Sitting on the couch enjoying hot cocoa
Destination Spotlight, Travel Trends, Ski

Stirring Up Smiles: 5 Hot Cocoa Recipes for Heartwarming Family Fun

Published on Dec 11, 2025

Stir up joy with a cup of hot cocoa on your next family ski trip!

There’s nothing like rushing inside after a brisk winter day on the mountain, cheeks rosy from the cold air, to wrap your hands around a toasty mug of hot cocoa. From the first sip to the last, it’s oh-so-warm and oh-so-chocolatey—an unrivaled wintertime favorite. (Shhh, don’t tell mulled wine.)

Whether indulging in a cozy après-ski treat or enjoying a post-sledding pick-me-up, we’ve got five cocoa recipes that will bring warmth and joy to your wintery retreat. From the sweet velvety richness of a classic recipe to a daring and playful twist on this quintessential comfort drink, these recipes offer a delightful range of flavors to suit every taste.

Plus, bring the magic of winter straight to your kitchen with fun hands-on activities for the kids, including sprinkle-tastic toppings, marshmallow masterpieces, and other imaginative chocolatey creations that make every sip extra special!

 

Person in white sweater holding hot cocoa

 

Hot Caramel Apple Pie Cocoa

Ingredients:

· 2 cups milk

· 2 Tbsp hot cocoa mix

· 2 Tbsp apple cider

· 1 Tbsp caramel sauce

· Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, apple pie spice (for topping)

Instructions: Mix heated milk with cocoa mix, apple cider, and caramel sauce. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and apple pie spice.

Kid-Friendly Activity: Create a topping station with cinnamon sticks, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream. Your little ones will love decorating their cocoa masterpieces!

 

 

Salted Caramel Buttered Cocoa

Ingredients:

· 2 cups milk

· 2 Tbsp cocoa powder

· 2 Tbsp sugar

· 1 Tbsp caramel sauce

· 1 tsp butter (yes, butter)

· Pinch of sea salt

· Whipped cream, caramel drizzle (for topping)

Instructions: Warm milk, whisk in cocoa, sugar, caramel, butter, and salt. Pour into a mug and garnish with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Kid-Friendly Activity: Prepare mini chocolate spoons in advance—melt some chocolatey goodness, coat the spoons, and sprinkle on mini marshmallows or edible glitter for a magical touch. (Let it sit in the fridge until hard.)

 

 

Ski Lodge Cocoa

Ingredients:

· 2 cups whole milk

· 1/2 cup heavy cream

· 1/4 cup chocolate chips

· 2 Tbsp cocoa powder

· 2 Tbsp sugar

· Pinch of cinnamon

· Marshmallows, chocolate shavings (for topping)

Instructions: Simmer milk and cream, stir in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. Top with marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

Kid-Friendly Activity: Set up a DIY cocoa bar on the kitchen island. Include fun toppings like crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and mini marshmallows, letting kids add their own creative flair.

 

 

Smoked Peppermint Cocoa

Ingredients:

· 2 cups milk

· 2 Tbsp cocoa powder

· 2 Tbsp sugar

· 1/4 tsp smoked salt or a drop of liquid smoke (optional, but get adventurous!)

· 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

· Whipped cream, crushed peppermint (for topping)

Instructions: Heat the milk, then combine it with cocoa, sugar, smoked salt, and peppermint extract. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.

Kid-Friendly Activity: Little ones can help prep peppermint toppings—crush candy canes in a Ziploc bag as a fun and safe activity for them!

 

 

S’mores Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

· 2 cups milk

· 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

· 2 Tbsp graham cracker crumbs

· 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

· Mini marshmallows

· Whipped cream, extra crumbs, and chips (for topping)

Instructions: Warm milk, mix in cocoa, chocolate chips, and graham crumbs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, crumbs, and chips. Toast marshmallows for extra flair!

Kid-Friendly Activity: Have the kids help assemble the graham cracker and marshmallow toppings—this is an easy project they’ll love!

 

Warm Cocoa, Warmer Hearts: Book Now for Winter!

Hot cocoa isn’t just a drink—it’s an apres-ski tradition, a joyous moment, and a warm memory waiting to happen. Whether you’re savoring a velvety sip after a day on the slopes or watching your kids devour their sprinkle-covered concoctions next to the fireplace, these recipes are your ticket to heartwarming family fun.

So, gather your loved ones for an unforgettable ski getaway, whip up one (or all!) of these delightful cocoa creations, and up smiles—one mug at a time!

 

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