This simple 4 ingredient (plus optional garnishes) Hot Cocoa Dip is perfect for any holiday gathering or party. Just mix, chill, and serve!
This is one of my Holiday Dessert recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!
With Christmas being less than 2 weeks away, I’m all about those incredibly easy desserts.
Ones that are so simple to make, yet taste incredible… like this hot cocoa dip!
I love the fluffiness and creaminess of this dip, and how much it tastes like a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
This dessert dip recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, and is easy to customize to your tastes!
How to make hot cocoa dip?
This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
- Whip cream cheese. This is definitely easier to do if you have a mixer, since you want it fluffy.
- Beat in marshmallow and cool whip. This will make things nice and creamy.
- Beat in hot cocoa. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Chill. This dip needs to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish and serve.
Helpful Tip!
In order to really achieve a smooth and creamy dip consistency, the cream cheese has to be softened to room temperature. If you’ve ever tried to whip up cold cream cheese, you know it can be a nightmare, and you almost always end up with lumps. I like to set out the cream cheese on the counter 40 minutes to an hour or so before I’m ready to make this dip.
Variations of this recipe
- Cream cheese – this recipe was tested using the 8 oz bricks of full fat cream cheese, so I’m not sure how any of the more “spread-able” cream cheeses will work.
- Cool whip – if you’d prefer not to use cool whip, I think you could use an equal amount of whipped cream instead. However, this isn’t tested, so keep that in mind.
- Hot chocolate mix – please feel free to use your favorite hot chocolate mix for this recipe. We typically use Swiss Miss or Ghirardelli.
- Flavor additions – if you like flavored hot cocoa, you could try using a flavored mix, or mixing in some peppermint, raspberry, almond extracts. I would start with 1/2 – 1 tsp, then give it a taste and adjust up from there if you’d like. Remember you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Garnishes – mini marshmallows are a classic garnish, but you could also add mini m&m’s, mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or holiday sprinkles.
FAQ’s
You don’t have to, but I do recommend it if you have one available. A mixer helps really whip up and incorporate the cream cheese. This can be done with a whisk, but will take longer and give you a bit of an arm workout.
During testing, I found using full fat cream cheese yielded the best flavor and texture. Of course, you’re welcome to experiment on your own.
Making hot chocolate dip ahead of time
Since this dip has to be chilled after you mix it up, it’s sort of a natural make ahead recipe.
However, you can make a couple of days ahead of time… just keep it covered and refrigerated.
Freezing
This dip can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, give it a quick beat with a mixer, then serve!
Storage
This dip should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 5 days.
More Dessert Dip Recipes:
My Favorite Hand Mixer!
Stand mixers are great, but they’re also pretty expensive and hard to come by right now. This hand mixer works like a champ and works really well for this dip!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
Dip
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup marshmallow creme
- 4 oz frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip) thawed
- 4 (1.38 oz each) packets hot chocolate mix about 1/2 cup
Garnishes
- mini marshmallows
- holiday mini m&m's
- any other hot chocolate toppings you'd like
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese and beat with a hand mixer on MED speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add marshmallow creme and whipped topping and beat until combined.
- Add hot chocolate mix and beat again until fluffy and well combined.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Top with desired garnishes and serve chilled, with desired dippers (we like golden oreos, graham crackers, marshmallows, milano cookies, etc).
Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!
Chef Tips
- I’ve estimated this recipe serves about 8, but you’re free to divide it up into as many servings as you’d like.
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Jessica says
Can I put it in the fridge over night
The Chunky Chef says
All storage instructions, as well as make-ahead tips, are detailed in the post above the recipe.
Kelsey says
Made this as a little surprise treat for my coworkers and they loved me for it LOL it tastes like it was more complicated to make than it actually is, so it’s a simple but effective way to impress. My family is now begging for a batch so this might be a new holiday go-to for me
Ashlyn says
Is this recipe gluten free?
The Chunky Chef says
We’re not a gluten-free household, so I’m not completely certain… but I think the ingredients don’t typically contain gluten, but you’ll want to diligently check the labels if you’re concerned.
Stephanie says
This dip was sooo good! I had it with graham crackers. The only thing I regret is that I halfed the recipe but it was so good I wished I’d had more.
Allyson Zea says
As a dip this is completely genius! I absolutely loved it!
Sandra says
My kids really enjoyed this dip!
Marcy says
Great for the kids!
Catalina says
Hot cocoa in dip form? Brilliant! This recipe is a cozy winter delight. The creamy, chocolatey goodness paired with marshmallows—it’s like enjoying a warm mug of cocoa in a whole new way!
Erin says
Looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to dig in!
Beth says
That is such a fun dip for the holidays! I love the rich hot cocoa flavor. Yum!