Ever dunked a tangy pineapple slice into your hot chocolate? While biscuits are the trusty sidekicks of cocoa, there’s a world of surprising, delightful pairings out there. From the zing of citrus fruits to the unexpected union of goat cheese, dive into the tasty treats your hot chocolate has been waiting for.
When you are indulging in a cup of hot chocolate, you can enjoy the comforting warmth of cocoa with a sweet or savoury treat.
Whilst biscuits or cookies are the obvious choices, why not try something a little different such as the delicious pairing of tangy fruits? Citrus fruits are a great choice, while sour cherries, pineapple, and mango are delicious with hot chocolate.
For something a little more ‘outside the box’, try a cheese-based treat, tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with cayenne.
The history of hot chocolate is also a tale of what to nibble on whilst enjoying your drink.
Salty snacks clash with the richness of hot chocolate
To balance out the sweetness of hot chocolate, add some salty snacks.
Salty popcorn or salted almonds are tasty treats that work so well with the sweetness of the hot chocolate and will refresh your taste buds. In fact roasted nuts of pretty much any kind go well with chocolate.
You can even add a little salt to your hot chocolate. Lindt’s ‘A Touch of Sea Salt‘ Dark Chocolate bar is one of my go-to chocolate bars and, if memory doesn’t fail me, I’m pretty sure that one of Manny’s girlfriend’s in Modern Family recommend adding a little salt to a chocolate drink and, although Gloria was initially sceptical, she begrudgingly enjoyed it.
Need a fruity twist?
Citrus fruits are among the best pairings with chocolate, but sour cherries and berries also work well.
Each summer our garden is overrun with blackberry bushes and we enjoy a bumper crop most years.
Whilst we’re willing to share a proportion with the local wildlife, I like to ensure that at least some of it is used for crumbles and, of course, to add a fruity, seasonal twist to my hot chocolate.
I’ll go into more details elsewhere but if you’re a fan of red wine, you’ll definitely like my blackberry and hot chocolate recipe.
Classic tasty treats
Of course biscuits and cookies are always going to be one of the best pairings with a nice, warm mug of hot chocolate.
Depending on the sweetness of the hot chocolate, you will certainly need to vary the biscuit or cookie.
Another factor to bear in mind is the issue of “dunking”. I’m not a dunker and never really have been but it will also affect your choice of biscuit.
I quite like a shortbread biscuit with my hot chocolate. The simple, buttery goodness of shortbread is the perfect complement to my preferred style of hot chocolate – rich and dark.
Hot chocolate bombs
Another option is to make hot chocolate bombs – perhaps more of a thing in America than in the UK but if you’ve got a bit of free time and kids who want to get a bit messy, then why not give them a go.
They look fantastic, so make a few at a time and don’t forget the marshmallows!
There’s few better ways to enjoy a chilly, winter’s afternoon than making a delicious hot chocolate bomb or two with the kids and then enjoying them.
Churros
One of my absolute favourite treats to pair with a rich, thick hot chocolate is churros.
Although I’d had them a few times in the UK, it wasn’t until I tried them in Spain, with a really good Spanish hot chocolate that I truly appreciate their full glory.
Of course, if you can’t nip over to Spain to enjoy them, they’re easy enough to make or, if you really can’t be bothered with that, you can also pick them up in the supermarket these days.
Lidl often has them for sale, when they have one of their Iberian weeks.
What’s your favourite?
There are so many different ways to enjoy hot chocolate and the choice of what to pair with it will not only be affected by personal choice but time of day, who you’re enjoying your drink with and what’s available to you.
Hot Chocolate Pairing FAQs
What are some unique pairings with hot chocolate aside from biscuits and cookies?
Beyond the common biscuit pairings, hot chocolate goes wonderfully with tangy fruits like citrus, sour cherries, pineapple, and mango. For a savoury twist, try tangy goat cheese, especially paired with cayenne. Salty snacks like popcorn or roasted nuts can also complement the sweetness of the drink.
Can I add salty elements to my hot chocolate?
Absolutely! Salty snacks such as popcorn or salted almonds balance out the sweetness of hot chocolate. You can even add a pinch of salt directly to your hot drink. Lindt’s ‘A Touch of Sea Salt’ Dark Chocolate bar shows how well this can work!
How do fruits like blackberries fit into the hot chocolate mix?
Fruits, especially berries, are great with chocolate. Blackberries from your garden can be added to hot chocolate for a fruity, seasonal twist. If you’re a red wine enthusiast, combining blackberries with your cocoa can recreate a similar flavour profile.
Can I enjoy churros with my hot chocolate?
Definitely! Churros are a delightful treat to dip into a rich, thick hot chocolate. While they are traditional in Spain, paired with Spanish hot chocolate, you can make them at home or find them in certain supermarkets, especially during special themed weeks.
