What to Eat With Hot Chocolate – 15+ Incredible Side Dishes

When it comes to winter drinks, hot chocolate is one of my all-time favorites. However, I often find myself struggling to find good sides to serve with it. This is especially true online, where the options can be limited and uninspiring.

That’s why I’m so excited to share this list of 18 side dishes that I’ve tried over the last few months. These dishes are all delicious and pair perfectly with hot chocolate.

Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, I’m sure you’ll find a dish on this list that you’ll love. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next hot chocolate party!

What Goes with Hot Chocolate

1. Marshmallows
2. Peanut butter cookies
3. Chocolate chip cookies
4. Saltine crackers
5. Graham crackers
6. Sugar cookies
7. Muffins
8. Cheesecake bites
9. Peppermint candies
10. Wafers
11. Kettle corn snack mix
12. Donuts
13. Salted peanuts or almonds
14. Shortbread cookies
15. Ready-made chocolate bars
16. Granola bars
17. Toasted bread
18. Pancakes

Marshmallows

Few things are more comforting on a cold night than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. And what could make hot chocolate even better? A handful of marshmallows.

You can spread your marshmallows on the top of your hot chocolate like a topping, or you can skewer them on a kabob and dip them in. Either way, they’ll add some sweetness and fun to your drink.

Peanut Butter Cookies

If you love the taste of peanut butter and chocolate together, then you’ll love dipping peanut butter cookies in your hot chocolate.

The crumbly texture and nutty flavor of the cookies guarantee a tasty combination. Plus, the cookies will soak up some of the liquid from your drink, making it even more indulgent.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are another classic cookie that goes great with hot chocolate.

The chocolate in the cookies complements the drink perfectly, and the sweetness of the cookies helps to balance out the slight bitterness of the cocoa.

When I’m making this treat, my go-to chocolate to use is Ghirardelli’s chips. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and darkness that makes for a delicious cookie.

Saltine Crackers

For a savory option, try saltine crackers with your hot chocolate.

The salty flavor of the crackers pairs well with the sweetness of the drink, and the crunchy texture is a nice contrast to the creamy beverage.

In addition, the crackers will help to soak up some of the liquid from your drink, making it even more filling.

Graham Crackers

Graham crackers are quite popular as a side dish for hot chocolate.

The sweetness of the crackers complements the sweetness of the drink perfectly, and they add a bit of crunch to each bite.

If you want to take this dish to the next level, try dipping your graham crackers in chocolate before having them with your hot chocolate.

In addition, note that though graham crackers are not gluten-free, there are some gluten-free options you can get in-store.

Sugar Cookies

This is smack-your-mouth, lick-your-lips delicious. If you have never had a sugar cookie (and you can), you should give this a try.

Sugar cookies are a great option for a sweet side dish. The cookies are usually quite soft, so they’ll easily soak up some of the chocolatey goodness of your hot drink. This will make the drink even richer.

Even better, is that if you would like to have sugar cookies without the sugar, you can! just substitute sugar in the recipe, for something else such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup.

Muffins

Muffins are a great option for a side dish because they come in so many different flavors.

Whether you want a chocolate muffin to pair with your hot chocolate or a fruit muffin to add some sweetness, there’s sure to be a flavor that you’ll love.

Plus, muffins are easy to eat on the go, so they’re perfect for when you’re rushing out the door.

Cheesecake Bites

Cheesecake bites and hot chocolate is a great combination because they bring out the best flavors in each other.

The cheesecake bites add richness and creaminess to the hot chocolate which enhances the chocolate flavor. The cheesecake also has a slight tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the hot chocolate and makes it more complex.

Finally, the two ingredients also have a similar texture, so they complement each other well.

Peppermint candies

This might seem odd to have with hot chocolate at first glance, but it works well together.

Peppermint candies have a strong peppermint flavor that helps to freshen your mouth and make each sip of hot chocolate even more refreshing.

Plus, the color of the peppermints is festive and perfect for the holiday season (a.k.a winter season).

Chocolate wafers

Chocolate wafers are a great option because compared to hot chocolate which can be quite creamy and rich, they are light and airy.

Their texture is what makes them a favorite for many out there (including yours truly). Plus, the chocolate flavor of the wafers will complement the drink perfectly.

Kettle corn snack mix

This might seem like another odd choice, but it’s a great option.

Kettle corn is a type of popcorn that is flavored with sugar and salt. The mix of sweet and savory flavors pairs well with the chocolate flavor of the hot chocolate.

You can add other things to kettle corn. Some popular additions include nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips. If you’re looking for a tasty and easy side dish to go with your hot chocolate, try kettle corn!

Donuts

How can anyone make a list of side dishes for hot chocolate and not include donuts?

Donuts are a great pair for hot chocolate because of their sweetness, fluffiness, and decadent toppings.

Pairing a hot chocolate with a donut is the perfect way to start your day or have a tasty snack. If you want to get creative, try dipping your donut in your hot chocolate. It’s seriously delicious!

Salted peanuts or almonds

This is a great option if you’re looking for something to add some salty crunch to your hot chocolate.

Nuts are another classic pairing for sweet drinks like hot chocolate. In addition, the saltiness of the nuts helps to cut through the sweetness and richness of the drink and makes it more refreshing.

Shortbread

Shortbread cookies and hot chocolate are a classic combination. The rich flavors of the chocolate go really well with the buttery sweetness of the shortbread.

Additionally, both shortbread and hot chocolate are made with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Shortbread cookies also have a great texture that pairs well with the creamy texture of hot chocolate.

When you take a bite of shortbread along with a sip of hot chocolate, you get a little bit of everything in each bite – crunchy, chewy, smooth, and rich. It’s an unbeatable combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

Ready-made chocolate bars

This might seem like an obvious choice, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s such a classic pairing.

There are so many different types of chocolate bars out there that you can pair with your hot chocolate.

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and even vegan chocolate bars are all great options. You can also get creative and mix and match different chocolate bars to create your own unique flavor combination.

Granola bars

Granola bars are a great option because they are easy to eat and they come in a variety of flavors.

Plus, they pair well with hot chocolate because the chocolate flavor of the drink can help to bring out the flavors of the granola bar.

If you’re looking for a nutritious and tasty side dish for your hot chocolate, this is the one to try.

Toasted bread

Consider this a blank canvas, where you can add any ingredient you desire and still have a wonderful experience alongside your hot chocolate.

When I’m making this for my family, I like to use whole wheat bread and add some cinnamon sugar on top. This gives the hot chocolate a little bit of sweetness and a lot of flavors.

You can also add other toppings like Nutella, marshmallows, or even whipped cream. The possibilities are endless!

Pancakes

Last but not least are pancakes. Hot chocolate and pancakes can never get old.

The two flavors go so well together because they are both rich and decadent. Plus, the pancakes provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the hot chocolate.

If you want something a little different, try adding some fruit to your pancakes or topping with whipped cream

FAQ

What is the best food with chocolate?

There are many different types of chocolate, so there are many different types of food that pair well with it. Some of the best foods to eat with chocolate include nuts, dried fruit, shortbread cookies, granola bars, toasted bread, and pancakes.

What is a good drink to have with chocolate?

There are many different types of drinks that go well with chocolate. Some of the best drinks to have with chocolate include coffee, tea, milk, and hot chocolate.

What are some good toppings for hot chocolate?

Some of the best toppings for hot chocolate include marshmallows, whipped cream, Nutella, and cinnamon sugar. You can also add different types of fruit to your hot chocolate.

Conclusion

So there you have it – 15 perfect side dishes for hot chocolate. Now, all that’s left to do is find a cozy spot, make yourself a mug of hot chocolate, and enjoy!