WHAT’S FOR DESSERT?
Hot Chocolate Dip
Array/5
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
5 min
SERVINGS
10-12 people
This creamy four-ingredient Hot Chocolate Dip is the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich chocolatey flavor with a creamy, fluffy texture. It’s the perfect festive dessert to whip up with the kids or bring to your next holiday party. Pair it with sugar cookies or graham crackers, and watch it disappear!
The holiday season is when I get the most inspired in the kitchen. I love looking up new recipes and appetizers, and I love going to parties and seeing what other people make. One of my friends brought this delicious hot chocolate dip to a Christmas party last year, and it didn’t last long!
Not only does this dip taste just like a cup of rich hot chocolate, but it has just four simple ingredients and can be whipped up in less than five minutes. It can be served with a variety of different dippers, from crackers to fruit to sugar cookies. It looks beautiful on a holiday table and both kids and adults devour it! Seriously, what more can you want in a Christmas dessert?!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Dip Recipe
Minimal Ingredients – Make it with only four simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Quick to Make – The recipe comes together in under 5 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday parties.
Perfect for Dipping – The creamy and fluffy texture pairs perfectly with cookies, crackers, or fruit for dipping.
Kid-Friendly – It’s an easy dessert that kids can help make, adding a fun activity to your holiday traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Marshmallow fluff – This creates a light and fluffy base for the dip, giving it a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cool Whip – This whipped non-dairy topping adds creaminess and helps the dip stay airy and smooth. Let it thaw completely before mixing to make sure it has the perfect consistency.
Hot chocolate powder mix – This is where the rich, chocolatey flavor comes from! Using packets makes it easy to measure, but feel free to use your favorite mix.
Mini marshmallows – These are the perfect garnish, giving the dip that classic hot chocolate vibe. Pile them on top for a festive look and an extra bit of fun!
Sugar cookies or graham crackers – These are the best dippers for scooping up all that creamy goodness. You can also get creative and use pretzels or fruit for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Step By Step Instructions
Thaw the Cool Whip: Allow the Cool Whip to thaw completely before starting for the best texture.
Mix the base ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the marshmallow fluff, Cool Whip, and hot chocolate powder mix. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to whip the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Prepare the dip for serving: Transfer the whipped dip into a serving bowl, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle mini marshmallows generously over the top of the dip. For an extra festive touch, you can also add chocolate shavings or holiday sprinkles.
Serve with dippers: Arrange sugar cookies, graham crackers, or other dippers of your choice around the serving bowl. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand to get the smoothest and fluffiest texture for your dip. It makes the process quicker and gives a professional-level consistency.
Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing. This prevents clumps and helps everything blend seamlessly.
Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix. This keeps all the ingredients evenly incorporated for the perfect flavor and texture.
Let the dip sit for 5-10 minutes after mixing to let the flavors come together before serving.
Serve the dip in a shallow, wide bowl to make it easier for guests to scoop with their dippers.
Avoid overmixing, as it can deflate the dip and make it less fluffy. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined and smooth.
Chill the dip in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving if you want it slightly firmer. It makes it hold its shape better while still being creamy.
Keep the bowl of dip covered with plastic wrap if prepping it ahead. This prevents the surface from drying out and keeps the texture perfectly creamy until serving.
Dipper Ideas
Vanilla wafers
Pretzel rods
Strawberries
Apple slices
Banana slices
Brownie bites
Pound cake cubes
Biscotti
Animal crackers
Cinnamon pita chips
Rice Krispie treats
Chocolate chip cookies
Shortbread cookies
Oreos
Gingerbread cookies
Raspberries
Blueberries
Angel food cake cubes
Waffle pieces
Mini donuts
Croissant pieces
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
Swap the hot chocolate mix for a white chocolate mix to create a creamy white chocolate version of the dip.
Use peppermint hot chocolate mix and top with crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
Replace Cool Whip with whipped cream as an alternative while keeping the fluffy texture.
Mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee granules with the hot chocolate mix for a mocha flavor.
Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the overall flavor.
Substitute marshmallow fluff with cream cheese for a tangier, cheesecake-like dip.
Use caramel-flavored hot chocolate mix and drizzle caramel sauce on top.
Fold in mini chocolate chips or toffee bits into the dip for added texture.
Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Replace the mini marshmallow topping with colorful sprinkles or crushed graham crackers.
Storage Instructions
To store any leftover dip, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving again, give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency. This dip cannot be frozen because the texture of both the Cool Whip and marshmallow fluff will change when thawed, causing it to become watery and lose its fluffy, smooth quality. For the best results, prepare it fresh and store any leftovers in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dip up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, homemade whipped cream works well, but it’s best to stabilize it with a little powdered sugar to maintain the fluffy texture.
What type of hot chocolate mix works best for this recipe?
Any hot chocolate mix will work, but a high-quality or premium mix will add a richer flavor. Opt for an unsweetened mix if you want to control the sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be mindful of the dippers you choose. Stick to gluten-free cookies, crackers, or fruit to keep the entire dish gluten-free.
How can I keep the dip from drying out if I’m serving it over a long period?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap when it’s not being used, or stir it occasionally to keep the top layer fresh.
More Holiday Desserts
Print
Hot Chocolate Dip
Creamy and easy hot chocolate dip with only 3 ingredients. A perfect festive dip to dip cookies or fruit in.
Ingredients
Marshmallow Fluff 7.5 oz
Cool Whip 8 oz, thawed
1/3 cup hot chocolate mix (3 packets)
To serve: Sugar Cookies, Animal crackers, graham crackers, fruit, etc
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, add the marshmallow fluff, Cool Whip and Hot Chocolate Mix. Mix until smooth.
2. Garnish with mini marshmallows and then serve with sugar cookies, animal crackers, fruit, etc.
Notes
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