Gingerbread Themed Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar

How about a gingerbread man themed Christmas hot chocolate bar this winter? The best part of cold weather is warming up with a steaming mug of hot cocoa by the fire! And a hot chocolate bar makes it so easy for family and friends to serve themselves anytime they want. Just add hot water!

Different Hot Chocolate Flavors

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The most important ingredient is of course the hot chocolate mix. You can purchase it in bulk and fill a fun apothecary jar, or set out pretty containers of flavored mix. I'm usually not a big fan of food containers on the table but these look good and are a local brand of hot chocolate everyone loves. Guest'll be a lot more likely to try out new flavors if they come from Stephens instead of me! There are so many fun options like:

• Milk Chocolate – 4lb bulk
• Dark Chocolate
• Mexican Chocolate
• Candycane Cocoa
• Roasted Hazelnut Chocolate
• Chocolate Mint Truffle
• Chocolate Raspberry

Okay, you get the idea, and that's not even half of them! You can start with a plain base and create your own with mix-ins and flavored syrups, or you can purchase them ready made if you find a combo you can't live without. {Mexican Chocolate anyone!?}

Hot Chocolate Bar Mix-ins

For further experimenting offer several options for toppings and mix-ins like:

• Flavored coffee creamers {Irish Cream, Hazelnut, or Peppermint Mocha are especially good}
• Whipped cream
• Crushed peppermint sticks
• White chocolate gingerbread men
• Sprinkles
• Snowflake marshmallows
• Cinnamon
• Dark chocolate gingerbread men
• Candy cane stir sticks

Create Your Own Chocolate Toppings

After finding this gingerbread man silicone mold at Michaels last year I wanted to experiment with fun toppings for the hot chocolate. It's as easy as melting some chocolate chips or baking squares in the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Filling up a ziploc baggie and piping the chocolate into the molds works BEST, but in a pinch a spoon is just fine. Just make sure to tap the mold on the counter to get rid of any bubbles. Mine still had a few bubbles in the tiny details but they still tasted amazing.

I tried the dark chocolate chips and white chocolate peppermint melting disks for a nice variety.

 

You will want to store them in a covered container though so the chocolate doesn't start to turn white on the edges.

Pretty Hot Cocoa Topping Containers

I LOVE using this tiered galvanized tray for displaying just about everything, and the hot chocolate bar toppings are no different. I picked up several cute glass containers with lids at the Dollar Tree and they were the perfect size. There's even one with a shaker top for the sprinkles and cinnamon. You do NOT want kids trying to add sprinkles with a spoon!

Gingerbread Man Decor

I snagged these darling gingerbread people as a free printable over at Raising Memories and they make the perfect garland. She even has a printable gingerbread house I used as table decor for our Gingerbread Christmas Cookie Exchange Party!

Holiday Signage

I picked up this Hot Cocoa Bar sign at Michael's on clearance last season and it was the perfect addition to let guests know exactly what was happening over here!

If you're interested in making your own signs check out Fourth East Craft Co. for awesome sign tutorials. And if you're a Salt Lake City local, get on her mailing list to find out about her sign making events each month.

Finished Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar

A few small details like candles, a bottle brush tree, and a gingerbread travel trailer activity kit {Michael's} your kids will love making….and you've got yourself a festive Gingerbread Themed Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar that everyone will enjoy the whole season long. What's your favorite hot chocolate flavor? And have you ever set up a hot cocoa bar for winter?

If you do set one up I would love to see it! Leave a comment below or tag us on Facebook and Instagram @partieswithacause

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For another version of the same design add in a few bottle brush trees, a farm truck, and squirrel mug for a completely different feel. I love using my decor to host several events and just a few changes makes it feel completely fresh.

More Great Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar Inspiration

Stylish black and copper hot chocolate bar from BellaGrey Designs

Caramel cocoa and cinnamon roll DIY Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas by Joy In The Commonplace

Outdoor Hot Chocolate Bar from Jordan's Easy Entertaining

Join us for the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION

If you are just joining us, welcome! Here’s what you missed:

1. DIY Christmas Ornament: Golden Snitch Ornament DIY
2. Christmas Cookie Recipe: Grandma’s Thumbprint Cookies
3. DIY Christmas Home Decor: Buffalo Plaid Christmas Coffee Table Tray
4. Savory Christmas Recipe: Cranberry Brie Tart Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Until tomorrow my friend!