When the air turns crisp and the holiday season begins, there’s nothing better than a cozy, chocolatey dip that captures hot cocoa flavors in every bite. Enter this Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe - a quick and easy dessert dip made with just three simple ingredients - marshmallow fluff, Cool Whip, and cocoa powder.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or planning a movie night, this creamy dip will be the star of your dessert table. Or make it part of a fun brunch menu with Baked Brie, Cinnamon Rolls, and Maple Bacon.
Don't let the name confuse you. Even though it tastes like hot chocolate, this dip is served cold. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your favorite cozy beverage—in dip form!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Hot Cocoa Dip
- Super Easy Recipe - No complex recipes here - mix and dip!
- Perfect for Any Occasion - This fluffy dessert dip works for everything from family gatherings to holiday parties. And it's make-ahead friendly. It can be served immediately or chilled for serving later to simplify your party day.
- Crowd-Pleaser - It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, and its creamy, chocolatey flavor is irresistible. Serving it isn't limited to just the holiday season. Make this sweet treat after a trip to the sledding hill or to enjoy after school on a snowy day.
Substitutions
- Homemade Whipped Cream - Use homemade stabilized whipped cream instead of the Cool Whip if you prefer, but keep it light and airy for the best texture. You will need 3 cups of homemade whipped cream for this recipe.
- Dark Cocoa Powder - For a more intense, chocolate flavor, substitute dark cocoa powder for the regular.
- Hot Cocoa Mix or Instant Pudding - Swap with instant hot chocolate mix or dry pudding mix for a fun flavor spin. You can also try some different flavors of hot chocolate like white chocolate, peppermint or salted caramel. Remember that the mixes are sweetened, so you may want to reduce the amount of marshmallow fluff or use some plain cream cheese to balance out the sweetness.
- Marshmallow Creme - Marshmallow creme works just as well as the marshmallow fluff here!
Variations
- Add a little bit of vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost.
- Favorite Hot Cocoa Toppings - Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
- Dippers - Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers, animal crackers, or sugar cookies as your favorite dippers.
Ingredients
*Please scroll down to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient amounts.
How To Make Hot Cocoa Dip
Step 1. Combine. Combine the marshmallow fluff, thawed Cool Whip, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy.
Step 2. Garnish and Serve. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with mini marshmallows or other favorite hot cocoa toppings like chocolate shavings or whipped cream. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers, like graham crackers, fresh strawberries, or vanilla wafers.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
While this creamy dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container and store it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Natalie’s Pro Tip
For an extra creamy dip, sift the cocoa powder before mixing it with the marshmallow fluff and Cool Whip to avoid any clumps. Also, chilling the dip for 15–20 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
Make sure the Cool Whip is thawed.
Notes and FAQs
Yes. If you don't want to get out the hand mixer or the stand mixer, you can use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients.
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and mix them in a large mixing bowl to ensure you have plenty for everyone.
If your dip feels too thick, fold in a little extra Cool Whip or a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
To reduce the sweetness, use less marshmallow fluff or substitute it with plain whipped cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Hot Cocoa Dip
Equipment
- hand mixer optional
Ingredients
- 7.5 ounce jar Marshmallow Fluff
- 8-ounce container Cool Whip (Original) thawed
- ¼ cup Hershey’s cocoa unsweetened
- 2 tablespoon Mini marshmallows for garnish
- Graham crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marshmallow fluff, thawed Cool Whip, and cocoa powder. Use a hand mixer to blend the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with mini marshmallows or other favorite hot cocoa toppings like chocolate shavings or whipped cream. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers, like graham crackers, fresh strawberries, or vanilla wafers.
Notes
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