When the air turns chilly and sweaters come out, nothing feels better than a homemade mug of hot cocoa. But this season, we’re raising the game: pair your warm cup with a Chocolate-Dipped Spoon, a little stir-in treat that turns every sip into a moment. These ideas are perfect for making winter evenings cozier, gifting, or just indulging your love of chocolate in a fun, creative way.

Both recipes are simple, adaptable, and designed to feel special. The hot cocoa is rich and comforting, customizable to your milk preference. The chocolate-dipped spoons let you pick your chocolate, toppings, and flair. Together, they’re a duo that makes cocoa not just a drink, but an experience.
Recipe 1: Homemade Hot Cocoa
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, soy—whatever you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ounces dark chocolate (chopped or high quality chips)
- 2-3 tablespoons raw sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Recipe Instructions
- Warm the milk over medium heat in a saucepan until it’s hot, but not boiling.
- Add cocoa powder, chopped dark chocolate, sugar (or maple syrup), and salt. Whisk continuously until chocolate is melted and the mix is smooth.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy. Optionally top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or one of the Chocolate-Dipped Spoons from Recipe 2!

Recipe 2: Hot Chocolate Spoons
Recipe Ingredients
Recipe Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips either in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Dip spoons one by one into the melted chocolate, coating thoroughly.
- Place the chocolate-coated spoons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your chosen toppings over top before it sets.
- Let the spoons harden in the fridge.
- Wrap them if gifting, or use them to stir into hot cocoa so the chocolate melts into your drink.

Photo credit: Alicia Cho