How to Build the Ultimate Cozy Hot Cocoa Board! ☕️✨
Hey, brunchies! 🥂
Brrr, it's getting chilly out there! And while we love a bubbly mimosa all year 'round, sometimes a cozy winter day just calls for something rich, warm, and decadent.
Move over, bubbly... just for a minute! 😉 We're officially in our hot cocoa era, and we're not just making a boring old mug. We're making an entire board.
This Ultimate Hot Cocoa Board is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday movie night, a cozy date night in, or surprising your brunch besties. It's super easy, 100% customizable, and ridiculously photogenic. 📸
Ready to make the coziest treat ever? Let's do it!
✨ What You'll Need (The Shopping List!)
We've broken this down into three easy categories.
🍫 The Cocoa Base
High-Quality Dark Hot Cocoa Mix (Go for the good stuff, you deserve it!)
Hot Cocoa Bombs (These are so fun for the "wow" factor!)
☁️ The Topping Bar
Mini & Jumbo Marshmallows (Because... duh! 💖)
Whipped Cream (A non-negotiable!)
Chocolate Shavings (Dark & White)
Rich Caramel Sauce
Crushed Peppermint or Mini Candy Canes 🎄
🍪 The Dippers & Snacks
Shortbread or Gingerbread Cookies
Rolled Wafer Sticks (So classy!)
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Mini Brownies or Fudge
Fresh Raspberries (A must for that pop of 🍓 color!)
💖 How to Build Your Board: A Step-by-Step Guide
This is the fun part! There are no real "rules," but here's our favorite way to make it look extra stylish.
Start with Your Anchors: Grab a cute rustic board (wood or marble looks amazing!). First, place your small bowls on the board. We use them for the caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, and mini marshmallows.
Add the Dippers: Fan out your cookies (like shortbread or gingerbread) in a nice curve. Add little clusters of your pretzels and mini brownies.
Fill in the Gaps: Now, pile on the toppings! Fill in all the empty spaces with your jumbo marshmallows, hot cocoa bombs, and wafer sticks. The more "full" the board looks, the better!
Add the "Jewels": Finish it off with that pop of color! Sprinkle the fresh raspberries and crushed peppermint wherever you see a gap. It makes the whole board look festive!
Serve & Enjoy: Brew a big pot of your dark hot cocoa, pour it into your favorite mugs, and let everyone go crazy building their own masterpiece!
✨ Mimi's Pro-Tips! ✨
Warm it Up! Gently warm your caramel sauce in the microwave for 15 seconds before pouring it into the bowl. It'll be perfect for dipping!
Don't Forget the "Hero" Mug! When you're done, make one "perfect" mug of cocoa (with whipped cream, shavings, and a candy cane!) and place it next to the board. It's the perfect finishing touch for your photo.
Have Fun With It! The best part about a board is that you can add anything you want. Toffee bits? Mini donuts? Go for it!
We are so obsessed with this cozy treat, and we know you will be too.
If you make your own Hot Cocoa Board, we need to see it! Tag us on Instagram @HobnobLifestyle and use the hashtag #HobnobHolidays so we can share your cozy creations!
Stay warm, brunchies! 🥂🍓