Hot Chocolate Sphere at Elk Espresso, Broadbeach: If you like a bit of theatrics with your hot chocolate (who doesn’t?) then this is for you. It’s a tempered chocolate ball with vanilla bean marshmallows hidden inside – when you pour the hot chocolate liquid over the ball, it melts and the marshmallows pop out to say ‘hello’. So much chocolate-fuelled fun in one cup.

Signature hot chocolate from Paddock Bakery, Burleigh Heads: While some may wait for snow each winter, us Gold Coasters have other things on our minds – Paddock Bakery’s signature hot chocolate. Made with nothing but melted Lindt milk chocolate and Lindt bittersweet dark chocolate, this delectable drink is not for the faint-hearted. It’s served steaming hot and topped with house-made torched marshmallow. Run, don’t walk, to get yours now. 

A loaded hot chocolate from Oh My, Waffle, Burleigh Heads: There are three special words, when said together, that make our heart flutter – loaded hot chocolate. That’s exactly what’s on the menu at Oh My, Waffle in Burleigh Heads, and we’re here for it. Our favourites are the Campfire Hot Chocolate topped with Whittakers creamy milk chocolate, toasted mini marshmallows and crushed biscuits, and the Let’s Get Chocolate Wasted, a Nutella hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed Oreo.

Warm apple crumble pie from Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach: When it comes to delightfully decadent, handcrafted pastries and desserts, Bam Bam is the master. This winter, the team have concocted a warm apple crumble pie with toffee sauce and all we can say is, get in our bellies stat! The dessert’s puff pastry shell is filled with creme patissiere, cinnamon apple compote, vanilla crumble, fresh cream quenelle and comes with a side of sublime toffee sauce.

Porridge from Tarte Bakery & Cafe, Burleigh Heads: Much like Goldilocks, we love our porridge and Tarte Bakery & Cafe’s bowl of goodness is ‘just right’ in our books. These super-creamy oats come topped with with mandarin infused with cardamom-and-coriander syrup, house-made granola, freeze-dried raspberries and creme fraiche. It’s the perfect belly-warming breakfast!

Cucino Vivo Chocolate Sphere from Cucino Vivo, Broadbeach: If you’re looking to treat yourself to dessert after a sumptuous Italian spread, then Cucino Vivo has your back. Its famous chocolate sphere is made with hazelnut ganache, fig jam, Aero chocolate and served with vanilla gelati. It’s to die for.

Hot chocolate from Max Brenner, multiple locations: The iconic dessert destination doles out plenty of decadent creations, but its hot chocolate range is what gets our hearts skipping a beat in winter. Those who are particular about their hot choccies can order the Suckao, a create-your-own hot chocolate experience. You’re able to mix and stir your choice of chocolate (and the amount) in warm milk, creating the ultimate mouth-watering sip.

A ginger-snap latte on chai from Pasture & Co, Currumbin: When it comes to cosy cafes on the coast, Currumbin’s Pasture & Co takes the cake. Talking of cakes, there are plenty to be found in the cabinet (our personal favourite is the carrot cake), which pairs perfectly with the ginger snap latte on chai. This delicious drink is a warm hug in a mug on a winter’s day. Enjoy it by the fireplace for the ultimate snug experience.

Winter warmers from Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar, Broadbeach: Bringing together two of our favourite things – dessert and fine liquor – Cowch Dessert and Cocktail Bar is like a real life version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory where hedonism reigns supreme. Its new Winter Warmers menu is nothing but indulgent, and has us licking our lips in anticipation. Tuck into the creme brulee pancakes with salted-caramel gelato, hot custard, caramel sauce and sugar shards, or try the Nutella bueno pancakes with Nutella gelato, white-choc hazelnut sauce, waffle shards and strawberries.