Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Pumpkin spice hot chocolate is a rich, decadent treat that is made with much less sugar than anything store-bought! A delicious, creamy way to welcome cooler weather!
This recipe is made with real pumpkin, real milk, pumpkin pie spice, and the only added sugar you’ll find is in the white chocolate chips! The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg and all the other warm spices that make up pumpkin spice is enough to warm you right down to your toes. This drink can served with a topping of whipped cream and cinnamon for an extra festive start to your day. Or, if you’re feeling super festive, spike it with a little bourbon!
About this recipe
If you’re a fan of Starbucks, then you’re going to love this pumpkin spice hot chocolate. If you’re not a fan of Starbucks then you’re going to really love this pumpkin spice hot chocolate because it’s better than anything you can buy at a coffee shop!
The recipe is similar to this pumpkin spice latte. It’s way too simple not to make it yourself!
In just 8 minutes, in one pot, you’ll have enough to share with a special someone but you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more.
It’s a decadent treat to enjoy throughout the fall and winter, and it’s much more cost-effective and healthy without all of the crazy amounts of sugar that comes in a typical indulgent drink.
Pumpkin spice hot chocolate is a deliciously smooth and creamy drink that both adults and kids love. Some adults may love a spiked version even more! When you wrap your hands around a hot mug much of this tasty pumpkin hot chocolate, it takes the chill right out of you.
Looking for other creative twists on a classic hot chocolate? Check out salted caramel hot chocolate, spiked hot cocoa, and gingerbread hot chocolate.
What you need
- Whole Milk – The fat in whole milk makes it even richer. Using anything else could change the consistency but it will still work.
- White Chocolate Chips – The cat’s out of the bag! You may have noticed by now that there’s no actual chocolate in this hot chocolate! White chocolate chips contain no cocoa but they are delicious and sweet, gooey, and melty nonetheless.
- Heavy Cream Adds to the thickness and richness and complements the whole milk. If you’d like to use all milk for a lighter drink, that’s totally fine! It won’t be quite as rich but it will still have great flavors.
- Pumpkin Puree – Pure pumpkin! Not pumpkin pie filling which has sugar and spice already in it.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – This warming combo of spices takes fresh pumpkin puree and brings it into pumpkin pie territory. So good.
- Vanilla – Another warming flavor that brings everything together.
- Optional Garnishes – Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish.
How to make it
In a medium pot, heat the milk, chocolate chips and heavy cream together on medium heat, stirring constantly to melt the chocolate, about 5 minutes.
Once the chocolate has melted, add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Stir well for an additional 3 minutes.
Pour into mugs and serve warm with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish.
FAQs
Pumpkin spice is a delicious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. It’s available at most grocery stores (or on Amazon) but if you can’t find it or prefer to make your own, it’s very easy.
Pumpkin spice is an exceptional blend of spices that can enhance or completely change the flavor of things like cupcakes, cakes, pies, bread, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, French toast, hot chocolate, smoothies, oatmeal, the list is endless! The flavor pairs well with nuts, raisins, chocolate, whipped cream, cream cheese, vanilla and so much more. It is magic!
Ways to use leftover pumpkin puree
If you’ve made your own, or you’ve opened up a can and don’t want the rest to go to waste, here is a list of ways to put it to good use!
- Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
- Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes
- Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins
- Pumpkin Sheet Pan Pancakes with cinnamon butter drizzle
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
How to make this pumpkin hot chocolate your own
- Additional garnishes could include a sprinkle of cinnamon, ground nutmeg, or ground allspice.
- Use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- For an adult version, add some bourbon, rum, or a pumpkin-flavored liqueur.
- Swap the chocolate chips for your favorite hot cocoa mix.
Make Ahead Ideas
This recipe will make enough for 2 people and it’s best served immediately!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 5 ounces white chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium pot, heat the milk, chocolate chips and heavy cream together on medium heat, stirring constantly to melt the chocolate, about 5 minutes.
- Once the chocolate has melted, add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Stir well for an additional 3 minutes.
- Pour into mugs and serve warm with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish.
Notes
- You can also sprinkle cinnamon, ground nutmeg or ground allspice for a garnish, as well.
- Nutrition information does not include toppings.
- For a lighter beverage, try using all 2% milk instead of whole milk and cream.
- Make dairy free by using almond or oat milk.