Hot Chocolate on a Stick is not only a fun way to enjoy a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate but they’re also great for gifting! I make these a few times each Christmas season and keep them in the fridge or freezer so we can enjoy a decadent mug of hot chocolate while watching holiday movies. They’re super easy to prepare and customize with your favorite toppings.
Who doesn’t enjoy some hot cocoa cookies and a mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day?! As much as we love to enjoy hot chocolate on a stick ourselves, I love them for gifting even more. Once they harden, just wrap them in cellophane, add a ribbon, and they’re ready to gift. They’re a big hit with everyone, from kids and teens to adults.
I also love that you can customize these. I stick with semi-sweet chocolate for gift-giving but they’re great with dark chocolate too, and you can change up the toppings. So many options!
For more fun ways to enjoy hot chocolate, check out my white hot chocolate bombs and slow cooker hot chocolate recipes.
What’s in this Hot Chocolate on a Stick Recipe?
This fun recipe is made with 4 ingredients plus a few toppings. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Be sure to use a good brand, such as Ghiradelli, for the best flavor and texture.
- Nutella – Nutella adds even more chocolate goodness to the hot cocoa and also creates a thick, creamy texture when it melts.
- Coconut oil – A little bit of this oil mixed with the melted chocolate ensures it sets properly.
- Heavy cream – Adding heavy cream helps achieve the perfect smooth texture for those hot chocolate sticks and ensures that they melt easily when added to hot milk.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a bit of flavor to balance out all of the chocolate.
- Toppings – For variety, I add crushed hazelnuts, marshmallow bits, and crushed candy canes to the tops of my hot cocoa on a stick.
- Popsicle sticks – Or similar wooden sticks.
Variation Ideas
Here are a few ways to customize your hot chocolate on a stick to your preferences.
- Try different chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate is used for a balanced sweetness, but you can substitute it with milk or dark chocolate for different flavor variations.
- Swap out the Nutella. You can use any other chocolate hazelnut spread or even peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter for a different flavor profile.
- Customize the toppings. I used a combination of hazelnuts, marshmallow bits, and crushed mint candy to top my DIY hot chocolate on a stick. However, there are lots of other options! Think caramel sauce, sea salt, mint chips, peanut butter chips, or anything else you love in your hot chocolate.
What If I Don’t Have A Silicone Muffin Mold?
I like to use a 12-cup silicone muffin mold for this recipe because I think it’s the perfect size. But smaller or larger molds will work too. If you don’t have any silicone molds and don’t want to buy one, no worries. An ice cube tray works just as well. Small paper cups can be used too. Just be sure to grease them first so that the chocolate pops out easily.
Gifting & Serving
Hot chocolate on a stick makes a fun edible gift during the holidays. I like to wrap each one in clear cellophane and tie it with a fun, festive ribbon. I also like to include a little tag with some instructions for serving.
I recommend letting the hot chocolate stick sit in hot milk for a minute or so before stirring. This allows the chocolate to melt more smoothly. I find that one stick works best with 8-10 ounces of hot milk but you can adjust the milk amount for a stronger or lighter hot chocolate. They’re yummy in almond milk, oat milk, and other milk alternatives too.
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Since these hot chocolate sticks have a low melting temperature, they are best stored in the fridge. They will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer. You can also freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to a month. Do this before you wrap them in cellophane if gifting.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Hot Chocolate on a Stick
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Nutella
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts , crushed (for topping)
- 1/4 cup marshmallows bits (for topping)
- 1/4 cup mint candy , crushed (for topping)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 12-cup silicone muffin mold with a bit of oil or cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- In a clean dry microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Stir 1 cup Nutella and 3/4 cup heavy cream into the melted chocolate until well combined and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. Remove from the heat.
- Spoon the chocolate-Nutella mixture evenly into the 12 muffin mold cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle a tablespoon crushed hazelnuts, marshmallow bits, and crushed peppermint candies on top of each cup for variety.
- Place a wooden stick into the center of each filled muffin cup, making sure it stands upright.
- Place the muffin mold in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or until the chocolate mixture is fully set.
- Carefully pop the chocolate sticks out of the muffin mold. To enjoy, stir one stick into an 8-ounce mug of hot milk until the chocolate melts, to make hot chocolate.
- For gifting, wrap individuals in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.
