Custom DIY Hot Cocoa on a Stick Wedding Favors

Guests love favors that they can take home and enjoy in the days or weeks after your wedding, and we have just the thing! This recipe, adapted from King Arthur Flour, is easy to make – and oh-so-tasty! With only a handful of ingredients, these favors will be easy to make, and still look amazing. Package in clear boxes or cellophane bags tied with colorful twine and watch the child-like joy in your guests’ faces as they enjoy these sweet treats. You may want to leave some out at your coffee bar for guests to enjoy during your reception, because they are not going to want to wait to break into these.

Recipe for Hot Cocoa on a Stick
Yields 36 – 48 blocks (It all depends on how large you cut them)

Ingredients:
½ Cup Heavy Cream
14-Ounce Can Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 1/4 cups)
3 Cups Semisweet Chocolate (chopped chocolate bars or chips)
3/4 Cup Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
Plastic or Wooden Sticks (We used personalized swizzle sticks for a special touch!)

Hot Cocoa on a Stick Recipe and Tutorial

Line an 8" x 8" pan with parchment paper.
Heat the cream and condensed milk in a crock pot, on a low setting, until steaming – about 1-1.5 hours.  
We chose to use a crockpot so that we could work on some pretty packaging while the cream and condensed milk were warming. It also helped to keep the chocolate from burning, and keeps a nice even temperature throughout the entire process.
Once the cream and condensed milk are steaming, add both the semisweet and unsweetened chocolate. 

Hot Cocoa on a Stick Recipe and Tutorial

Stir gently to mix and cover the crockpot. Allow the chocolate to gradually melt with the lid on for about 10 minutes. 

Hot Cocoa on a Stick Recipe and Tutorial

Remove the lid and whisk vigorously until the chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is thick and shiny. 
Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan lined with parchment paper. Shake the pan gently to level. Set aside overnight to slowly set up, and then pop in the fridge for a bit to firm up before cutting. (If you want yours to set up more quickly, place in the refrigerator for a few hours until firm.)

Hot Cocoa on a Stick Recipe and Tutorial

Lift out of the pan using the parchment paper, and then turn out onto a clean cutting surface.
Cut off any rough edges to get make sure all of your cubes are smooth. Slice into ½” cubes. (You will need 2-3 blocks for each mug of milk at this size, but they melt more easily than larger cubes. If you would rather just cut them larger, that works too!) Heat a knife in hot water and wipe dry before each cut for smoothest cuts.
Stick a plastic or wooden stir stick into the center of each block.

Hot Cocoa on a Stick Recipe and Tutorial

Swirl into steaming hot milk – make sure it is steaming!
Add marshmallows if desired. Enjoy!

Hot Cocoa on a Stick Recipe and Tutorial

If you're feeling adventurous, we love these variations:
While the chocolate is melting, add a few drops of flavoring oil if you like; hazelnut, coffee, and vanilla are popular flavors.
Once you pour the mixture into the pan and smooth it out, sprinkle with cocoa powder.
After cut, roll in cocoa or crushed peppermint candy.
Add marshmallows to the top of each block using a dot of melted chocolate under each marshmallow, or add before your chocolate mixture sets up all the way.

Note: Hot cocoa on a stick will keep at room temperature for two weeks in an airtight container. If you are making them for your wedding and you want to keep them longer, put them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge or in the freezer, where they will keep up to 30 days.

Speaking from experience, these are absolutely delicious - so much more smooth and creamy than powdered cocoa! You can also get really creative with your packaging! To order custom printed plastic or wooden swizzle sticks, click here.

DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding

Ana and Cliff were married on a gorgeous April day in Michigan.  Their outdoor wedding was held at the bride's parents' home which was a bit nerve wracking due to the crazy weather mother nature was laying down on Michigan the week before.  (If you know April in the Midwest, than enough said). But the weather pulled through and this outdoor DIY wedding was nothing short of spectacular.  You are not going to believe the amazing details put together by the bride and groom.  Hint: A mountain of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a popcorn bar may make an appearance.  Of course all of this would not have been possible without the mad skills of Brandon Shafer Photography who helped bring it all to life.  Thanks for sharing!

DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real WeddingThe groom was dressed in casual denim and vintage tweed with a matching Polo bow tie.  Which was completely fitting for Cliff since he runs his own business selling unique vintage suits.  In fact, each groomsman rocked a different style vintage suit and shoes.  The biggest shocker yet...the men picked up all their attire for a steal at thrift stores and off Ebay.  Proof you can look dapper on a budget.

DIY Doughnut Bar Real WeddingAna and Cliff did a first look to share a special moment just between the two of them.  There is nothing more pure and romantic than when a bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day.  Which makes this sweet moment just between the bride and groom even that more special.  And we have to say a "first look" before the ceremony is also a great way to shake off some wedding day jitters.

DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real WeddingWords cannot convey how in love we are with this guest book sign in area.  Asking guests to mark their favorite passage in your Bible is such a sweet idea for any Christian wedding.  How amazing would it be (even years after) to look back through your Bible to see what friends and family have highlighted for you.  Definitely a sentiment worth cherishing.

DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real WeddingThis Krispy Kreme doughnut bar is to die for! Doesn't it make your mouth water and your eye's glaze over in delight (pun intended).  Set out some personalized goodie bags for guests to fill up and take home as late night treats.

DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding
As if the doughnut bar wasn't enough! A popcorn bar complete with M&M's, roasted peanuts, and other delicious toppings also greeted guests.  The best of both worlds; sweet and savory to satisfy everyone's palette.  What an adorable addition to an absolutely perfect DIY wedding.

Photography: Brandon Shafer Photography / Ceremony Venue: Kentwood Community Church / Reception Venue: Bride's Parents' Home / DJ: Celebration Entertainment / Caterer: Adeline Leigh Catering / Tuxedos: Thrift Stores and Ebay / Wedding Dress: Bridal Gallery / Makeup: Brandis Baughman / Hair: Cody Fugate / Groom's Shoes: Thrift Store / Bride's Shoes: Davids Bridal

1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot

Inspired by an infatuation with the aesthetics of both Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby, this styled wedding shoot features stately elegance contrasted by vivid passion. This is reminiscent of the traditional reserve that existed side by side with the uninhibited flapper culture. The theme and styling were designed and beautifully captured by the incredibly talented Michelle Marie Photographie.

The Philips Hotel in downtown Kansas City, Missouri was chosen as the shoot’s location for its historic art deco design and majestic ballrooms, proving to be the absolutely perfect backdrop for this stunning shoot. The colors and textures chosen for this shoot, from the flowers and apparel to the intimate reception tablescape, serve to illustrate the moods of the era. Pumpkin the Bulldog even made an appearance alongside our chic couple, adorned with an antique rhinestone collar! 

1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot

J. Lynn was responsible for wardrobe styling and provided all of the garments worn by the couple. The bride's era-appropriate dress is nothing short of spectacular and the groom’s fabulous beaver-skin top hat completes his look.

The artisan-crafted headdress worn by our stunning bride was hand-made by a local artist, Jamie Everdene of Waste Not Wear All. The silver headpiece is comprised of elaborately carved silver and copper with small accent pearls, and represents a modern interpretation of the art deco headpieces worn throughout the 1920s.

1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot

The miniature fan place cards were the main DIY aspect featured in this unique shoot, dipslaying each guest’s name spelled out in retro bubble stickers. We love these playful details alongside the elegant table settings complete with art deco inspired chargers, soft florals, and gorgeous glass and silver ware.

1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot
1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot

We can't get enough of this wedding inspiration shoot, with every last detail coming together beautifully, and we hope you enjoyed it as well! The passion in these photos is almost tangible. We think Christian Nestell Bovee says it best: “It is the passion that is in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness…”


Photographer: Michelle Marie Photographie / Reception Venue: The Philips Hotel / Dress Store: J.Lynn Bridal / Veils and Headpieces: Waste Not Wear All / Cake Designer: The Cakery Bakery / Floral Designer: Owens Flower Shop
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