Hot Chocolate Boards: A Sweet Holiday Trend
You’re familiar with charcuterie or cheese boards, right? Now, imagine the same concept, but with a holiday twist—a hot chocolate charcuterie board that’s as delightful to create as it is to enjoy. Well, it’s time for brie and crackers to step aside because beautiful hot chocolate boards are here—and they’re stealing the show this holiday season!
What’s so special about a hot chocolate board? It takes something simple, a cup of hot cocoa, and transforms it into an event. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a moment, a memory, and a surefire way to impress family and friends. Plus, they’re fun to create and don’t have to cost a fortune.
Fancy Without the Finances
While it’s easy to drop serious cash on upscale cookies and candies, these boards can be as budget-friendly as you like. For under $10, you can grab cocoa mix, a bag of marshmallows, and a package of assorted cookies to create a delightful spread. Even a minimalist board—think marshmallows and whipped cream—can look charming.
Pro tip: The dollar store is your secret weapon. Seasonal platters, mugs, plates, and even holiday-themed treats can be found for a song. Who knew decking the board could be so frugal?
How to Assemble Your Abundant Hot Chocolate Board
Creating a visually stunning DIY hot cocoa board is easier than you think. Here’s the breakdown:
- Start Big: Place the largest items—like mugs or a big jar of marshmallows—around the board first. Odd numbers create a balanced, eye-catching look.
- Medium Marvels: Arrange medium-sized goodies, like cookies or brownies, focusing on contrast in shape, color, and texture. Avoid straight lines; curves are your friend.
- Fill the Gaps: Use small items—candies, sprinkles, or mini marshmallows—to fill empty spaces. Leave no bare board behind!
For added flair, incorporate elements like ribbons, ornaments, or mini lights. Just make sure anything non-edible doesn’t look like food—because nothing says “holiday fail” like a toddler munching on holly berries.
What Goes on the Board?
Here are some ideas to inspire your cocoa masterpiece:
- Marshmallows (mini, jumbo, or flavored!)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips or shavings
- Peppermint sticks and candies
- Caramels
- Peanut butter cups
- Chocolate truffles
- Cookies (any kind!)
- Meringues, gingerbread, or brownies
- Sprinkles, candied ginger, or orange zest
- Flavored syrups
- Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon
- Instant coffee or espresso powder
Balance the sweetness with something salty like mixed nuts. And for the grown-ups? Add a splash of Irish cream, coffee liqueur, coconut rum, or peppermint schnapps for a touch of holiday cheer.
DIY Hot Chocolate Mix
Store-bought cocoa mix is convenient, but have you read the ingredient list? Many of them are packed with additives you can’t pronounce. By making your own mix, you not only get a healthier option but also a richer, more customizable flavor—perfect for creating that cozy, homemade feel. It’s as easy as combining a few pantry staples! If unpronounceable additives aren’t your thing, try this easy and affordable alternative.
Yield:
Just shy of 3 cups of mix (approximately 24 servings of hot cocoa).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- Whole milk to serve
Directions:
- Sift the cocoa powder (to remove lumps), sugar, and salt into a large bowl.
- Whisk until fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
To serve: Warm one cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative), add 2 tablespoons of mix, and stir. For a crowd, mix 1 cup of cocoa mix into 8 cups of hot milk in a crockpot to keep it warm without the risk of scorching.
Share the Warmth
Hot chocolate boards are a delightful way to elevate an everyday treat into something magical. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this festive trend brings sweetness and creativity to the table. So, gather your favorite goodies, channel your inner artist, and let’s make some memories—one cup of cocoa at a time.
EASY DIY HOT CHOCOLATE MIX & HOT CHOCOLATE BOARD
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- Whole milk to serve
Instructions
- Sift the cocoa powder (to remove any lumps), sugar, and salt into a large bowl.
- Whisk all ingredients until fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To serve – Warm one cup of your choice of milk, or non-dairy alternative, add 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix and give it a good stir.
- To make 8 servings, add 1 cup mix to 8 cups hot milk.
HOW TO MAKE A HOT CHOCOLATE BOARD
What to put on your board?
- Here are some ideas to get you started - marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, peppermint sticks and candies, caramels, peanut butter cups, chocolate truffles, any kind of cookies, meringues, gingerbread, brownies, sprinkles, candied ginger, candied orange zest, flavored syrups, ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks, instant coffee, or espresso powder. Be sure to add something salty to balance all that sugar, mixed nuts are perfect.
To assemble your abundant board:
- Start with the largest items first, spaced evenly around the board. Odd numbers tend to look best. Be sure you have something to add height and visual interest, like candy canes. Next arrange the medium sized items, like cookies, looking for contrast in shape, color, and texture. Avoid straight lines and go for curves instead. Lastly, fill in any empty space with small items like candies leaving no bare board.
- To add interest, add elements like ribbons, ornaments, and mini lights. But don’t include anything that’s not edible that might look edible to the kiddies (poinsettias and holly berries!). That’s a recipe for disaster.
