Description
A cozy and delicious Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate combining rich semisweet or white chocolate with warm autumn spices and pumpkin puree for a perfect seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cups milk (whole or 2% for best results)
- 1-2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (depending on how rich you like it)
- 1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch ground cloves
- Pinch kosher or sea salt
- 3 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped or about 1/2 cup chips)
Alternative Ingredient
- Omit brown sugar if preferred
- 2 ounces white chocolate (finely chopped or about 1/3 cup chips), instead of semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small pot, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This mixture forms the flavored dairy base of your hot chocolate.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the pot over medium-low heat and gently warm until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan. This ensures the flavors meld and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Add Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the finely chopped semisweet or white chocolate. Whisk continually until the chocolate melts fully and the hot chocolate becomes glossy and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Optionally, top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon for an extra indulgent finish. Serve immediately to enjoy warm and fresh.
Notes
- To make Brown Sugar Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a small amount of brown sugar until soft peaks form, then use as a topping.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon to the hot chocolate before serving.
- Adjust the pumpkin puree and brown sugar quantities based on desired richness and sweetness.
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture; 2% milk works well too.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
