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Gingerbread Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, and spiced with warm gingerbread flavors—everything you love about the holidays in a mug. Thick and indulgent, it’s the ultimate cozy treat for the season.
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: This is rich, chocolatey comfort with all the warm gingerbread spices we love. It’s like drinking the holidays straight from a mug!
- Texture: Velvety smooth and oh-so-creamy, thanks to the mix of milk and half-and-half.
- Ease: A simple stir-and-simmer process—perfect for a quick holiday treat.
- Pros: It’s festive, indulgent, and feels like a little luxury without a lot of work.
- Considerations: Molasses brings that bold gingerbread flavor, so if you’re not a fan of that earthy sweetness, you might want to adjust a little.
- Recipe Repeatability: Absolutely a winter must-make! Perfect for cozy nights, Christmas movie marathons, or a treat after a festive evening walk to see holiday lights.
The holidays are my favorite time to slow down and savor life’s little joys, like the magic of a steamy mug of gingerbread hot chocolate. There’s just something so comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and ginger mingling with chocolate—it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of holiday prep.
For me, this recipe is all about creating special moments. Whether you’re whipping it up to share with your family on a frosty evening or treating yourself to some much-needed “me time,” this drink feels like a warm hug. And don’t forget the gingerbread cookie—it’s not just a garnish; it’s a sweet bite of happiness!
Ingredients Needed for Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
- Milk and Half-and-Half: The combo makes this ultra-creamy without being overly heavy.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds a smooth chocolate base that balances the spices.
- Cocoa: Intensifies the chocolatey goodness.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the molasses and spices, creating depth.
- Molasses: Key to that gingerbread vibe—don’t skip it!
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg—classic gingerbread flavors that turn your drink into a holiday hug.
- Whipped Cream: The finishing touch that takes this over the top—fluffy, sweet, and made for swirling into each sip.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, less sweet flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cloves for an extra layer of warmth.
- Milk Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and half-and-half with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just note it may be slightly less creamy.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
How To Make Homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Mix the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, half-and-half, chocolate chips, cocoa, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
Step 2 | Simmer the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Be sure not to let it boil—you want everything to stay creamy and luscious!
Step 3 | Serve and Garnish
Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Top each with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa, and a gingerbread cookie perched on the side. Sip, savor, and enjoy!
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Recipe Tips for Gingerbread Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder
- Keep It Low and Slow: Simmer gently—no boiling! High heat can scald the milk or make the chocolate seize.
- Whisk Constantly: This ensures everything blends smoothly and you don’t end up with clumps.
- Double It Up: This recipe easily scales up if you’re serving a crowd.
Recipe FAQs
Add a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of allspice for an extra kick of warmth. To give some heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick.
Yes! You can prepare it a day or two in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Consider using a slow cooker to keep it warm for guests.
This can happen if the chocolate doesn’t fully melt or if the heat is too high. Make sure to whisk constantly and keep the heat low to medium for a smooth consistency.
Storage
Make Ahead: Prepare the hot chocolate, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, slow cooker, or microwave.
Leftovers: Store in a sealed container in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Freezer: Not ideal for freezing, as dairy-based drinks can separate upon thawing.
Perfect Toppers for Hot Chocolate
- Gingerbread Men Shaped Cookies: Gingerbread cookies come in all kinds of flavors; I love Walker’s gingerbread shortbread cookie or Stauffer’s Iced Gingerbread Cookies, which you can find on Amazon.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: You can make homemade whipped cream and stir in your favorite flavorings. Target also had great flavored whipped creams; my favorites are the hot cocoa flavor, peppermint whipped cream, gingerbread, eggnog, and creamy whipped cream.
- Sprinkles: Garnish with holiday sprinkles or dust with some cocoa powder.
- Drizzles: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce!
Shop My Target Hot Cocoa Picks
My Amazon Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas
Turn your Gingerbread Hot Chocolate into a festive experience by setting up a hot chocolate bar with all the toppings—marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes, and more! Check out my favorite hot cocoa essentials here!
What to Serve with Hot Cocoa
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate is already a cozy treat on its own, but pairing it with a few festive bites makes it even better. Serve it with soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars to double down on those spiced holiday flavors, or add a playful touch with sweet and salty Grinch Pretzel Bites. For something whimsical, Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats are always a crowd-pleaser, especially for little ones.
And if you’re looking for a more elegant pairing, a slice of White Chocolate Cranberry Tart adds the perfect balance of creamy and tart to round out your holiday table.
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Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Whipped cream for topping
- 2 gingerbread men cookies for topping
Instructions
- To a medium saucepan, add all the ingredients and mix until well combined.1 ½ cups milk, 1 ½ cups half and half, ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, Pinch of salt, Pinch of nutmeg
- Stirring continuously, simmer for 2 minutes. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
- Divide the hot chocolate between 2 mugs and top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa and a gingerbread man cookie. Enjoy!Whipped cream for topping, 2 gingerbread men cookies for topping
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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