3 Super-Simple Gourmet Hot Cocoa Recipes for Backpackers

Is there any better way to celebrate the holidays than with a cup of hot cocoa around a campfire somewhere? If so, we haven’t found it yet. While Swiss Miss is OK, we know you can do better. We’ve collected three of our favorite easy, trail-ready hot chocolate recipes for your next cold-weather jaunt. —The Editors

Peppermint Swizzle

Transition from trail to camp with the calming aroma of peppermint.

• ¼ cup Nido (whole milk powder)
• 12 mini Junior Mints
• 1 peppermint swizzle stick or candy cane

Pour 8 ounces of boiling water into a mug with Junior Mints and milk powder. Stir with peppermint swizzle stick until Junior Mints are melted.

Marshmallow Nutella

Restore your energy with this creamy cocoa that infuses the flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts.

• ¼ cup Nido (whole milk powder)
• 3 Tbsp Nutella
• 2 large marshmallows

Dip one round end of each marshmallow in Nutella and set aside. Stir 8 ounces boiling water into a mug with remaining Nutella and milk powder until dissolved. Top with Nutella-dipped marshmallows.

White Chocolate Chili Matcha

Matcha and chilies, both well known for their health benefits, combine to warm your body and soul.

• ¼ cup Nido (whole milk powder)
• 1 oz white chocolate bar or 50 white chocolate chips
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• ¼ tsp ancho chili powder

Break white chocolate bar into small pieces and add to a mug with remaining ingredients. Stir in 8 ounces boiling water until chocolate is melted.

Originally published December 13, 2017; Last updated December 12, 2022