Description
This Warming Gingerbread Hot Chocolate is a comforting and rich beverage perfect for chilly days. Infused with traditional gingerbread spices like cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and fresh ginger, this decadent hot chocolate combines creamy milk, molasses, and melted chocolate for a cozy drink that warms you from the inside out. Topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, it’s an indulgent treat ideal for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, spiced hot drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup cream
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 10 whole cloves
- 10 allspice berries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
Chocolate
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
Instructions
- Infuse the milk and cream: In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, cream, molasses, cloves, allspice berries, ground cinnamon, and sliced ginger. Heat the mixture over low heat, bringing it just barely to a simmer. Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it. Allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes so the spices infuse fully into the liquid.
- Strain the spices: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the whole spices and ginger slices. Discard the solids. Return the strained milk mixture to the saucepan and gently reheat it over low heat.
- Add the chocolate: Stir in the cocoa powder and chopped semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. Whisk continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and the hot chocolate thickens to a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into cups and serve immediately. Top each cup with whipped cream, marshmallows, or both for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of molasses or adding a little sugar if desired.
- You can substitute the whole spices with 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice if you prefer a simpler option.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream.
- Be careful not to boil the milk mixture to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, Spiced Hot Chocolate, Holiday Drink, Warm Beverage, Molasses Hot Chocolate
