3 delicious hot chocolate recipes to try as the weather gets colder

The days have been getting even colder (if possible).

After the recent spell of warmer weather, we were hopeful that it was time to finally pack away our fluffy jumpers and break out our colourful spring wardrobe. But, sadly, the wintry weather has well and truly returned. And no matter how thick of a coat or scarf we wear, it feels like we are never warm enough. So, there's no better reason to break out the fluffy socks and dust off the hot water bottles in an effort to keep nice and cosy. And, of course, grab some hot chocolate. So we’ve found three of our favourite cocoa recipes that will keep you nice and warm this weekend.

Gingerbread Hot Cocoa

This delicious recipe will put a twist on the beloved Christmas cookie and definitely get you in the holiday spirit.

What do I need?

• 4 cups milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• whipped cream for topping

What do I do?

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, heat milk.
2. While warming the milk, combine the cocoa powered, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, allspice and ginger in a small bowl.
3. Whisk into the milk until hot. Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Pumpkin Spiced White Hot Chocolate 

But if you're not quite ready to let go of the fall favourite, pumpkin spice, this recipe will definitely do the trick.

What do I need?

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of good quality white chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
• Whipped cream and additional pumpkin spice to sprinkle on top.

What do I do?

1. Heat cream and milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not boiling.
2. In a medium sized bowl, pour heated cream and milk over white chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted.
3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin spice.
4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

Peanut butter and milk chocolate hot chocolate 

Perfect for any fan of Reese's looking to stay nice and cosy this winter, this recipe couldn't be easier to make.

What do I need?

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows

What do I do?

1. Bring milk and cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat (do not boil).
2. When the milk begins to steam, add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts.
3. Add the peanut butter and stir until just melted.
4. Pour into a large mug. Top with mini marshmallows.