Warmth Served in a Coffee Cup

Savoring December: A Month of Festive Sips

Just as we’ve done in the previous months, this December we took a little extra time to slow down, savor the season, and whip up a few festive specialties. But instead of spotlighting coffee this round, we leaned into something a little more nostalgic and winter-warming: hot chocolate.

We had several highlights of rich, velvety hot cocoa topped with a special seasonal twist—because nothing captures December quite like a mug that feels like a hug. There were two other creations we experimented with as well, but in true holiday-season fashion the recipes slipped away from us. Consider it part of the charm—some treats are meant to live in the moment!

Even so, the spirit remains the same: slowing down, gathering around something warm, and celebrating the simple joy of a cozy cup during this magical time of year and although I forgot a few recipes they were filled with pumpkin flavor and peppermint while two of them I am sharing the recipes now!

Spicy Hot Chocolate

2 TB sugar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp ground cayenne

1 oz bittersweet chocolate

Marshmallows and cinnamon sticks optional

1.       Milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, chili powder, and cayenne in saucepan

2.       Mix with a whisk, adding the chocolate and heat until chocolate completely melted and hot but not boiling

3.       Divide into two and add marshmallows and stir with cinnamon sticks if choose to do so.

Coffee Hot Chocolate

1 ½ c milk

2 TB cocoa powder

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate

1 c brewed coffee

Marshmallows for topping

1.       Combine milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate and bring to a simmer. Lightly whisk until chocolate is melted but not boiling.

2.       Add coffee and whisk to combine.

3.       Pour into mug topping with marshmallows and preferred.

So, here’s to more mugs, more memories, and more seasonal sipping—whether it’s coffee, cocoa, or whatever keeps you warm this holiday season and as always share a couple of warming chocolate recipes or memories of your own with me and our fellow Coffee & Story Time followers and listeners!