frozen marshmallows
Gently fold in mini marshmallows (freezing keeps them from melting too fast).
7. Scoop and bake
Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls.
Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.
8. Cool
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve warm so the marshmallows stay gooey.
- Sprinkle with cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- Dip cookies into warm hot chocolate for a decadent treat.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temp for 3–4 days.
- Freeze baked cookies (without marshmallows on top) for up to 2 months.
- Marshmallows may harden slightly after day 2.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Dessert
This Frozen Hot Chocolate Dessert is icy, creamy, and chocolatey—like the famous Serendipity treat. It blends hot cocoa mix, milk, and ice into a frosty winter dessert that tastes like a milkshake-meets-snow day.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the frozen base:
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups ice
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup whipped topping or whipped cream (mixed in)
For topping:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini marshmallows
- Extra chocolate syrup (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the blender
Add milk, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, vanilla, and chocolate syrup.
2. Add ice
Add 2 cups of ice and blend until thick and slushy.
3. Add whipped topping
Add the whipped topping and blend again briefly to make it creamy and fluffy.
4. Adjust texture
If too thick: add a splash of milk.
If too thin: add more ice.
5. Serve immediately
Pour into tall glasses.
6. Add toppings
Add whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or syrup.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve ice-cold for the best texture.
- Add peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Drizzle caramel or white chocolate for variation.
Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed immediately.
- Do not freeze after blending (texture becomes icy).
Hot Chocolate Trifle
This Hot Chocolate Trifle layers moist chocolate cake, velvety pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and mini marshmallows to create the ultimate winter dessert. It’s beautiful, easy to assemble, and perfect for Christmas parties or cozy nights in.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the layers:
- 1 baked chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade), cut into cubes
- 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup hot chocolate mix (to enrich the pudding)
- 3 cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pudding layer
Whisk chocolate pudding mixes, cold milk, and hot chocolate mix together.
Refrigerate for 5 minutes to thicken.
2. Layer the trifle
In a large trifle dish or glass bowl:
Layer 1: chocolate cake cubes
Layer 2: chocolate pudding
Layer 3: whipped cream
Layer 4: mini marshmallows
Repeat layers until the dish is full.
3. Add toppings
Top with more whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed peppermint.
4. Chill
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve cold for best texture.
- Use clear glass dishes to show off the layers.
- Add mix-ins like crushed cookies or brownie chunks for more texture.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Marshmallows may soften over time but still taste delicious.
- Not recommended for freezing.
Hot Cocoa Fudge
This Hot Cocoa Fudge is creamy, rich, and melts in your mouth—just like a mug of hot chocolate in candy form. Made with hot cocoa mix and topped with mini marshmallows, it’s an easy no-bake holiday treat perfect for gifting, parties, and Christmas dessert tables.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the fudge:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For topping:
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- Optional: crushed peppermint, chocolate drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt chocolate mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, hot chocolate mix, and salt.
Stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. Add vanilla
Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
4. Pour and smooth
Spread fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Add marshmallows
Immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top, gently pressing them into the fudge.
6. Chill and set
Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm.
7. Slice
Lift fudge out using the parchment and cut into small squares.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Use a warm knife for clean slices.
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel for extra flavor.
- Perfect for cookie trays and edible holiday gifts.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (without marshmallows for best texture).
Hot Chocolate Tiramisu
This Hot Chocolate Tiramisu is a cozy, chocolatey twist on the classic Italian dessert—made with layers of hot cocoa–soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s rich, wintery, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the hot chocolate soak:
- 1 1/2 cups prepared hot chocolate (warm, not boiling)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the mascarpone filling:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
For the layers:
- 2 packages ladyfinger cookies (about 24–30 pieces)
For topping:
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the hot chocolate soak
Prepare hot chocolate and mix in cocoa powder and vanilla.
Let it cool to warm temperature.
2. Prepare the mascarpone filling
Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and hot chocolate mix.
Mix until thick, creamy, and fluffy.
3. Layer the tiramisu
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the warm hot chocolate (1–2 seconds).
Place in a single layer in a baking dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers.
Top with remaining mascarpone.
4. Chill
Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
5. Add topping
Dust generously with cocoa powder.
Add chocolate shavings or mini marshmallows.
YouTube Video for This Recipe
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled for perfect creaminess.
- Use clear dishes to show off the layers.
- Add a peppermint sprinkle for a holiday twist.
Storage Tips
- Covers and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Not freezer-friendly due to mascarpone texture.
Hot chocolate isn’t just a drink—it’s a flavor that brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort to every winter moment. These 10 hot chocolate desserts transform that cozy feeling into rich, decadent treats that are perfect for Christmas gatherings, snowy afternoons, or anytime you want a little extra sweetness. Whether you love gooey brownies, creamy cheesecake, fluffy mug cakes, or fun frozen treats, each recipe captures the magic of a steaming mug of cocoa in a whole new way.
Feel free to save your favorites, share them at holiday parties, or enjoy them on a relaxing night by the fire. However you choose to indulge, these hot chocolate desserts are guaranteed to make your winter season sweeter, warmer, and a whole lot more delicious.