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- 2 cups milk (or any non-dairy milk of your choice) - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon molasses - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt - Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping - Crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for a delicious gingerbread hot chocolate. Start with milk or a non-dairy choice. I often use almond or oat milk for a creamy touch. Next, use unsweetened cocoa powder. This gives a rich chocolate taste without extra sugar. Brown sugar adds sweetness, while molasses brings a deep, warm flavor. Spices are key. Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg create that cozy vibe. A bit of vanilla extract enhances the aroma. Don’t forget a pinch of salt. It balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors. Lastly, toppings make it fun! Whipped cream or marshmallows add fluffiness. Crushed gingerbread cookies on top not only look nice but also add crunch and flavor. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a warm, rich drink for cold days. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by pouring 2 cups of milk into a small saucepan. You can use any non-dairy milk if you prefer. - Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the milk. - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the mixture continuously. This helps the cocoa powder dissolve well. - Heat it until warm, but do not let it boil. This keeps your hot chocolate smooth and rich. - Once the cocoa is blended, add in 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar. - Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of molasses for that deep flavor. - Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. - Pour in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. - Keep whisking until all ingredients mix well. Your hot chocolate will become creamy and smooth. - Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. - Stir occasionally. This ensures nothing sticks to the bottom of the saucepan. - When it reaches your preferred temperature, remove the saucepan from heat. - Pour the rich mixture into two mugs carefully. - Top each mug with whipped cream or marshmallows for a delightful finish. - Finally, sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies on top for a festive touch. To make your gingerbread hot chocolate even better, try adding more spices. A dash of allspice or cardamom can boost the flavor nicely. You can also use a splash of almond or peppermint extract for a fun twist. For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk or a rich non-dairy milk like coconut. Heat your milk slowly, and whisk it well to blend the cocoa and sugar fully. This helps create a smooth drink. One common mistake is boiling the milk. Always heat it gently over medium heat. Boiling can change the flavor and texture. Keep stirring to mix everything well. Also, ensure you mix the cocoa powder with the milk first. If you don’t, it may clump. Whisking continuously helps keep the blend smooth and creamy. Gingerbread hot chocolate is perfect for winter gatherings. Serve it at holiday parties or cozy nights in with friends. Pair it with a slice of gingerbread cake for a delightful treat. You can also enjoy it by a warm fire, wrapped in a blanket. This makes the drink even more special and comforting. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: For a richer flavor, opt for premium unsweetened cocoa powder. It makes a significant difference in the taste of your hot chocolate. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and molasses to suit your taste. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile. Keep it Warm: If you're serving a crowd, keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker on low heat. This way, everyone can enjoy it at the perfect temperature without needing to reheat. Garnish Creatively: Besides crushed gingerbread cookies, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra festive touch. {{image_4}} For a vegan twist, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. They work well in this recipe. You can keep the cocoa powder and spices the same. Adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. This will give a nice flavor without dairy. Want to warm up your evening? Add a splash of rum or bourbon to your hot chocolate. Start with one ounce and taste as you go. You can also mix in some peppermint schnapps for a festive touch. Just remember to balance the flavors. Too much spirit can overpower the chocolate. For the little ones, skip the alcohol and keep it simple. Use flavored syrups like caramel or hazelnut to make it fun. You can also add whipped cream or marshmallows on top for extra joy. This keeps the drink sweet and exciting for kids. To store your gingerbread hot chocolate, cool it first. Then, pour it into a clean jar or container. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. The hot chocolate stays good for up to three days in the fridge. Before serving, give it a good stir. This helps mix any settled ingredients. When reheating, do it slowly. Pour the cold hot chocolate into a saucepan. Warm it on low heat. Stir gently to avoid scorching. If it seems thick, add a splash of milk. This helps bring back its smooth texture. Yes, you can freeze gingerbread hot chocolate! Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It will keep for about one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring well to restore its creamy goodness. You can use any milk you like. Dairy milk gives a rich taste. I prefer whole milk for its creaminess. Non-dairy options are great too. Almond milk adds a nutty flavor. Oat milk gives a smooth texture. Soy milk is another good choice. Each option affects the taste, so try different kinds! Yes, you can! Make it and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. When you’re ready, heat it gently on the stove. Stir well to mix everything again. This way, you save time for cozy moments! You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. They add sweetness without the calories. Just remember, the flavor may change slightly. Taste as you go to get it just right. Making it sugar-free keeps it tasty and guilt-free! In this post, we explored how to make delicious gingerbread hot chocolate. We covered the key ingredients, including milk, cocoa, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to avoid common mistakes. You can also customize your drink with variations for vegans, kids, or even spiked options. Remember to store any leftovers properly for future enjoyment. This warm drink is perfect for winter gatherings, so don’t hesitate to try it. You’ll impress friends and family with your tasty skills!

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

A festive and creamy hot chocolate with gingerbread flavors, perfect for winter evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups milk (or any non-dairy milk of your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 serving whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
  • 1 serving crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, pour in the milk and add the cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved. Heat the mixture until it’s warm but do not allow it to boil.
  • Once the cocoa is well incorporated, add the brown sugar, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until all ingredients are fully blended and the hot chocolate becomes creamy and smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the saucepan.
  • When your hot chocolate reaches your preferred temperature, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully pour the rich mixture into two mugs.
  • For the delightful finishing touch, top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fluffy marshmallows.
  • To elevate the celebratory flavor, sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies over the top as a garnish, adding a festive flair.

Notes

Pair with gingerbread cake for a delightful treat.
Keyword gingerbread, hot chocolate, winter drink