My hot cocoa dip is so perfect when I’m craving something cozy and sweet that doesn’t require turning on the oven. I make it with just a few simple ingredients for the perfect winter treat to surprise my family!
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My Family’s Favorite Hot Chocolate Dip
I have a huge love for hot cocoa, even making myself hot chocolate advent calendars. I don’t know why it took me so long to try it in dip format, but now that I have, I’m always making my hot cocoa dip!
I remeber when one day my daughter Leah asked for hot chocolate for family movie night. I realized I was in a snacky mood instead.
My kids were a little skeptical at first. But once they got their hands on dippers like Oreos and pretzels, they were fully committed! Everyone loved it so much, I had to make it again the next weekend!
I’ve tried a few different versions of hot chocolate dip with fancy cocoa powder or even melted chocolate, but nothing beats the simplicity and the nostalgic flavor of packets of hot cocoa mix. It tastes exactly like the cozy winter nights I grew up with, just in a fun new snack form!
An, for more dip recipes, check out my funfetti dip, cream cheese fruit dip, chocolate fruit dip, strawberry fruit dip, and peanut butter dip!
Hot Chocolate Dip Recipe Ingredients
- Cream cheese – I let my cream cheese soften on the counter so it blends smoothly and gives the dip its thick, creamy base.
- Hot cocoa mix – I usually grab Swiss Miss since it’s always in my pantry, but any packet adds that classic hot chocolate sweetness.
- Cool Whip – This lightens the texture so the dip stays fluffy and easy to scoop with all my favorite dippers.
- Mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips – I use these to top the dip. It makes it look extra fun and adds more hot-cocoa flavor.
How to Make Hot Cocoa Dip
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Combine the cream cheese and hot chocolate packets in a large bowl and mix until smooth and well combined.
STEP TWO: Gently fold in the tub of Cool Whip until evenly distributed. Transfer it into a serving dish and let it chill for at least an hour.
STEP THREE: When ready to serve, remove the dip from the fridge, give it a quick stir, then top it with mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips.
Tips for the Best Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe
- I let the cream cheese soften first so the ingredients blend easily and stay lump-free.
- I always give the dip time to chill so it has time to set and gets that creamy, perfect consistency!
- Before serving, I give the hot cocoa dip a quick stir to help soften it up and get it ready for dippers.
- If I want an ultra-soft, fluffy consistency, I’ll let my dessert dip sit out on the counter for a few minutes.
- I add the garnish right before serving so the marshmallows stay soft and the chocolate chips don’t sink.
Hot Chocolate Dip Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- I sometimes mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans when I want a little crunch in each scoop.
- For a dairy-free alternative, I’ll replace the Cool Whip with whipped coconut cream. This version is delicious with coconut flakes on top!
- Crushed graham crackers are a fun mix-in to give the hot chocolate dip recipe some texture. I also think something about them tastes extra nostalgic!
- When I want a fruity twist, I’ll add mashed banana or strawberry puree to the hot cocoa dip.
- A splash of peppermint extract turns this treat into a peppermint hot cocoa dip that’s so perfect for holiday parties!
What to Serve with My Dessert Dip
My family’s favorite dippers to go with my hot cocoa dip include pretzels, animal crackers, graham crackers, Nilla wafers, Oreos, and candy canes!
If I want some next-level dippers, I’ll make some treats like double chocolate chip cookies, buckeyes, cake mix crinkle cookies, chocolate covered pecans, peanut butter cookies, or even air fried Oreos!
Hot Cocoa Dip FAQs
Can I make hot chocolate dip ahead of time?
I usually prepare this dip a few hours early because the fridge time helps it set, but it can be prepped up to a day in advance. When I’m getting things ready for holiday parties, it’s nice to have the dessert dip already in the fridge waiting for its big moment!
How to store leftovers
I store leftover hot cocoa dip in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps for 3-4 days. When I take it back out, I stir it once or twice to loosen it, then set out fresh dippers!
More Easy Recipes with Cool Whip
- Cool Whip candy
- Pumpkin cream cheese dip
- Cool Whip fruit dip
- Cool Whip frosting
- Fruit salad with Cool Whip
- Chocolate Cool Whip
- Peanut butter pie with Cool Whip
Easy Hot Cocoa Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 3 packets hot chocolate about ½ cup
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or other whipped topping
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/8 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash together the cream cheese and hot chocolate packets until it's smooth.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until it is evenly mixed in.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, give it a quick stir, then top it with mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften first so the ingredients blend easily and stay lump-free.
- Give the dip time to chill so it has time to set and gets that creamy, perfect consistency!
- Before serving, give the hot cocoa dip a quick stir to help soften it up and get it ready for dippers.
- For an ultra-soft, fluffy consistency, let the dessert dip sit out on the counter for a few minutes.
- Add the toppings right before serving so the marshmallows stay soft and the chocolate chips don’t sink.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
