Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate

If it is cold outside, what do you crave more than anything? Hot chocolate.

It’s warm, sweet, and contains the flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and marshmallows.

With just a little whipped cream on top, it’s easy to see why so many people love this delicious treat.

While hot chocolate may be something that everyone loves, what you love most about it might vary.

Maybe it is the taste of the warm beverage, or maybe it’s just an excuse to take a break and relax with friends after school or work.

Whatever your reason for loving hot chocolate, it makes sense that when the weather gets cold, you want to indulge in this delicious drink more than ever.

So, it makes sense that when you want to serve something that will go well with the warm beverage you serve your guests, if they have a sweet tooth, these delicious treats will be just what they are looking for.

There’s nothing better than a hot cup of cocoa and a side dish of something sweet.

It’s the perfect combination, but if you are looking for something more savory to serve with your cocoa, don’t worry.

Here are eight of the best side dishes that will go perfectly with that steamy cup o’ cocoa.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Hot Chocolate?

Hot cocoa is a delicious way to stay warm throughout winter.

It is typically served on its own, but some people may find it too hungry or craving something more while drinking it.

With this in mind, serving side dishes with hot chocolate can be a good idea.

In addition, consider that adding different side dishes can change up the flavor of your hot chocolate drink.

You may enjoy the taste of adding a small amount of salt to your hot chocolate.

If you do not like the taste of adding a side dish with your drink, then it is best that you only add as much as is necessary for you to feel as if it has some flavor.

There are many different types of side dishes that can be paired with hot chocolate drinks.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, then you can add some mini marshmallows to your drink.

However, if you’re looking for a different option with a little bit of sweetness, you could consider adding graham crackers or shortbread cookies.

Of course, no rule says you need to pair your hot chocolate with any of these side dishes.

You can also drink your cocoa without them.

Hot chocolate is a great drink to keep you warm during winter, and it may be nice to enjoy alongside some delicacies.

What to Serve with Hot Chocolate? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are eight options for added flavor when drinking your hot chocolate:

1 – Mini Marshmallows

Adding marshmallows to your hot chocolate is an easy option for a sweet side dish.

Miniature marshmallows are a great choice compared to larger ones because they melt into a white puddle that won’t distract from the drink itself.

You can also let these cool and eat them on their own, without being too melted.

This allows for a colder, crunchier texture that will melt in your mouth.

Marshmallows are a great option to add some sweetness and flavor to your hot cocoa drink.

2 – Graham Crackers

Graham crackers turn a hot chocolate drink into a s’more.

This is a great way to enjoy the taste of marshmallows with your cocoa.

When you bite into a graham cracker with your drink, the flavors of the chocolate and marshmallow will mingle to create this delicious treat.

Of course, you can also eat these either slightly melted or completely cooled.

They are crunchy on their own but perfectly fine to enjoy by warming up your mouth first.

3 – Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a great option for adding some flavor to your drink.

Adding a shortbread cookie will add another crunchy texture to the mix.

They have a rich, buttery taste that can pair well with hot chocolate or tea drinks.

You may enjoy letting this add-in sit in your drink too, so it becomes slightly soggy.

This will help enhance the taste of the cookie itself.

You may also enjoy biting into this piece while it has melted in your drink so that you can experience the full flavor of the cookie at once.

4 – Chocolate Chips

Adding chocolate chips to hot chocolate is another great option if you want to add some nutty flavor.

This is best if you enjoy eating your chocolate chip while it has melted in the drink.

This will enhance the taste of the chocolate, and you can taste the richness of the cocoa.

Of course, this also means that these chips are easier to bite into while they have completely cooled off.

These are crunchy on their own, and it is a good choice if you prefer this type of texture.

5 – Salted Peanuts or Almonds

Adding some peanuts or almonds to hot chocolate is another option.

This works best if you enjoy salted nuts since it will help bring out the taste of salt in your drink.

This will enhance the flavor and make it even better.

These are crunchy on their own, so feel free to let them cool before enjoying them with your hot cocoa.

You can also enjoy these slightly melted ones if you prefer this type of texture.

The salt will help enhance the taste of the nuts since it mixes with sweetness.

It’s both addicting and delicious.

6 – Pre-made Chocolate Bars

Another option for a sweet treat is to add some chocolate bars directly into your drink.

This works best for drinks that are not too hot since you will want the melting chocolate to cool off just enough to not melt in the drink.

Making this option slightly less creamy and more solid is perfect for enjoying it in your drink.

This will add a rich flavor so that you can taste the cocoa.

A popular choice is to eat these chocolate bars with a spoon while still in your drink.

Of course, this adds another element of fun.

You can also enjoy them slightly melted by letting them sit in your drink for a bit.

7 – Peppermint Candies

If you are looking for something to add some spice, peppermint candies are a great choice.

These are best when added to your drink so that you can enjoy the taste of peppermint.

The flavors will be enhanced, and it is a great choice if you’re looking for a minty treat.

It’s important to note that these are crunchier on their own while they have completely cooled off.

You also can’t let them sit in the drink for too long, or you will end up with a watered-down drink.

This provides a way to enjoy the fresh taste of mint. It is perfect for pairing with hot chocolate drinks.

8 – Rolled Wafers

Another great choice for a crunchy treat is rolled wafers.

These are perfect when you enjoy them completely cooled off since they are crunchier on their own.

They also work well with hot chocolate when you let them sit in the drink.

The chocolate flavor will be enhanced when it mixes with the drink.

You can also bite into these wafers while they have melted in the drink, but that is a preference.

These are a great choice for those that enjoy eating wafers.

Conclusion

The great thing about hot chocolate is there are several ways you can make it unique.

There are many options for adding in a treat, whether you are looking for something crunchy or melted into your drink.

Each of these options will enhance the flavor of hot chocolate and make it extra tasty.

So, what do you prefer? Crunchy or melted?

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