Boost Store-Bought Hot Chocolate Mix With A Nutella Swirl

There are few things as comforting and nostalgic as a large mug of hot cocoa dolloped with whipped cream or mini marshmallows on a cold winter evening. Luckily, there are store-bought hot chocolate mixes that make the treat convenient and easy to whip up. But did you know there's a simple way to make those hot chocolate packets even better, all with a simple scoop of something you probably already have in the pantry? Hot chocolate, meet Nutella spread.

Nutella — the decadently creamy chocolate and hazelnut spread– is perfect when swirled into hot chocolate. Plus, it makes the boxed stuff taste fuller and nuttier with every sip. To add Nutella to a store-bought hot chocolate mix, simply heat your milk of choice (dairy or plant-based) in a small pot on the stovetop, then scoop the chocolaty spread out of the jar and whisk it in with the milk. Once it's fully combined, add the contents of your hot chocolate packet. Whisk everything together continuously until homogenous. The result will be a hot chocolate that's a bit thicker, sweeter, nutty, and undeniably rich. Though it's important to differentiate between the best and worst hot cocoa mixes before picking up a box, adding in some Nutella will elevate pretty much any version of the store-bought stuff. 

When the craving strikes to make Nutella hot cocoa, the process can be as seamless or as involved as you like. For those who want to enjoy their Nutella steeped in milk (we don't blame you), you can simply mix a couple of tablespoons of the spread into a couple of cups of low-simmering milk on the stovetop, then whisk the two ingredients together until steamy and combined. This is also a great option if you forgot to buy a box of hot chocolate, but want to enjoy the treat nonetheless.

If you opt to make your mug of store-bought hot chocolate mix in the microwave, just prepare the drink as usual — pouring in the cocoa packet, adding a swirl of Nutella, and whisking it with a fork. Whatever way you prepare it (on the stovetop or in the microwave), just make sure the milk is nice and hot, so that the thick spread can melt and dissolve. Whisk the drink well to ensure the hazelnut and chocolate flavors are incorporated.

If you do have some extra time to spend making your cup of Nutella hot cocoa, you could always make the drink from scratch by heating milk, and then whisking in Nutella, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla. You can even top your cup with whipped cream and chopped hazelnut pieces. Or, add Nutella to peppermint hot chocolate for an extra seasonal version of the already festive drink.