What better way to warm up, after a frosty winter outing in Des Moines, than with a warm mug of hot chocolate? Rosy-cheeked kids everywhere will agree: There’s something about hot chocolate that seems to just hit the spot when the weather turns cold.
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Now, put down that packet of Swiss Miss and check out one of these top spots for hot chocolate in Des Moines:
Café Diem
2005 S Ankeny Boulevard • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 964-7374
Located in Ankeny this local coffee shop and café caters to college kids and moms alike. They have a cozy vibe and their friendly staff are happy to provide suggestions. You can choose a classic hot chocolate or you can personalize it by adding flavors such as vanilla, pumpkin, caramel, or peppermint and the list goes on.
Chocolaterie Stam
Ingersoll Avenue (Des Moines)
Jordan Creek Town Center (West Des Moines)
Valley West Mall (West Des Moines)
Outlets of Des Moines (Altoona)
This chocolate purveyor is certainly not lacking for sweet treats – Chocolaterie Stam is a chocolate shop, coffee shop and ice cream shop all in one place. But for those who love the drinkable sweet stuff, their hot chocolate is a smooth blend of fine chocolate melted into milk. Delish.
Grounds for Celebrations
Beaverdale Place (Beaverdale)
Iowa Clinic West Des Moines Campus (West Des Moines)
Windsor Heights Shopping Plaza (Windsor Heights)
With three locations in the metro, it’s not hard to find your way to one of these quaint coffee shops. A cup of hot chocolate is filled with rich, deep flavors and is topped with whipped cream. Their drink menu varies slightly from store to store, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for on the menu, be sure to ask, there is a good chance the barista will be able to give you the hot chocolate that you’re craving!
The Coffeesmith
770 SE Alice’s Road • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 447-5137
You’ll find a decadent cup of hot chocolate on the menu at this independent coffee shop in Waukee. Kids will love the “Not-So-Hot Chocolate” which is Chocolate + Milk + Whipped Cream + Sprinkles. Since, it is a coffee shop there are also plenty of delicious coffee drinks available for parents who prefer it. Almond, soy or coconut milk can be substituted in any drink.
Ritual Cafe
1301 Locust Street • Des Moines, IA • (515) 288-4872
Indulge in a laid-back ambiance and savor a comforting cup of hot chocolate at Ritual Cafe, a beloved choice for both locals and visitors. This locally-owned gem, situated in the Western Gateway, is the perfect spot to warm up after a leisurely stroll around the sculpture park.
Smokey Row
1910 Cottage Grove • Des Moines, IA 50413
1530 SW Vintage Parkway • Ankeny, IA 50023
Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh (Grimes, Urbandale, Waukee, & West Des Moines)
This local coffee shop chain features hot cocoa on its menu, offering a delightful experience with a variety of coffee fixings and add-ins, allowing you to customize your cocoa just the way you like it. With two standalone locations and multiple spots within Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, you can easily find this java vendor across the Metro.
Zanzibar
2723 Ingersoll Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 244-7694
Zanzibar, a locally owned small-batch coffee roaster, is renowned for its expertly crafted beverages. Indulge in their house hot chocolate, a treat that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. For a truly decadent experience, don’t miss out on the Mocha Mex—an enticing blend of espresso, Mexican spiced chocolate, steamed milk, and whipped cream, guaranteed to add warmth to your winter days.
Did we miss your favorite spot for hot chocolate in Des Moines? Tell us about it!
