Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only a few ingredients and ready in minutes.
No cooking or baking required.
Fun, festive, and kid-friendly.
Perfect for dipping graham crackers, cookies, or fruit.
Can be easily customized for different flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Hot cocoa mix (regular, double chocolate, or your favorite flavor)
Cream cheese (softened)
Marshmallow crème (marshmallow fluff)
Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
Mini marshmallows (for garnish)
Chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint, or sprinkles (optional toppings)
Dippers: graham crackers, pretzels, strawberries, vanilla wafers, or cookies

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer.
Add the marshmallow crème and continue mixing until fully combined and fluffy.
Mix in the hot cocoa mix until evenly blended. Adjust the amount based on how rich you want the chocolate flavor.
Fold in the whipped topping gently with a spatula until well incorporated and creamy.
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and smooth the top.
Garnish with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed peppermint if desired.
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Servings and timing

Serves about 8–10 people as a dessert dip.
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Chill time (optional): 30 minutes for firmer texture.
Total time: 10–40 minutes depending on chill preference.

Variations

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Dip: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
Mocha version: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a coffee-chocolate flavor.
Nutella twist: Replace part of the marshmallow fluff with Nutella for extra richness.
White Hot Cocoa Dip: Use white chocolate cocoa mix and top with gold or silver sprinkles.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a Mexican hot chocolate flavor.
S’mores style: Add crushed graham crackers and extra mini marshmallows for texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Do not freeze, as freezing can affect the fluffy texture.
Stir gently before serving again to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Do I need to use hot cocoa mix or can I use cocoa powder?

Hot cocoa mix gives it that sweet, classic flavor, but you can use unsweetened cocoa powder and add extra sugar if you prefer.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes — use lightly sweetened whipped cream, but note the dip will be softer and should be served soon after mixing.

Can I serve it warm?

It’s best served cool or room temperature, but you can let it sit out for 15 minutes to soften if chilled.

What should I dip into it?

Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, or shortbread cookies all pair perfectly.

How do I make it extra chocolatey?

Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or some melted chocolate to the mix before folding in the whipped topping.

Can I add alcohol for an adult version?

Yes, try a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps for a grown-up twist.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and a dairy-free cocoa mix.

How long can it sit out?

It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to maintain freshness.

Can I turn this into a pie filling?

Absolutely — spread it into a prepared graham cracker crust and chill for a no-bake hot cocoa cream pie.

Conclusion

Hot Cocoa Dip is a fun, festive dessert that brings all the cozy flavors of hot chocolate into a creamy, shareable form. With its fluffy texture, rich chocolate taste, and endless dipping options, it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Quick to make and always a crowd favorite, this dip will warm hearts and sweeten any occasion.

Hot Cocoa Dip

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive, creamy appetizer featuring a layer of smooth cream cheese topped with tangy, sweet cranberry sauce. Bright, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s the perfect holiday appetizer or last-minute party dip that pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or pretzels.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop / No-bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let cool completely.
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving plate or shallow dish.
Spoon the cooled cranberry topping over the cream cheese layer and spread gently.
Garnish with rosemary, green onions, or orange zest if desired.
Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or pretzels.

Notes

Prepare the cranberry sauce up to 3 days ahead and store separately in the fridge.
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeño or drizzle hot honey before serving.
Serve warm or chilled — both are delicious.
Whole-berry canned cranberry sauce can be substituted for homemade.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg