Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 2
★★★★★
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Warm up your winter nights with a cozy mug of Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. This rich and creamy drink combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with the indulgence of hot chocolate, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season or any chilly evening.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Whole milk and heavy cream form the creamy base, giving your hot chocolate a rich texture. Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the chocolatey goodness without overpowering sweetness, while brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor, complementing the spices. The real magic happens with molasses, which deepens the gingerbread notes. Spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evoke the warmth of gingerbread cookies. Finally, a splash of vanilla extract ties all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer your hot chocolate a bit thicker, simmer the mixture a little longer before adding the vanilla.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute with almond or oat milk, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Use a fine mesh sieve to ensure your cocoa powder and spices are clump-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Gingerbread Hot Chocolate pairs wonderfully with a slice of spiced cake or a few buttery shortbread cookies. For a special touch, serve with a cinnamon stick in each mug for stirring and added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the base and reheat it gently before serving, but wait to add the vanilla and toppings until just before serving.
What if I don't have molasses?
You can substitute with extra brown sugar or honey, though the flavor will be less deep.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Pour in the milk and heavy cream and give it an occasional stir until the mixture is warm. You don’t want it to boil — just nicely warmed up.

Next, add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and molasses. Whisk these in patiently until everything's smoothly combined, with no lumps of cocoa or sugar left behind.

Now, sprinkle in the spices: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir frequently, ensuring the spices are well distributed as you continue to heat the mixture. Keep an eye on it, making sure it gets hot but doesn’t start to boil.

Once it's perfectly heated, take the saucepan off the burner and stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the aroma really comes alive.

Pour your gingerbread hot chocolate into mugs, dollop some whipped cream on top, and finish with a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies. Serve it up immediately and enjoy the warmth.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings the festive flavors of gingerbread into a comforting drink.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 15 minutes!
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet night in with a book.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp molasses
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping
Crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until warm.
2. Add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and molasses to the milk mixture. Whisk until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved.
3. Stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Continue to heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with crushed gingerbread cookies. Serve immediately.

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