Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe: A Cozy Winter Treat

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Spiced hot chocolate is a cozy treat that warms you up on chilly days. It’s easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. You can create a rich, flavorful drink by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of chili powder to your hot cocoa.

This tasty twist on classic hot chocolate gives you a comforting drink with a kick. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste, making it as mild or spicy as you like. Try topping your spiced hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.

Exact Ingredients (Plus Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make spiced hot chocolate:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Can’t find some ingredients? Try these substitutes:

• Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
• Replace brown sugar with white sugar or honey.
• Swap dark cocoa powder for regular cocoa powder.
• Use ground cinnamon if you don’t have cinnamon sticks.

Don’t have star anise? Skip it or add a tiny pinch of ground cloves for a similar warm flavor.

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Add more or less depending on how spicy you like your hot chocolate.

For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end. Or top your drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Instructions

Here’s how to make spiced hot chocolate:

1. Pour milk into a saucepan. Add sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Whisk the mixture until smooth with no clumps.
3. Place the pan over medium heat. Add your chosen spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or nutmeg.
4. Stir gently as the mixture warms up. Don’t let it boil.
5. When it’s hot and steaming, remove from heat.

For mild flavor, take out the whole spices right away. For stronger taste, let it cool and sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours with spices in.

When ready to serve, reheat gently if needed. Pour into mugs and enjoy!

You can top your spiced hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows if you like. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.

For extra richness, try melting some dark chocolate into the milk as it warms. This makes it even more decadent.

Remember, the key is to heat slowly and stir often. This helps all the flavors mix well and gives you a smooth, creamy drink.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your spiced hot chocolate extra creamy by using whole milk or a mix of milk and cream. For a dairy-free version, try almond or coconut milk.

Adjust the spices to your taste. Start with small amounts and add more if needed. You can experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for unique flavors.

Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly. This helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother texture.

To save time, prepare a big batch of the dry ingredients. Store the mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, just add milk and heat.

For a fun twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows on top. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon or cocoa powder for decoration.

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

For an adult version, add a splash of your favorite liqueur. Bailey’s or Kahlua work great with the chocolatey flavors.

Don’t forget to stir your hot chocolate occasionally while heating to prevent scorching. Low and slow is the way to go for the best taste.