DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Published Nov 28, 2021 Updated Jul 11, 2023

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This DIY Hot Cocoa Bar will be the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or party. It includes hot cocoa mix and a ton of toppings such as marshmallows, crushed peppermints, milk chocolate, mint chocolate, peppermints, and cookies. If you are looking for ideas to impress the kiddos, build this bar on Christmas Eve and allow them to build their cup.

This post is sponsored by Walmart but all opinions remain mine.

Walmart of course saved the day with this beautiful board. I bought all of my toppings there and they were super reasonable along with this adorable wood tray, which was only $19.99. The best part, I can use the tray for decorations after clean-up. It’s a win, win.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Walmart has so many different options to choose from. I use my Walmart+ Membership and browse different ideas on their app and place an order. It’s delivered right to my door.I mean how convenient is that? Also, if my local Walmart doesn’t have the tray or different kitchen items I am looking for, I just place an order on their website and get free shipping. So if this specific tray isn’t in your store it is for sure in stock online.

Hot Chocolate Bar Toppings

Hot cocoa mix
Peppermints, curshed, and regular
Cany Canes
Crushed mint chocolate
Pirouettes
Snowball cookies
Chocolate covered marshmallows
Peppermint Hersey kisses
Regular marshmallows
Whipped cream
Caramel
Lindor Lindt white truffles

A beautiful and festive DIY Hot Cocoa Bar that is sure to please a crowd! It's filled with cocoa mix, marshmallows, crushed peppermints, milk chocolate, mint chocolate, peppermints, and cookies. Each guest can build their own personal cup of hot chocolate.

How To Build

Hot Cocoa Bar

Build The Bar

Use a large tray or even build this on a table with craft paper underneath. Place the hot cocoa mix in a large bowl and place it in the middle of the tray or table. Begin placing all the ingredients around the hot cocoa.
Personalize Your Cup

Warm-up water in a kettle or in a pot on the stove.
Place 2-4 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix in a cup along with hot water and topping of choice. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

How to keep the water warm or milk for the hot cocoa bar?

Simply place the water or milk in a crockpot and turn it on warm or low. If you don’t have a crockpot you can also add the water to a large pot and simmer on the stove.

How to decorate the hot cocoa bar?

I love adding in fresh greens and cranberries around the board. It gives it a festive feel for the holidays. You can also use crafter paper on a table and label each topping with a sharpie. The toppings on the bar give it just enough decor, so you don’t need to add much more.