Drinks

Warming Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

ByElara Stone December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Introduction

This warming gingerbread hot chocolate is the perfect cozy treat for chilly days. Infused with aromatic spices and rich chocolate, it brings the comforting flavors of gingerbread into a delicious drink.

The image shows two mugs filled with a rich drink topped with a tall swirl of white whipped cream. The closest mug is a rustic metal cup, filled to the brim with three layers: a dark drink at the bottom, thick white whipped cream in the middle, and a small brown star-shaped cookie with a silver bead on top as the final layer. A sprig of green rosemary rests against the whipped cream. Behind it, a white mug features a gingerbread man design, also filled with dark drink and white whipped cream piped high with red and green sprinkles, topped with a small gingerbread cookie shaped like a bear. Both mugs sit on a white marbled surface, with soft light and blurred background elements that add warmth to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup cream
2 tablespoons molasses
10 whole cloves
10 allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Whipped cream (optional)
Marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine milk, cream, molasses, cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon, and sliced ginger. Heat over low heat until it just starts to simmer, then remove from heat. Cover the saucepan and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Strain out the spices and ginger, discarding them. Return the milk mixture to the saucepan and reheat gently. Stir in the cocoa powder and chopped chocolate. Whisk continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is thick and smooth.
Step 3: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or both, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick that complements the gingerbread spices.
Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure no spice fragments remain in the final drink for a smooth texture.

Storage

Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to restore smoothness. Avoid boiling after reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two mugs filled with hot chocolate topped with big swirls of white whipped cream. The front mug is a metal tin with a rustic look, filled with dark brown hot chocolate and topped with a star-shaped gingerbread cookie with a small silver decoration on top. A small green rosemary sprig is placed behind the cream. The second mug, white with gingerbread man decoration, is slightly blurred in the background, topped with whipped cream sprinkled with small red and green sprinkles and two gingerbread cookies in the shapes of a person and a star. Around the mugs on a white marbled surface are several gingerbread cookies in different shapes, including a doily-like covered one, a small star, and a gingerbread man. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spiced milk base ahead and refrigerate it before adding the cocoa and chocolate. Reheat and whisk in the chocolate just before serving for the freshest taste.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate provides a rich flavor that balances the spices well. Feel free to adjust the amount or use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter drink.