There’s something magical about a snowy Michigan winter. The chilly sparkle of fresh snowflakes, the crunch of boots on the packed snow, and the endless joy of sledding down steep hills are the moments that typically define the season for me. But, one memory always rises above the rest: gathering around the kitchen table inside, cheeks rosy from the cold, to wrap my hands around a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Now, as a mom to three kids, I get to watch them experience the same joys of winter activities I did as a child. And just like it did for me, hot chocolate has become a winter ritual—a delicious reward after hours of sledding, snowball fights, or building snow forts in our backyard.
A Sweet Invitation to Memory Lane
When I sip hot chocolate, it’s more than just a drink—it’s a time machine. I’m instantly transported to my childhood winters in the mitten state. I can picture the snowy hill in our front yard, where we’d race down on plastic toboggan-style sleds, hoping to clear the berm to see who could go the furthest. I can feel the chill on my fingertips, the dampness seeping into my mittens, and the satisfying warmth of the fireplace as we headed inside to warm up.
Hot chocolate signaled that the fun wasn’t over just yet, even though we were now indoors. It meant sitting around the table with my sibling, marshmallows melting as we laughed about who wiped out the hardest. It was warmth, comfort, and connection in a cup.
Now, I get to pass that tradition on to my children. After hours of sledding down the same Michigan hills, I bring out steaming mugs of hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream and a dash of sprinkles. Their excitement mirrors my own from decades ago, and I see how this simple treat is already becoming a part of their winter memories.
Building My Children’s Winter Wonderland
Watching my kids exchange arguing and picking on one another to get outdoors and embrace Michigan winters together is a joyous thing. It reminds me of how the coldest days can create the warmest memories. They come running inside with pink cheeks and snow-dusted hats, shouting about the snowman they built or who won the snowball fight.
Hot chocolate has become a way to pause the chaos and soak it all in. As we sit together, each holding our mug, I listen to their stories and let the moment’s warmth settle around us. Those moments feel like a bridge between my childhood and theirs. I hope that one day, they’ll be able to recall how a simple cup of hot chocolate brought us together, no matter how busy or tired we were.
Favorite Recipes to Make Your Own Hot Chocolate Memories
Here are two of our favorite ways to enjoy hot chocolate at home. Whether you’re looking for something classic or adventurous, these recipes will warm your heart and spark new family traditions.
Homemade Hot Chocolate (adapted from Celebrating Sweets)
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of milk (whole, 2%, or we use extra creamy oat milk)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (you can use semi-sweet for a sweeter hot chocolate)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Add milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to a medium saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until warm but not boiling.
3. Add chocolate chips and continue whisking until they have melted and dissolved into the mixture.
4. Add vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Give a final stir and serve.
Mexican Hot Chocolate (adapted from Front Range Fed)
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of milk (whole, 2%, or we use extra creamy oat milk)
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or 1/8 tsp of chili powder for a less spicy version)
- 4 whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
1. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar to a medium saucepan.
2. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until it is warm but not boiling.
3. Mix in bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder until the chocolate is melted and dissolved.
4. If you used cinnamon sticks and/or whole cloves, pour the mixture through a strainer to remove them. You can pour the mixture into a large measuring cup or another pot, but you won’t need to heat it anymore.
5. Add the cayenne pepper (or chili powder) and vanilla.
6. Give a final stir and serve.
This winter season, I hope you enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and remember that memories can be made in the smallest of moments!
