Dairy Queen was always a massive part of my childhood growing up in Illinois. Since the beloved ice cream chain started in Kankakee, IL, it makes sense, doesn’t it? We have one down the road from my childhood home, and in the summertime, my friends and I would take the walk for a few zebra cones or a bag of chocolate Dilly Bars. Not only that, we’d always stop for an Oreo Blizzard after a softball game well-played.
Now, it’s time for a tasty DQ comeback. That’s right…Frozen Hot Chocolate!
What Is a Frozen Hot Chocolate, Exactly?
This is your new-ish favorite menu item, guaranteed. The oddly, yet accurately, dubbed drink was actually introduced to the DQ menu for the first time a few years ago. Hot chocolate lovers everywhere tweeted and petitioned for the ice cream giant to release it one more time for the holidays, and like any people-pleaser, DQ acquiesced last year—and now, they’ve brought it back again for another year.
The Frozen Hot Chocolate is exactly what you think it is—with a little twist. The drink consists of a blend of rich cocoa fudge with DQ’s amazing (and totally classic) vanilla soft serve. Then, it’s garnished with some sweet whipped topping and a beautiful chocolate drizzle. Yes, please!
While we’re totally on board with the Frozen Hot Chocolate being Blizzard of the Month, this actually isn’t a Blizzard at all (so don’t expect the upside-down treatment at the drive-thru). In fact, Dairy Queen has already dubbed the Sea Salt Toffee Fudge Blizzard as Blizzard of the Month—which we’re definitely not complaining about.
When to Grab One
You can order this chocolatey treat from DQ in small, medium and large sizes right now. Be warned, though, the Frozen Hot Chocolate is only available at participating locations for a limited time, so check your local DQ—or call ahead—for details. Go to DQ.com for more information, and connect with @DairyQueen on social media with the hashtag #HappyTastesGood. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, your sweet tooth will totally thank you. DQ’s fall lineup is still on the menu, too, so don’t forget to try out November’s Blizzard of the Month while you’re at it.
Copycat Your Order with These Dairy Queen Recipes
Inspired by: Original Cheeseburger Signature StackburgerTwo mouthwatering burger patties stacked high with toppings like melted cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard. Our smash burger recipe is just like DQ's Original Signature Stackburger—and maybe even better.
Inspired by: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard TreatThese rich chocolate peanut butter shakes will make you feel as if you're sitting in your local Dairy Queen. But since you're the one whipping it up, you can add as many Reese's cups as you heart desires!
Inspired by: Pretzel Sticks with Zesty QuesoServe up warm pretzel sticks straight from the oven. Don't forget the cheese sauce! To make it zesty just like DQ's, add diced jalapenos and green chiles.
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
You don't have to be a baker to make this ice cream cake for your next celebration! This ice cream cake recipe is inspired by the DQ classic—made with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate ganache and a thick layer of chocolate cookie crumbles.
Get Our Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Inspired by: Chili DogThe very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes us giddy. Just add slightly melted cheese to get that straight-from-the-drive-thru taste.
Inspired by: Caramel MooLatteYou can easily indulge in a MooLatte at home anytime. This copycat recipe will give you the extra caffeine to get you through your day.
Inspired by: Crispy Chicken SandwichHere's our take on the Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Dairy Queen. We know everyone says theirs is better than the original, but ours really is.
Inspired by: Banana SplitServe up this classic Dairy Queen staple at home! We promise it's not as intimidating as it looks. Top scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream with sauce, whipped cream, strawberry slices and bananas. Sprinkle a few nuts on top for good measure, too.
Inspired by: Cheese CurdsDQ's cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Dip them in ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for the full experience.
Inspired by: Strawberry SundaeA simple scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry jam makes for the perfect treat. We like adding a handful of chocolate chips and chopped nuts to our sundae.
Inspired by: Chicken Strip BasketYou can skip the drive-thru and make these golden chicken fingers in your own kitchen. They're finger-licking good!
Inspired by: Strawberry ShakeNo matter what the temperature is outside, there's nothing quite like a cool strawberry shake to finish a meal. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for the finishing touch.
Inspired by: Onion RingsThese Dairy Queen-inspired onion rings are a healthy alternative to the deep-fried version. But don't worry, they're still as crispy as ever!
Inspired by: Mint Chip ShakeYup, we even have a copycat recipe for DQ's latest (and limited time) release: their Mint Chip Shake! Ours even uses up a handful of Thin Mints...talk about yum.
Inspired by: Hot Fudge SundaeOur hot fudge sauce always turns out smooth and yummy—just like DQ's. The dark chocolate flavor, with a hint of rum extract, is not overly sweet but will still satisfy a chocoholic's cravings when served over vanilla ice cream.
Inspired by: Cherry Misty FreezeBlend together a homemade Cherry Misty Freeze for a cool and refreshing treat. It's sure to hit the spot on both warm and cool days alike.
