Many people try making a hot chocolate charcuterie board, but end up feeling overwhelmed when nothing fits right or the board looks messy and unbalanced.
You gather all the toppings and treats, but still feel stuck figuring out how to arrange them in a way that looks fun and inviting.
Some things melt too fast, others fall over, and the whole setup starts to feel more stressful than cozy or festive.
You might run out of space, use too many containers, or forget something important like stirrers, marshmallows, or extra napkins.
It’s easy to lose the warm, comforting vibe when your board feels crowded or the flavors don’t mix well with the hot cocoa itself.
Even when the treats are delicious, the board can fall flat without a little planning and a few creative finishing touches.
What I love about building a hot chocolate charcuterie board is that it brings people together and turns a simple drink into something special.
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With the right toppings and setup, the board becomes a cozy holiday centerpiece everyone wants to gather around.
You don’t need anything fancy to make it look beautiful, just some color, texture, and easy-to-reach treats that match your theme.
So, let me share some practical tips and ideas to help you create a board that feels festive, fun, and perfect for chilly nights or holiday gatherings.
Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board Tips:
But before you get started there are some tips and ideas that I think will help you make the ultimate charcuterie board.
I have been making these for a while now and you can check out all the other charcuterie board ideas I’ve shared HERE.
What is a hot cocoa charcuterie board?
You may be asking what even is a hot cocoa charcuterie board. It is a relatively newer idea from the last few years and is a spin on the traditional hot cocoa bar.
A lot of people don’t have counter space or a bar cart to create a designated hot chocolate station and this is the next best thing.
Really all you need is a large cutting board and all the hot cocoa fixings.
When do you serve a hot chocolate charcuterie board?
You really can serve a hot chocolate board at any time of the year but mine is a holiday-themed one.
If you want to make one for a winter theme, then select white coffee mugs and desserts, and treats that are not in a red and white color scheme.
I love the idea of switching it all up and making one for the different seasons.
I also think these would be fun to go along with breakfast or any time in the evening next to the fire. Dare I even say you could take an assortment camping for a fun and hard-earned treat after a hike.
Can you make a hot chocolate charcuterie board in advance?
There are parts of a hot chocolate charcuterie board you can put together in advance.
Really gathering the ingredients and just having them on hand is the ultimate first step to take.
Then once you have your pantry stocked you can quickly layer your board with everything you need.
The actual making of the drink is part of the charcuterie board experience so your drinks will stay nice and hot.
Who is a hot chocolate charcuterie board for?
Okay really in my book a hot cocoa board is for everyone and not just the kids. If you love desserts then this is for YOU!
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If you have more sophisticated guests then you can offer them a plain white mug rather than these cute Santa mugs but I have a feeling those will be the top choice. LOL.
I have had these mugs for the last couple of years and even my husband likes to drink out of them to get into the holiday spirit.
What ingredients do you need to make a hot cocoa charcuterie board?
So you may be asking what you should include on your hot chocolate charcuterie board.
Here is my general list and you can add and subtract any items to customize it just for you.
- Santa Mugs or White Coffee Mugs
- Hershey Kisses
- Peppermint Spoons
- Candy Canes
- Mini Marshmallows
- Peanut Butter Wafers
- Pretzels
- Hot Cocoa Mix
- Crushed Peppermints
- Powdered Donuts
- Biscotti
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls
- Meringues
- Popcorn
- Chocolate Biscuit Sticks
- Mini Strawberry Cupcakes
- Small Bowls
- Large Cutting Board
How to Create a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board:
Once you have all your ingredients, the next step is to create your hot chocolate charcuterie board. This is so so simple and fun to do.
Step 1: Add bottle brush trees and coffee mugs
Place some holiday decor like bottle brush trees near the top in the center. Then place the santa mugs around the edges near the trees.
Step 2: Add bowl of hot cocoa mix and crushed peppermints
Next place the bowl of hot cocoa mix and crushed peppermints in the center of the board. I used gold measuring spoons as little servers.
Step 3: Add cupcakes and cinnamon rolls
Place the mini cupcakes and cinnamon rolls next to the outside of the board near the coffee mugs. These can be easier to get messed up if they are placed in the center of a board so I tend to place them next to the edges.
Step 4: Add wafers and biscotti
Fan out the biscotti cookies on the lower portion of the board and then stack the chocolate peanut butter wafers next to the cupcakes.
Step 5: Layer in donuts and meringues
Add in donuts and meringues to break up all the brown on the board and give it a snowy effect.
Step 6: Cluster chocolate biscuit sticks and peppermint spoons
Group together with the chocolate biscuit sticks and peppermint sticks and place them near the bottom of the board. You can stack them on top of each other to make it look fuller.
Step 7: Fill in holes with pretzels, mini marshmallows, and Hershey kisses.
Next fill in any blank spots on your board with the pretzels, marshmallows, and Hershey kisses. This is when more is more to give it that really full look.
Step 8: Add candy canes and marshmallow skews to mugs
Lastly, decorate the mugs with a candy cane and a skewer of mini marshmallows laid across the top of the mugs.
So there you have it, my friends! Who is making a hot cocoa charcuterie board ASAP??
More holiday Ideas + Inspiration
- 10 Amazing Hot Cocoa Recipes To Try
- The Ultimate Hot Cocoa Bar Idea
- 20 Delicious Christmas Cookies to Make
- Free Christmas Printables to Download Now!
Ingredients
- Hershey Kisses
- Peppermint Spoons
- Candy Canes
- Mini Marshmallows
- Peanut Butter Wafers
- Prestzels
- Hot Cocoa Mix
- Crushed Peppermints
- Powdered Donuts
- Biscotti
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls
- Meringues
- Popcorn
- Chocolate Biscuit Sticks
- Mini Strawberry Cupcakes
- Cutting Board
- Santa Mugs
- Small Bowls
Instructions
- Add bottle brush trees and coffee mugs
- Add bowl of hot cocoa mix and crushed peppermints
- Add cupcakes and cinnamon rolls
- Add wafers and biscotti
- Layer in donuts and meringues
- Cluster chocolate biscuit sticks and peppermint spoons
- Fill in holes with pretzels, mini marshmallows, and Hershey kisses
- Add candy canes and marshmallow skews to mugs
Frequently Asked Questions
You can include marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate chips, whipped cream, cookies, and small treats that pair well with a warm cup of cocoa. A great hot chocolate charcuterie board mixes sweet toppings, stir-ins, and snacks to give your guests plenty of options without overcomplicating things.
Start by placing bowls or mugs for dips and spreads, then build around them with toppings, cookies, and chocolate treats in small groups. When arranging a hot chocolate charcuterie board, use different textures and colors to make everything look full, cozy, and easy to grab.
Yes, you can prep your board a few hours early, but wait to add soft items like marshmallows or whipped cream until just before serving. A hot chocolate charcuterie board stays fresher when cold ingredients are kept separate until it’s time to enjoy the drinks together.
Hot cocoa is the main drink, but flavored versions like peppermint or white chocolate also pair well with your cookies, candy, and toppings. You can also serve coffee or warm milk for those who want a cozy option that works with the hot chocolate charcuterie board setup.
Keep the board away from heaters, fireplaces, or direct sunlight, and use chilled bowls for things like chocolates or cream-based dips. If you’re serving outdoors, prepare the hot chocolate charcuterie board last so everything stays cool and looks fresh until it’s time to enjoy.
