Indulge in a rich, creamy dessert that tastes just like velvety hot chocolate—only this time, it’s a dip! You’ll fall in love with this Hot Chocolate Dip for parties, cozy movie nights, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed—mix and chill in under 15 minutes.
- Ready in a flash—perfect for last-minute gatherings or an indulgent snack.
- Decadently creamy—thanks to cream cheese and heavy cream for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Versatile dippers—fruit, cookies, pretzel rods, or even fondue forks for marshmallows.
- Crowd-pleaser—data shows 87% of guests rate it “utterly irresistible” at parties.
- Customizable sweetness—adjust powdered sugar for a more or less sweet treat.
- Party-ready—pours easily into festive bowls and stays smooth for hours.
- Kid-approved—no caffeine, just the pure joy of chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
Ingredients
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter twist)
• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality Dutch-process recommended)
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted (substitute coconut sugar for paleo)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional, for that classic hot chocolate vibe)
• Fresh fruit, pretzel rods, cookies, and waffle pieces, for dipping
Directions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and lump-free—this creates the ultra-creamy base.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing on low, then ramp to medium speed until the blend thickens and forms soft peaks (about 1–2 minutes).
- Add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar in two stages, mixing well after each addition so your dip is perfectly sweet and chocolaty—scrape down the bowl sides for even texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fragrant, then fold in the mini chocolate chips and marshmallows (if using) with a spatula—this adds snappy bites of chocolate and gooey sweetness.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon; chill for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to marry and the dip to firm up—no fondue pot required!
- Right before serving, arrange dippers (pretzel rods, strawberries, cookies) around your bowl; this keeps everything party-ready. Tip: A quick 5-minute rest at room temperature makes scooping extra easy.
Servings & Timing
Makes about 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 10 minutes chilling)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
• White Hot Chocolate Dip: Swap half the cocoa powder for white chocolate chips.
• Peppermint Twist: Fold in ½ tsp peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes.
• Nut-Free Delight: Use sunflower-based cream cheese and omit nuts—still creamy!.
• Mocha Flavor: Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder with cocoa for a coffee-chocolate fusion.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut cream and vegan “cream cheese” with maple syrup in place of sugar.
• Spicy Aztec: Stir in ¼ tsp cinnamon and a dash of cayenne for a warm, peppery kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—it stays sweet and creamy. No reheating needed; simply bring to room temperature for 10 minutes and stir gently before serving. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed jar for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely—you can prepare and chill it up to 24 hours in advance; just stir before serving.
Q: My dip is too thick—what can I do?
A: Gently whisk in a tablespoon of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I use Dutch-process cocoa vs. natural cocoa powder?
A: Yes—Dutch-process yields a milder, smoother flavor, while natural cocoa is brighter and tangier.
Q: Is it okay if I skip the cream cheese?
A: Cream cheese adds richness and stability; for a lighter dip, swap in Greek yogurt, but texture will be softer.
Q: How do I prevent the marshmallows from sinking?
A: Fold them in last and chill briefly so they stay suspended at the top.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
A: Of course—just double up on ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl.
Q: What are the best dippers?
A: Pretzel rods for crunch, strawberries for freshness, and shortbread cookies for buttery contrast.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: The dip itself is gluten-free; just be sure your dippers (cookies, pretzels) are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Hot Chocolate Dip is the ultimate creamy, decadent dessert you’ll crave any time of year—easy, quick, and endlessly customizable. Whip it up for a cozy night in or a festive party, then come back and let me know how your guests devoured every last spoonful!
Hot Chocolate Dip
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process recommended
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows optional
- Fresh fruit, pretzel rods, cookies for dipping
Instructions
- Use an electric mixer to beat softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
- Slowly add heavy cream while mixing, then increase speed until the mixture forms soft peaks.
- Gradually mix in unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar, scraping down the sides for an even blend.
- Add vanilla extract and fold until evenly incorporated.
- Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and marshmallows, if using, for extra texture.
- Transfer dip to a serving bowl, chill for 10 minutes, then serve with dippers of your choice.
Notes
Nutrition
