Chocolate Recipes

Nutella Eggnog Hot Chocolate

A rich, creamy, and festive Nutella eggnog hot chocolate made with smooth Nutella, cozy eggnog, cocoa powder, milk, whipped cream, marshmallows, and extra Nutella on top.

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Yield: 3 servings

Creamy Nutella eggnog hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and extra Nutella

Giulia’s Recipe Rundown

Taste

Rich chocolate, creamy eggnog, sweet hazelnut Nutella, and cozy holiday spice flavor in every warm sip.

Texture

Velvety, smooth, creamy, and thick enough to feel like a special holiday drink.

Ease

Made in one saucepan with simple ingredients and ready in about 15 minutes.

Best For

Christmas movie nights, winter gatherings, holiday brunch, cozy weekends, and festive dessert drinks.

This Nutella Eggnog Hot Chocolate is the cozy holiday drink you make when classic hot cocoa needs something extra creamy, rich, and festive. It combines sweet eggnog, milk, Nutella, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt into one smooth winter mug.

Eggnog adds a creamy holiday flavor with warm notes of vanilla and spice, while Nutella brings a chocolate-hazelnut richness that makes this hot chocolate taste extra indulgent. Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor so the drink stays balanced instead of overly sweet.

Finish each mug with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a drizzle of extra Nutella for a festive Christmas hot chocolate that feels dessert-worthy but is still incredibly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy holiday hot chocolate
Made with Nutella for chocolate-hazelnut flavor
Eggnog makes it extra festive and cozy
Ready in about 15 minutes
Perfect for Christmas movie nights and winter parties
Easy to top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and extra Nutella

Important Ingredient Notes

Eggnog

Eggnog makes this hot chocolate thick, creamy, sweet, and festive. Use your favorite store-bought eggnog or homemade eggnog. If your eggnog is very sweet, you do not need to add extra sugar.

Milk

Milk loosens the eggnog so the drink is creamy but still easy to sip. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% milk also works.

Nutella

Nutella adds smooth chocolate-hazelnut flavor and helps make the hot chocolate extra rich. Whisk it well so it fully melts into the warm milk mixture.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of the eggnog and Nutella. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best result.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt makes the chocolate flavor taste fuller and keeps the drink from tasting flat or overly sweet.

Toppings

Marshmallows, whipped cream, and extra Nutella make this drink feel like a true holiday dessert. You can also add chocolate shavings, cinnamon, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

How to Make Nutella Eggnog Hot Chocolate

Warm the eggnog and milk

Add the eggnog and milk to a medium saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat until steaming, but do not let the mixture boil.

Add Nutella

Spoon in the Nutella and whisk until it melts smoothly into the warm eggnog mixture.

Add cocoa powder and salt

Whisk in the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt until the hot chocolate is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.

Heat gently

Continue warming the hot chocolate for a few minutes, stirring often, until it reaches your preferred drinking temperature.

Pour into mugs

Divide the Nutella eggnog hot chocolate between mugs while it is warm and velvety.

Add festive toppings

Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a drizzle of extra Nutella before serving.

Sweet Drink Science

Why should you heat it gently?

Eggnog is dairy-based and can separate or scorch if heated too aggressively. Medium-low heat keeps the drink smooth and creamy.

Why add cocoa powder if Nutella is already chocolatey?

Nutella adds sweetness and hazelnut flavor, while cocoa powder adds deeper chocolate intensity. Together, they create a richer hot chocolate.

Why add salt?

A small pinch of salt balances sweetness and makes chocolate flavors taste stronger and rounder.

How do you make it extra smooth?

Whisk constantly while adding Nutella and cocoa powder. For an ultra-smooth finish, you can blend the hot chocolate briefly with an immersion blender before serving.

Storage

Store leftover Nutella Eggnog Hot Chocolate in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking often until smooth and warm.

Make-Ahead Tips

This hot chocolate is best served fresh, but you can prepare it shortly before guests arrive and keep it warm.

Make the hot chocolate on the stovetop.
Transfer it to a small slow cooker on the warm setting.
Stir occasionally so the Nutella stays smooth.
Add toppings only when serving.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Can I make this without eggnog?

Yes. Replace the eggnog with more milk or half-and-half, then add a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla for a similar cozy flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free eggnog and dairy-free milk, but traditional Nutella contains milk. Use a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread if needed.

Can I make it thicker?

Yes. Use more eggnog and less milk, or replace part of the milk with heavy cream for a richer, thicker drink.

Can I add alcohol?

For an adults-only version, you can add a small splash of Irish cream, rum, bourbon, or coffee liqueur after removing the hot chocolate from the heat.

Why is my hot chocolate grainy?

The cocoa powder may not have dissolved fully, or the heat may have been too high. Whisk well over medium-low heat and avoid boiling.