Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
The perfect drink for this holiday season, this homemade gingerbread hot chocolate is a rich hot chocolate recipe with hints of warm spices and gingerbread flavor.
Are you searching for the perfect drink to warm up your winter evenings? Look no further than this tasty gingerbread hot chocolate recipe.
This irresistible concoction combines the decadence of hot cocoa with the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread, creating a cup of pure bliss that will transport you to a winter wonderland.
We recently installed a wood burning stove and sadly the weather turned from summer to winter in the blink of an eye. On one of the first days we had the fireplace fired up we ended up losing electricity. Which is a blessing in disguise.
It forces us to slow down. The kids begged for me to make them mugs of hot chocolate to sit around the fire playing games. How could I say no?
Since I was planning some content for the Christmas season I had some delicious spices and decided to throw them in. This kitchen experiment turned out to be one of the best homemade hot chocolate drinks they’ve had (or so the kids say and they are pretty darn picky).
Now that I feel like I’ve perfected the recipe, I cannot wait to get all cozy in our pajamas and turn on our favorite Christmas movies. Or sip it while we decorate our tree blasting Christmas music.
Recipe Highlights
- Perfect warm drink for cold days
- Super easy. Add the ingredients to a pot, whisk, and heat.
- Made from real food ingredients making it a little healthier than your average hot chocolate mix.
- Customizable. Add your favorite toppings to make it extra festive.
- Great for parties or just getting into the holiday spirit.
Tips:
- Whole milk makes this recipe have a lovely creaminess. For extra creaminess, add a drizzle of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add more spices if you like a lot of spices.
- Cocoa powder doesn’t mix super easily and has to be whisked a lot for it to be incorporated.
- Add some collagen peptides for a boost of protein and help balance out the sugar.
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Ingredients
Milk: I prefer whole milk since it makes it really rich, but any milk will do. You could even use a plant-based milk like coconut, cashew, almond, or soy milk to make a vegan gingerbread hot chocolate.
Pure maple syrup: For a more unrefined sweetener, sugar, or brown sugar will also work.
Vanilla extract: Homemade or store-bought.
Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, clove, and a dash of nutmeg. If you are not a huge fan of ginger, you can leave it out. It is still really delicious.
Salt: Just a dash to bring all the flavors together.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, cookies, etc.
Tools:
Whisk
How To Make Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
To begin, heat your milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
As the milk warms, whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Continue whisking until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Heat until desired temperature is met without bringing the drink to a boil or simmer.
Pour it into your favorite mugs. Add your favorite toppings.
Topping Ideas:
- Caramel sauce
- Mini marshmallows or homemade marshmallows
- Cinnamon stick
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed candy canes
- Sprinkle of cocoa powder
FAQ:
Can I make gingerbread hot chocolate without milk?
Of course! If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to let the gingerbread flavors shine through.
Can I make a large batch of gingerbread hot chocolate for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and adjust the cooking time as needed. Keep in mind that the gingerbread spices may become more pronounced as the hot chocolate sits, so you may want to taste and adjust the spices before serving to ensure the perfect balance.
What pairs well with hot chocolate?
Is there anything that doesn’t pair well with hot cocoa? Sweet or savory. Main dish or a sweet dessert. It pretty much goes with everything.
Can I reheat leftover gingerbread hot chocolate?
Yes, you can! If you have some leftover hot chocolate, simply transfer it to a saucepan and gently reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling it, as it may affect the texture.
Find More Delicious Drinks:
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Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or other type of milk or plant-based milk
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup honey, or sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- dash nutmeg
- dash salt
Instructions
- To begin, heat your milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- As the milk warms, whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt and nutmeg.
- Continue whisking until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Heat until desired temperature is met without bring the drink to a boil or simmer.
- Pour it into your favorite mugs. Add your favorite toppings.
Notes
-
- Whole milk makes this recipe have a lovely creaminess. For extra creaminess, add a drizzle of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add more spices if you like a lot of spices.
- Cocoa powder doesn’t mix super easily and has to be whisked a lot for it to be incorporated.
- Add some collagen peptides for a boost of protein and help balance out the sugar.