Description
Warm winter nights get a delicious upgrade with this pumpkin spice hot chocolate, blending rich cocoa and autumnal spices into a comforting mug of pure bliss. Creamy, spiced, and irresistibly smooth, you’ll want to savor every luxurious sip of this seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Combine milk, cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin puree in a saucepan, whisking thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth base.
- Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and ensure even distribution of spices.
- Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, maintaining consistent movement with a whisk to integrate all ingredients seamlessly.
- Remove saucepan from heat source once the hot chocolate appears steaming and fully incorporated, approximately 3-4 minutes of total cooking time.
- Introduce vanilla extract and blend carefully, releasing its aromatic essence throughout the liquid.
- Transfer the velvety pumpkin spice hot chocolate into prewarmed serving mugs, ensuring even distribution.
- Optional: Crown each mug with a luxurious dollop of whipped cream and a subtle sprinkle of additional pumpkin spice for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.
- Serve immediately while temperature remains optimal for maximum sensory enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
- Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly hot chocolate.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for an adult twist on this cozy drink.
- For a richer texture, use dark cocoa powder and increase the pumpkin puree for a more intense, velvety hot chocolate experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Coffee
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg