Warm up your winter with this cozy gingerbread hot chocolate! It’s a sweet blend of rich cocoa, creamy milk, and a hint of spicy gingerbread flavor that will make you feel all snuggly inside.
If you’re like me, you’ll want extra marshmallows on top. 🤗 Just one sip brings back merry holiday vibes! Making this drink is a breeze, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying by the fireplace!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This gives a rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, try using almond milk or oat milk. Both work great and still provide a nice creaminess!
Heavy Cream: This adds extra richness. You can skip it if you want a lighter drink or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key here. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you could use a chocolate syrup, but be sure to adjust sugar since it’s sweetened.
Brown Sugar: It adds that deeper sweetness. If you’re out, regular granulated sugar works fine, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Spices: Ground ginger and the other spices give the gingerbread flavor. If you have gingerbread spice mix, you can use that instead for convenience.
How Can I Make Sure My Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
To get that perfectly smooth hot chocolate, the key is in how you heat the mixture. Start by whisking together all the ingredients over medium heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all ingredients except for chocolate and vanilla in a saucepan.
- Heat gently while whisking. Make sure not to boil, as boiling can give a grainy texture.
- Once warm, add the chocolate and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Lastly, remove from heat and mix in the vanilla.
This careful heating allows all the flavors to blend well without compromising the creaminess. Enjoy your comforting cup of gingerbread hot chocolate!
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Grated nutmeg or cinnamon, for garnish
- Gingerbread cookies, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This warming gingerbread hot chocolate will take about 10 minutes to prepare. Just whisk, heat, and serve! Perfect for a cozy evening or holiday gathering, you’ll want to sip on this delicious drink all season long.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This mixture creates a rich and flavorful base for your hot chocolate!
2. Heat the Mixture:
Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it’s warm, ensuring that the cocoa powder and sugar dissolve completely. This will take about 5 minutes, but be careful not to let it boil, as that can affect the taste and texture.
3. Stir in the Chocolate:
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the warm mixture. Stir continuously until all the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and silky.
4. Add the Finishing Touch:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious extra flavor. Yum!
5. Serve it Up:
Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Be generous, as this is a treat you’ll want to savor!
6. Add Toppings:
Top each mug with a fluffy pile of whipped cream, and lightly dust the whipped cream with grated nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Don’t forget the gingerbread cookie garnish on the rim—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while it’s warm and cozy. Each sip is a delightful blend of chocolate and gingerbread spices that will warm you from the inside out!
This gingerbread hot chocolate is perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings, giving you all the beloved flavors of winter in a cozy drink. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice, such as almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose what you enjoy best!
How Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Vegan?
To make a vegan version of this gingerbread hot chocolate, simply use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and replace the heavy cream with a nut cream or coconut cream. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan treat!
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate in Advance?
XYes, you can! Prepare the hot chocolate mix (minus the whipped cream and cookie garnish), and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and add your toppings before serving!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to ensure it’s warmed evenly. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened up a bit.