Hot Chocolate Dip

Who knew that hot chocolate season could refer to more than just a piping hot drink? Hot chocolate dip has all the chocolaty, marshmallow flavor of cocoa, but captured in a cool, creamy dip. Because the ingredients are available year-round, you don’t even have to wait for a cold day to make some!

Our hot chocolate dip recipe is a blend of frozen whipped topping, marshmallow creme and cocoa mix—just use your favorite hot chocolate brand and flavor. And since every dip needs a dipper, below are plenty of tasty ideas for crackers and cookies to serve on the side. Dessert dips are a hit with kids and adults alike, so make this hot cocoa dip recipe as a fun snack for work parties, family gatherings, movie nights and sleepovers.

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Dip

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• Cool Whip: Let your Cool Whip (or other brand of frozen whipped topping) thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight. It will then be the perfect consistency to blend smoothly with the other dip ingredients. Keep a few tubs in the freezer to make it easy to whip up this and other Cool Whip recipes at a moment’s notice.
• Hot cocoa mix: Use a classic milk chocolate instant cocoa mix, or try dark chocolate or flavored varieties. To keep a smooth texture in the dip, choose an instant cocoa with no mini marshmallows—or sift them out before making the dip. You can always add them to the top once the dip is ready.
• Marshmallow creme: There are plenty of recipes that start with marshmallow creme, and it makes sense that it’s part of a hot cocoa dip recipe. Pick up a 7-ounce jar (such as Fluff brand) to sweeten the mixture.
• Vanilla extract: We add a little vanilla extract to this dip to amplify the vanilla flavor in the Cool Whip and marshmallow creme. This can be store-bought extract or use your own homemade vanilla extract.
• Mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips: Complete the hot chocolate look of this dip by topping the bowl with sprinkles of miniature chocolate chips and marshmallows. You can use soft marshmallows or look for bags of dehydrated, hot cocoa marshmallows (like those included in instant cocoas) in stores or online.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients

Nancy Mock for Taste of Home

Spoon the marshmallow creme into a large bowl, then add the hot chocolate mix and vanilla extract.

Nancy Mock for Taste of Home

Use a hand mixer set to low speed to blend the ingredients until all the dry cocoa is incorporated. Spoon the thawed Cool Whip into the bowl, and run the hand mixer just until the whipped topping is mixed in, about 30 seconds.

Editor’s Tip: It’s important not to overmix the Cool Whip because it can turn liquidy. Add it to the bowl last and mix it in gently, or stir it in by hand.

Step 2: Chill and serve

Transfer the hot chocolate dip to a serving bowl—or, to follow the hot cocoa theme, use an oversized coffee mug or soup bowl with a handle. Cover it with storage wrap and chill the dip for 30 minutes. Serve the dip with plenty of dippers, like cookies, crackers and pretzels.

Editor’s Tip: This dip is best on the cool side, hence the 30-minute chill. However, you can also skip the chill and serve the dip right after it’s mixed.

Nancy Mock for Taste of Home

Hot Chocolate Dip Variations

• Add cream cheese: Give your hot chocolate dip an indulgent, cheesecake-like tang. Blend 4 ounces softened cream cheese (soften it easily in the microwave or air fryer) with the other ingredients, just before adding the Cool Whip.
• Flavor the dip with Nutella: If you love the nutty flavor of Nutella, blend 3 to 4 ounces with the marshmallow creme, cocoa mix and vanilla extract. These are our picks for the best hazelnut spreads.
• Make a white chocolate version: This is an especially pretty variation to make for the holidays. Substitute white chocolate cocoa mix for the milk chocolate. Garnish the dip with mini marshmallows and white chocolate chips or sprinkles.
• Try other extracts: Put your own flavor twist on the hot chocolate dip recipe by using mint, almond or orange flavored extracts in place of vanilla.
• Customize the dip for the holidays: It’s easy to get creative and make hot chocolate dip as a treat for any holiday. Add crushed candy canes and red and green sprinkles for Christmas. Add green shamrock sprinkles to turn it into a St. Patrick’s Day dip. Or, top it with red and white sprinkles and candy conversation hearts for Valentine’s Day.
• Create a s’mores hot chocolate dip: Scatter the mini marshmallows on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them under the broiler for two to three minutes, until they’re golden brown. Serve the hot chocolate dip topped with the toasted marshmallows, fun-sized Hershey’s chocolate bars and graham crackers.
• Give it a grown-up twist: Make a lightly boozy hot chocolate dip by blending an ounce or two of spirits like peppermint schnapps, bourbon, Irish cream or coffee liqueur (even homemade Kahlua) into the dip ingredients before adding the Cool Whip.

How to Store Hot Chocolate Dip

Cover the bowl of hot chocolate dip with storage wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Because the dip includes Cool Whip, which is made with dairy, it must be kept cold to protect the texture and quality.

How long does hot chocolate dip last?

It’s best to enjoy your hot chocolate dip the day you make it. If there are leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to two days. We find that any longer and the texture of the dip begins to break down.

Can you freeze hot chocolate dip?

Yes, this versatile dip can be frozen. Spoon the dip into a freezer-safe dish and press a piece of storage wrap on the surface. Cover the dish and put it in the freezer. The dip can be frozen for up to one month. Allow it to thaw in the fridge (this shouldn’t take long since the marshmallow creme in the dip keeps it from freezing firm), then stir it and serve.

Hot Chocolate Dip Tips

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Can I make hot chocolate dip with real whipped cream?

Yes! If you like making your own sweetened whipped cream, use it in this dip instead of Cool Whip. The real whipped cream should be beaten to stiff peaks so it holds up well in the dip. Add it after the other ingredients are blended together.

What do you serve with hot chocolate dip?

When it comes to dippers to serve with hot chocolate dip, so many options work, including sweet and salty snacks. I recommend graham crackers, pretzel twists or rods, vanilla wafers and peanut butter cookies. Other treats to try include Scottish shortbread, Oreos, crispy wafer cookies, gingerbread cookies and fresh strawberries. Turn your hot chocolate dip into the centerpiece of a festive chocolate charcuterie board surrounded by these dippers and other chocolaty treats like truffles and mini cannoli.