When the temperature dips and the snow starts falling, there’s nothing we crave more than a cozy mug of hot cocoa. Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to indulge—you can organize your setup with Target’s hot cocoa bar set or crack open a homemade hot cocoa bomb for a flurry of marshmallows.
We’d love to wake up to hot cocoa, but it’s not exactly the pick-me-up early mornings call for. Or it wasn’t…until now.
You can maximize morning indulgence with hot cocoa bomb lattes, aka the trick you’ll use over and over this winter!
How to Make Hot Cocoa Bomb Lattes
The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t ask for much. You’ll need steamed milk, freshly brewed espresso and the hot cocoa bomb of your choice. Don’t have an espresso machine at the ready? Don’t worry—here’s how to make a latte at home without all of the fancy equipment.
Simply pop the bomb into a mug and pour the espresso over it (or let your mug sit under the espresso machine) until the outer shell begins to crack. Next, fill your mug up with steamed milk and stir the mixture together.
The result is a hot cocoa bomb latte that perfectly balances rich chocolate and punchy espresso. It’s ideal for a morning treat or even an after-dinner indulgence, if you prefer to use decaffeinated espresso.
Editor’s tip: Make sure you don’t allow your espresso to sit for more than 10 seconds to ensure the freshest taste you can get every time.
How to Top Your Hot Cocoa Bomb Latte
We love this recipe for more than just the sweet, caffeinated outcome. Hot cocoa bomb lattes are easily customizable, and you can mix and match the toppings and flavors you crave the most.
Use caramel or peppermint to give your hot cocoa bomb latte a little more body, and finish your masterpiece with whipped cream and some sprinkles on top.
How you do hot cocoa bomb lattes is totally up to you—and that’s the sweetest part about them!
Cozy Hot Chocolate
Steaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Fluffy Hot Chocolate
This is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
Honey-Bourbon Hot Chocolate
My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
My mom makes this hot chocolate with pumpkin, spices and white chocolate. We usually drink it on Halloween, but it’s delish at Christmas too. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
Rich Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Vanilla beans and a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico lend a sophisticated flavor to this hot chocolate. With such rich taste, it could be served as a dessert. —Michael Compean, Fountain Hills, Arizona
Landmark Hot Chocolate
With or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Favorite Hot Chocolate
You need just a few basic ingredients to stir up this spirit-warming sipper. It's smooth and not too sweet, making it just right for cozy winter days. —Flo Snodderly, North Vernon, IN
Mexican Hot Chocolate
This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Crackling Hot Cocoa
This hot chocolate recipe is more than a warm-you-up—it's rich and thick decadence in a mug. —Cyndi Nistico, Palm Island, Florida
Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa
Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Kahlua Hot Chocolate
When we want a cup of hot chocolate, we prefer homemade over store mixes. A splash of Kahlúa adds a touch of fabulous. —Chung-Ah Rhee, Hollywood, California
Hot Cocoa with Almond Milk
Change up ordinary hot cocoa by stirring some dark baking cocoa into vanilla almond milk. Top it off with berry marshmallow creme or a plain large marshmallow, if you like, and add your favorite pretty sprinkles. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
Melting Snowman
After an afternoon of sledding, kids will love to warm up with hot chocolate and these special snowman toppers. The snowmen will disappear as they sip and so will the chill on their fingers and toes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Raspberry Hot Cocoa
Garnished with whipped cream, chocolate curls and raspberry-flavored marshmallows, this cool-weather favorite goes from everyday to extra-special. —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
More than a hint of cool mint makes this delicious sipper a special switch from traditional hot chocolate. Besides the rich beverage that's quick to fix, a dollop of whipped cream with crushed candy tops each mug lusciously. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ghostly Hot Cocoa
Chocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North CarolinaThe post Hot Cocoa Bomb Lattes Are the Perfect Way to Start Your Winter Morning appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon