Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is rich and creamy with deep chocolate flavor and the perfect amount of festive pumpkin spice. And it’s easy to make from scratch in just 10 minutes!
If you’re the girl (or guy) who counts down the days until Starbucks rolls out its seasonal menu, you are my people.
I’m all about those fall feels and this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe brings them out in a big way!
If you’ve never made hot chocolate from scratch, you’re about to find out just how quick and easy it is. And it’s way better than the powdered stuff!
With just a little more effort than opening up bag of Swiss Miss (but way less effort than driving to your local Starbucks) you’ll have a gorgeous festive cup of fall in almost no time.
Canned pumpkin + pumpkin pie spice pack a ton of seasonal flavor in this recipe. We use two kinds of chocolate for deep flavor. Because what’s hot chocolate without packing a good amount of chocolate?
Don’t be tempted to use skim or 1% milk here. Whole milk adds that rich creaminess that we’re going for.
And the best part is, you can deck out the top of this with whatever fancy or festive garnishes you want!
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The Best Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- 90% cacao dark chocolate
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- Chop the chocolate.
- Add everything except the chopped chocolate to a saucepan.
- Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the chopped chocolate.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
Variations on This Recipe
- Play with the sweetener. Instead of using sugar, I really like using maple syrup.
- Caffeinate it. Add 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder.
- Top it with whatever you like. Whipped cream is a must for me, but after that it’s whatever I’m in the mood for! A drizzle of caramel would be good, and sometimes I’ll crush up gingersnap cookies and sprinkle them on top.
Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- Don’t try to save calories and use skim or 1% milk. We need the creaminess of whole milk here.
- Make sure you use unsweetened pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and will make this drink too sweet.
- Salt might sound like a weird addition, but don’t skip it! It helps create a balanced flavor profile and pull out all the other flavors going on.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate FAQs
Can You Get Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate at Starbucks?
Yes! Just ask for a Grande Hot Chocolate with two pumps of Pumpkin Spice Syrup.
What is Pumpkin Spice?
Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
If you don’t have pumpkin spice, for this recipe you can use 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.
Can I Make This with Instant Hot Chocolate?
Well, technically yes. But it’s so much better from scratch! The flavor is deeper, richer, and more nuanced.
But if you really want, you can transform a packet of regular instant hot chocolate into a festive Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate! To do so, mix it with milk as directed, and add 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin puree and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
More Pumpkin Treats to Try
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 1 ounce 90% cacao dark chocolate finely chopped
Optional Garnish Ideas:
- Whipped cream
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt to a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine.
- Once simmering, whisk in the chopped chocolate.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Pour into 2 mugs and top with any garnishes you like.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information for this recipe was calculated without the optional garnishes.
Nutrition
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