Description
This rich and creamy hot chocolate is infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of chili powder. It is perfect for chilly days and offers a balance of sweetness and spice that elevates the classic hot chocolate experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or finely chopped dark chocolate)
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Cinnamon stick or star anise (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Warm the mixture until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Mix the Cocoa Base: Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili powder until fully dissolved.
- Add Chocolate: Stir in the dark chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Simmer and Flavor: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Serve: Pour the spiced hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced goodness.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Adding chili powder is optional but gives a subtle kick that pairs well with the spices.
- Blend the hot chocolate with an immersion blender before serving for a frothy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~100mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~6g
- Cholesterol: ~25mg
Keywords: Spiced hot chocolate, hot cocoa, warm beverages, winter drinks, cozy recipes, chocolate drink, cinnamon hot chocolate, holiday drinks.