Who doesn’t occasionally crave a warm cup of hot chocolate? Whether it’s a fall day where you need something sweet to unwind or a chilly winter evening, your Keurig is a great way to get a quick chocolate fix. They don't just make coffee folks! So how do you make the best Keurig hot chocolate possible?
Hot chocolate can be made with a Keurig by using a hot chocolate K-cup. Different K cups will produce varying quality hot chocolate. The Keurig can also be used to make hot water and then mixed with a hot chocolate powder packet. Whip cream, milk, peppermint, cinnamon, and marshmallows can be added in after brewing.
While the more traditional route involves cocoa and milk in a pan on the stovetop and constant stirring, your Keurig offers a no-mess, fast way to make delicious hot chocolate. It’ll save you time, remove the hassle of cleanup, and ensure you get consistent flavor in every cup. Let's take a closer look at how you can make hot chocolate with a Keurig and what the best K-cups are below.
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How to Make Hot Chocolate With a Keurig
Your Keurig is about to become your favorite hot cocoa barista! What I love about my Keurig is that I can buy the K-cups and use either those or my favorite cacao mix with hot water. Since I live in the Midwest and fall and winter bring on chilly nights and days, it’s a great way to warm up after being out and about. To make hot chocolate using your Keurig:
Pick a K-Cup
Keurig makes several different K-cups for hot chocolate, ranging from traditional to dark chocolate or a caramel swirl. Remember, the beauty of K-cups is in their simplicity. Keep reading to see which 5 are our favorite. To use them, you’ll do the following:
- Start by picking out your desired hot chocolate K-cup.
- Insert the K-cup into the Keurig and close the lid.
- Choose your cup size (typically, the 8 oz. setting works well for most hot cocoa varieties, but you can go larger).
- Press the brew button and in moments, you'll have a steaming mug ready for you to enjoy.
Or Use a Regular Hot Chocolate Mix
I tend to be a little forgetful when it comes to shopping and getting everything I need, and I’ve accidentally forgotten the hot chocolate K-cups before. But, this didn’t stop me from having a warm cup of cocoa because I used a boxed mix with hot water from the Keurig to get my chocolate fix. To do so, you’ll:
- Double-check to make sure your Keurig’s water reservoir is full.
- Put your mug under the dispenser.
- Skip inserting a K cup but close the lid. Pick your desired cup size (again, 8 ounces will get the most flavor), and let it dispense the hot water.
- Once it finishes, carefully stir in the chosen hot chocolate mix until it fully dissolves and enjoy.
Popular Add-Ins
Think about all of the ways you can customize your hot chocolate. The options are nearly endless, but a few of the more popular ones include:
- Candy Canes – Drop a whole candy cane into your mug for a slow melt and a minty undertone, or crush it and sprinkle on top for a peppermint crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle – If you want a sweet, buttery finish, a drizzle of caramel on top will take your hot chocolate up a level.
- Chocolate Shavings – Use a grater and your favorite chocolate bar to add a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This will also add more flavor if you pick a larger cup size.
- Cinnamon – I love cinnamon. And I've heard it's good for you! A pinch can transform your drink by adding a sweet, slightly spicy undertone. For a smoother flavor, stir with a cinnamon stick.
- Marshmallows – From mini ones that create a sweet layer on top to large ones that melt into gooey goodness, marshmallows are an almost necessary hot chocolate addition.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop on top adds a delicious, velvety layer. For a gourmet twist, consider trying flavored whipped creams, like vanilla or mocha.
The 5 Best Hot Chocolate K Cups
CC: Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash
If you do a quick search for “Keurig hot chocolate pods,” you’ll see there are dozens of options. But, how do you find the best? I did the work for you and picked out several great options for you to try. Feel free to buy a few! It shouldn't feel like too much work testing them out.
1. Victor Allen's Coffee Milk Chocolate Flavored Hot Cocoa Mix
Dive into the luxurious world of Victor Allen's milk chocolate hot cocoa mix, expertly crafted to bring the coffeehouse experience straight to your mug. This creamy and rich mix is a huge hit with chocolate lovers of all ages. You get convenient single-serve pods, and you can choose from several sizes and flavors. There are over 76,000 ratings with hundreds of reviews backing these cups too.
2. Maud's Dark Hot Chocolate (Loco Hot Cocoa)
For a richer cocoa journey, Maud’s Dark Hot Chocolate Loco Pods are a must-try. These gluten-free, dairy-free pods embrace all-natural ingredients, ideal for those on special diets. Produced in sunny California with 100% solar energy, Maud's melds flavor and eco-consciousness seamlessly. Their dark chocolate blend strikes a balance between reduced sweetness and full chocolaty depth. With 12 sizes among their 70 options (not all hot chocolate), Maud’s caters to everyone’s tastes.
3. Mountain High All Natural Hot Chocolate
Sweet and salty meet with Mountain High's All Natural Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Single Serve Cups. These cups give you the essence of silky caramel intertwined with rich cocoa. What sets Mountain High hot chocolates—available in Salted Caramel, Milk Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate flavors—apart is their commitment to authenticity. With no artificial sweeteners in their formula, they ensure a pure, chocolaty experience with every sip.
4. Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa
A cherished classic, Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Keurig Single-Serve K Cup Pods offer the timeless taste of Swiss Miss in a brew-ready pod. While the brewed cocoa is delightfully smooth and creamy, some may find it lightly flavored, making it perfect for additions like marshmallows. Made by blending dried milk with premium imported cocoa, these pods promise cozy, chocolaty moments perfect for bonding with loved ones. I remember drinking Swiss Miss as a kid after we came in from playing out in the snow as a way to warm up.
5. Two Rivers Hot Chocolate Pods
Explore a world of diverse cocoa delights with this option. Promising a unique experience with each brew, the sampler houses 40 cocoa pods from a range of popular brands including Soho Cocoa, Brooklyn Beans, Junior Mints, and more. Every pack is a new flavor adventure, ensuring no two cups are ever the same. Particularly notable is the Brooklyn Beans Peanut Butter Cocoa, which stood out as a favorite. With four available sizes and a commitment to being both kosher and gluten-free, this sampler is a great gift idea.
Cocoa Cravings Conquered with Your Keurig
CC: Photo by Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash
With Keurig, making hot chocolate is a breeze. Simply pop in your favorite cocoa pod, press a button, and let the machine do the work. Take a look at our recommendations and add-ins and create your perfect cup any time you like.
Related: Considering buying a new Keurig? Our guide will help you make the perfect choice.
This article was written by Sara. You can learn more about Sara on our About the Team page here.
I love the Victor Allen hot chocolate too-but lots of product left in the k cup after brewing. I have to scrape it out of the cup. I’ve descaled the machine too!