Vegan Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing quite as cozy as curling up with an oversized blanket, a new (or old) book, and a mug of vegan hot chocolate. This is our ultimate go-to hot cocoa recipe that you can whip up in just a few minutes. With just a few ingredients—unsweetened soy milk, cocoa powder, dairy-free chocolate chips, and sugar—you can have the creamiest and most comforting beverage in no time!

You can stop there for a simple vegan hot chocolate—or, you can kick it up a notch by adding a splash of vanilla extract or peppermint extract (our fave). Top your toasty drink with some vegan marshmallows or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Perhaps sprinkle on a bit of cocoa powder or mini vegan chocolate chips for absolute perfection!

If you’ll be sipping cocoa all season long, don’t miss our homemade vegan hot chocolate mix to make the process even easier. Delish!

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

You can’t go wrong with a tasty hot cocoa, and this dairy-free version is no exception. It’s just as rich and chocolatey, you won’t even know it’s dairy-free!

• Big Cozy Chocolate Flavor. This hot chocolate packs a bold, chocolatey punch that feels cozy from the very first sip. It’s the kind of treat that makes any cold day instantly better.
• Made With Stuff You Already Have. You don’t need anything fancy to make it shine, just a few pantry staples you probably already have on hand. That means warm, chocolatey goodness is always just a few minutes away.
• Creamy, Dreamy, Sip-Friendly Texture. Plant milk gives it this silky, dreamy texture that feels like pure comfort. It’s the perfect drink to wrap your hands around when you want something soothing.
• So Easy to Make Your Own. You can swirl in peppermint, sprinkle in cinnamon, or add a splash of vanilla to make it your own. Every cup can feel like a new flavor adventure.
• Instantly Puts You in a Festive Mood. Whether it’s a holiday movie night or a random chilly evening, this drink sets the mood fast. It adds a fun, cheerful energy that makes everything feel a little more magical.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Let’s break down the star ingredients that make your vegan hot chocolate rich, creamy, and full of flavor. You’ll also find simple substitutions so you can tweak the recipe to match your taste or whatever you have on hand.

Vegan Chocolate

I like to use miniature vegan chocolate chips by the brand Enjoy Life—but any semi-sweet vegan chocolate (or dairy-free white chocolate) will work! The mini chips are helpful because they melt faster, but if you can’t find mini chips, just roughly chop your chocolate into small pieces.

Sugar

We use generic granulated sugar in this recipe, but you’re welcome to use your favorite sweetener here. Coconut sugar, agave syrup, maple syrup, and beyond will all work. If you’re unsure about the vegan status of sugar, check out our “Is sugar vegan?” article.

Vegan Marshmallows 

Dropping a few vegan marshmallows into your hot cocoa brings on all the fireside vibes. Dandies is a great vegan brand of marshmallows, but more brands are sprouting up and you can also find “accidentally vegan” marshmallows at Trader Joe’s. Just make sure your marshmallows are gelatin-free, because gelatin is made from animal skin and bones!

Vegan Whipped Cream

Of course, this ingredient is optional, but it’s oh-so-good! You can find vegan whipped cream in a can (I used one I found at Trader Joe’s), from a tub (So Delicious has a “Cool Whip” style vegan whip like this), or homemade (check out our coconut whipped cream recipe.)

Serving Tips and Suggestions for Hot Cocoa

We’re full of fun tips and creative ways to enjoy your vegan hot chocolate. Here are some easy tricks to make each mug extra special, playful, and extra creamy!

• Sprinkle in Some Crunch – Top your hot chocolate with crushed vegan cookies, toasted nuts, or cacao nibs. The crunch adds a fun texture and extra flavor in every sip.
• Swirl in a Caramel Twist – Drizzle vegan caramel or date syrup into your mug before serving. It makes each sip a sweet, gooey surprise.
• Add a Boozy Kick (If You’re Feeling Fancy) – Mix in a splash of vegan-friendly liqueur like peppermint, hazelnut, or coffee-flavored. It turns your cozy drink into a grown-up treat. (Check out our vegan alcohol guide for brand suggestions.)
• Float a Dollop of Nut Butter – Drop a spoonful of almond, peanut, or hazelnut butter on top and let it melt in. It gives the hot chocolate a nutty richness that’s totally indulgent.
• Create a Fun Hot Chocolate Board – Serve your drink with mini toppings on the side—like vegan sprinkles, chocolate curls, or toasted coconut. Everyone can customize their mug, and it turns sipping into an activity!

Easy Holiday Gift Recipe

Have a friend who could use some comfort and loves chocolate? Our hot chocolate mix is the perfect homemade vegan gift or stocking stuffer for the holidays! 

1. Simply fill a 16-ounce mason jar with the dairy-free hot chocolate mix and top it with some vegan marshmallows. Hand-write the recipe on a tag: “3.5 tablespoons of mix + 1 cup of unsweetened soy milk = One Hot Cocoa”
2. Tie a festive bow around the jar, and you’re done! You can even cut out holiday-themed paper or wrapping paper in the shape of a circle and adhere it over the mason jar lid for an extra-cute effect.