Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice with the richness of melted chocolate. Whether you choose dark or white chocolate, the drink is decadent, cozy, and perfect for chilly nights. It’s a treat that feels luxurious but comes together easily.
The option to choose between dark and white chocolate means you can tailor the flavor to your mood—rich and deep or sweet and light—and there’s even an adult version with bourbon for something special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dark Chocolate version

• 1–1/4 cups milk (whole or 2% for best results)

• 1–2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (depending on how rich you like it)

• 1–2 tablespoons light brown sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger

• pinch ground cloves

• pinch kosher or sea salt

• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (or about ½ cup chips)

White Chocolate version

• omit the brown sugar

• replace semisweet chocolate with 2 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped (or about ⅓ cup chips) instead

Directions

1. In a small pot, whisk together all ingredients except the chocolate you’re using. Place over medium‑low heat and warm until bubbles begin to form around the sides of the pan.

2. Reduce heat to low, add the chopped chocolate, and stir or whisk until the chocolate is melted, glossy, and the mixture has thickened slightly (about 1–2 minutes).

3. Pour into a mug and top with lightly‑sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve immediately.

4. For an adult version: stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon just before serving.

5. For brown sugar whipped cream: whip ½ cup chilled heavy cream with ½ to 1 tablespoon light brown sugar until soft peaks form (note: this makes more whipped cream than needed for one mug).

Servings and timing

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 10 minutes

• Servings: 1 large mug or 2 small mugs

Variations

• Use almond milk, oat milk or another plant‑based milk for a dairy‑free version (adjust richness accordingly).

• Swap in milk chocolate if you prefer something milder than semisweet dark chocolate.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.

• Top with mini marshmallows or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

• Make it extra festive by stirring in a bit of pumpkin pie spice instead of separate cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.

• Serve in a small mug for a more intense “drinking chocolate” experience (especially with dark chocolate).

• For a chill version: let it cool slightly, pour into a glass over ice, and top with whipped cream for a pumpkin‑spiced iced chocolate treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• To reheat: pour the hot chocolate back into a small pot and warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it.

• It’s best served fresh, and reheated versions may be slightly less creamy, but still delicious.

FAQs

What kind of chocolate should I use?

You can choose semisweet dark chocolate or white chocolate, depending on whether you want a rich deep flavor or a sweeter, lighter drink. The dark chocolate version is very rich and almost like a drinking chocolate, while the white chocolate version allows the pumpkin‑and‑spice flavors to shine through.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree (not the seasoned pie filling) because pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which could throw off the balance of flavors.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use a plant‑based milk (like oat, soy or almond) and pick a dairy‑free chocolate. Also substitute the whipped cream with a coconut cream whipped topping or skip it altogether.

Can I make this in larger batches?

Yes — you can scale up the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, spices and chocolate proportionally. Make sure to heat gently and stir well when scaling up to ensure everything melts evenly and the texture remains smooth.

How sweet is this drink?

The sweetness depends on your choice: the dark chocolate version uses brown sugar, while the white chocolate version omits the extra sugar (since white chocolate is already sweet). You can adjust the brown sugar amount (1–2 tablespoons) depending on your sweetness preference.

What if the hot chocolate is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, whisk in a little more milk while reheating. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer for a minute or two longer over low heat to reduce slightly, or add a bit more chopped chocolate.

Can I skip the spices?

You could, but the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves are what give this drink its “pumpkin‑spice” character. Omitting them will result in a more basic pumpkin‑chocolate drink rather than a true seasonal flavor.

Can I add espresso or coffee to the recipe?

Absolutely — adding a shot of espresso (or strong brewed coffee) can turn this into a mocha style drink with pumpkin spice flair. Just reduce the milk slightly to make room for the coffee.

Can I store the mixture before serving?

You can mix the milk, puree, sugar and spices ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then heat and add the chocolate just before serving. However, you’ll get the best flavor and texture when made fresh.

What toppings are good with this hot chocolate?

Whipped cream (regular or brown sugar flavored), a dusting of cinnamon, mini marshmallows, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker for a “pumpkin‑spice s’mores” vibe all work wonderfully.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a delightful seasonal treat that brings together the warm flavors of autumn in one cozy mug. Whether you’re winding down after a crisp day, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this drink is easy to make and satisfies that fall‑flavored comfort craving. Enjoy it as is, tweak it to your taste, or give it an indulgent adult twist with bourbon.