Spicy and Sweet Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe for Cold Days
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in cozy drinks that warm you up from the inside out. So, if you’ve been thinking about a hot drink that combines the rich sweetness of chocolate with the fragrant spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate recipe is exactly what you need!
I swear, this gingerbread hot chocolate will satisfy your taste buds. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly delicious – all you need is a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. Plus, the addition of whipped cream makes it even more indulgent, making every cup feel like a special occasion. Ready to dive into this delightful drink? Let’s get started!
How to Make Gingerbread Hot Chocolate?
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by adding the 4 cups of milk to a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat, and bring the milk to a simmer. Make sure you don’t let it boil—just a gentle simmer will do.
- Once the milk is heated, add the 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt into the milk. Use a whisk to stir everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth. Keep whisking until the cocoa powder dissolves and the milk is rich and frothy.
- While the hot chocolate is coming together, take some heavy cream and froth it until it’s thick and creamy. You can do this by using a handheld milk frother, a stand mixer, or even a whisk if you prefer. The whipped cream will add that extra indulgence and make your hot chocolate feel even more luxurious.
4. Once the hot chocolate is ready, pour it into mugs, leaving some space at the top for the whipped cream. Spoon the whipped cream on top of each cup of hot chocolate, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for garnish. You can also add a little extra sugar if you like it sweeter, but the whipped cream should already provide a lovely balance.
5. Sip and enjoy this festive, comforting Gingerbread Hot Chocolate! It’s perfect for chilly nights and cozy holiday gatherings.
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Tips and Variations
- For an adult twist, try adding a splash of rum, whiskey, or Baileys Irish Cream to your Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. It’ll give your drink an extra warmth and festive flair.
- If you want it to be dairy-free, simply swap out regular milk for a plant-based milk such as almond, coconut, or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free whipped cream as a topping.
- Add a little extra crunch by topping your whipped cream with crushed gingerbread cookies. It adds a fun texture and enhances the gingerbread flavor even more.
- For a richer, more intense flavor, swap out the cocoa powder for high-quality dark chocolate. It’ll melt into the milk for an ultra-smooth and decadent hot chocolate.
- Consider adding a dash of spiced syrup like cinnamon or caramel syrup to the hot chocolate for a unique, customized flavor.
Health Benefits of Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
- Cinnamon: This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it adds a warm, comforting flavor to your drink.
- Ginger: Ginger is known for aiding digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. It’s also excellent for boosting the immune system, which is especially helpful during the colder months.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radicals and support heart health. It also provides a satisfying chocolatey flavor without being overly sweet.
Make Your Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Today!
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate is a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat that brings together the flavors of the season. With rich chocolate and warm spices, it’s the perfect way to cozy up on a cold winter day. You can even customize it to suit your tastes!
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and indulge in a mug of this homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate—your taste buds will thank you!
Kitchen Tools You Need
- Medium Saucepan: This is used to heat the milk and combine the ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the cocoa powder and spices into the milk smoothly.
- Milk Frother or Hand Mixer: For whipping the cream to perfection.
- Mugs: For serving your delicious hot chocolate.
If you don't already have these tools in your kitchen, make sure to check out Zulay Kitchen for all the tools you need to create the perfect hot chocolate experience!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute any milk of your choice for this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate recipe. Dairy-free options like almond, oat, or coconut milk will work great as well. Just make sure the milk is unsweetened to avoid an overly sweet drink.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
To make a sugar-free version, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Be sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the substitute.
How can I make this drink extra creamy?
To make your Gingerbread Hot Chocolate extra creamy, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the milk mixture or top it with more whipped cream. Full-fat coconut milk is also a great creamy, dairy-free alternative.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftover Gingerbread Hot Chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can melt about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and stir them into the milk instead of using cocoa powder. This will give your hot chocolate a richer, sweeter flavor.
