The first soft, fluffy flakes of winter have fallen on our city, much to the delight of my 2.5-year-old. I think he remembers last year’s crazy winter with a sense of wonder — and he’s ready for a second round! Me, not so much. However, knowing that this season is here to stay for the next few months, my family is excited for some fun activities this season — sledding, making snowmen (like Olaf of course), making snow forts, and laying down in the snow and creating snow angels. And having hot cocoa at a cozy cafe in Boston or while snuggled up inside our house tops our list. There’s nothing like a creamy chocolate concoction topped with mini marshmallows to complement the winter wonderland outside the window!

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Here are a few delicious ideas of where to get a tasty cup of hot chocolate in and around Boston outside the door of your own cozy home:

L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Tea Room
220 Clarendon Street, Boston
55 Brattle Street, Cambridge

An icon in Harvard Square for many years, Burdick’s now also hosts a location in Back Bay, offering a warm welcome to passersby. The Tea Room, part of the chocolate shop, has a variety of “drinking chocolates” on the menu that include an assortment of hot chocolates each more delicious sounding than the next. And this cozy establishment’s description speaks for itself: “Under a distinctive tiled roof and striped awning, the intimate setting offers a welcome respite from a day of intense shopping, perusing the stacks at the Boston Public Library or rambling along pathways in the Boston Public Garden.”

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar & Restaurant
745 Boylston Street, Boston

With chocolate seemingly everywhere but in the paint on the walls — or maybe it’s there, too? — Max Brenner does not mess around when it comes to chocolate. The restaurant states on its website, “Chocolate associations are expressed everywhere: in music, design and on the menu. It surrounds you and carries you away.” I’ve been here a few times (once while pregnant with my first son), and I can say without any hesitation that everything chocolate on this menu (and I’ve tried a good portion of it), especially the hot chocolate in their signature “hug mugs,” really will carry you away.

Taza Chocolate Bar, Boston Public Market
100 Hanover Street, Boston

Located in the new Boston Public Market by Haymarket and North Station, Taza Chocolate Bar brings a medley of local, yummy, fresh stone-ground hot chocolate drinks to this cool new market space. With its roots in Somerville, Taza knows just what Bostonians and tourists alike are seeking while out and about in the frigid New England temps — a cup of hot chocolate goodness to warm them up.

Café Madeleine
517 Columbus Avenue, Boston

Walking through the doors of this cozy French café may just be reminiscent of a scene from the delectable 2000 movie “Chocolat.” This cafe offers a traditional French patisserie experience, complete with pastries and beverages made from scratch by classically trained chefs. Try the “house hot chocolate” accompanied by a freshly baked dessert, and you’re in for a real winter treat!

Where are some of your favorite places in Boston to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa?

Kate Cotter
Kate came to New England for college a decade and a half ago, and fell in love with all things Boston. She is the mom of two beautiful baby boys, ages 2.5 & 10 months, and loves watching them explore this lovely area of the country, experiencing Boston through their eyes. Heart-filling: spending time with my family, spontaneous hugs, kisses and “I love you Mommy” from my boys, reading great books, fall in New England, the Adirondacks, golden retriever puppies (don’t have any yet!), coffee, champagne, and serendipity. Can do without: Boston traffic, inconsiderateness, never-ending winters and stir-craziness.