Imagine wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate—a blissful, creamy drink that delivers all the cozy autumnal flavors you crave in a single, decadent sip. This recipe brings together rich chocolate, velvety pumpkin, and a hint of warm spice into an irresistibly comforting beverage that’s perfect for chilly nights, festive gatherings, or simply treating yourself. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast or just love a new twist on classic hot chocolate, this drink is bound to become your new fall favorite.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create that signature creamy texture and deep, spiced flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap too many things—each one adds something special to the finished mug!

Whole milk (2 cups): The foundation of our hot chocolate, providing richness and creaminess. Use your favorite milk alternative for a dairy-free version.
Canned pumpkin purée (¼ cup): Adds velvety body and unmistakable pumpkin flavor—just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): For that deep, classic chocolatey goodness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): Sweetens the drink just enough, but feel free to tweak based on your preferences or the sweetness of your chocolate chips.
Pumpkin pie spice (¼ teaspoon, plus more for topping): The secret to that warm, spiced aroma and flavor—don’t forget a little extra for sprinkling!
Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Brings a lovely depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors and keeps the drink from being one-note.
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips (¼ cup): Melt in for extra richness and a luscious, silky finish—choose your preferred level of darkness.
Whipped cream, for serving (optional): Totally indulgent, totally worth it, and perfect for catching a sprinkle of extra spice on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Whisk It All Together

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and just a pinch of salt. This step ensures your pumpkin and cocoa blend seamlessly into the milk, preventing any clumps and guaranteeing a smooth, creamy base.

Step 2: Heat Until Steaming

Keep stirring your mixture frequently as it warms up. You want it to get nice and hot, with gentle steam rising, but not boiling. Stirring often is key to preventing any scorching at the bottom—plus, it fills your kitchen with the most inviting chocolate-pumpkin aroma!

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Chips

Add in the chocolate chips and whisk until they’re completely melted and the drink is silky-smooth. This is where the real magic happens—the chips give your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate a luxurious texture and even deeper chocolate flavor.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your hot chocolate a taste and see if you’d like to add more sugar or a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice. Everyone’s sweet tooth and spice preference is a little different, so make it your own!

Step 5: Pour and Top

Pour your hot chocolate into cozy mugs. If you’re feeling extra festive, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice. Serve warm and enjoy every sip!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Garnishes

Garnishing your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is half the fun! A cloud of whipped cream, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, chocolate shavings, or even a cinnamon stick for stirring can take this cozy drink to new heights and make every mug feel special.

Side Dishes

This drink is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with seasonal treats like pumpkin bread, snickerdoodles, or buttery shortbread cookies. For a brunch-worthy spread, serve it alongside warm pastries or cinnamon rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate in clear glass mugs to show off its gorgeous color, or set up a hot chocolate bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their mug. For parties, pour into mini espresso cups for a cute, sippable dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—just shake or stir before reheating, as some settling may occur.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this hot chocolate, the dairy and pumpkin may separate once thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and plan to re-blend or whisk thoroughly when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pour your refrigerated Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until steaming. Avoid boiling to preserve its smoothness.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is just as creamy and flavorful, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

What’s the best way to get a smooth texture?

Whisking thoroughly while heating is key, especially when adding the pumpkin purée and cocoa powder. If you want it ultra-silky, you can even blend the mixture before serving.

Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate scales up beautifully. Just use a larger pot and keep a close eye as it heats, stirring often to prevent scorching at the bottom.

How can I make it extra chocolatey?

Increase the cocoa powder or chocolate chips to your liking, or even try a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips. A little splash of espresso will also deepen the chocolate flavor and create a pumpkin mocha twist.

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Definitely! Homemade pumpkin purée works great—just be sure it’s well-drained and smooth. The fresher flavor can add even more depth to your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a mug of Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate when you want to feel warm, cozy, and a little bit festive. I hope you enjoy every creamy, spiced sip and share this recipe with your favorite people—it’s the ultimate way to savor the flavors of fall!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with this comforting and cozy Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, a delicious fusion of rich cocoa, creamy pumpkin, and warming spices. Perfect for chilly fall evenings and holiday celebrations, this easy stovetop recipe combines smooth melted chocolate with a hint of pumpkin pie spice to create a festive beverage that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Base

2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)

Flavorings and Sweeteners

¼ cup canned pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (plus more for topping)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Chocolate

¼ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips

Toppings (Optional)

Whipped cream

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well incorporated.
Heat the Mixture: Continue heating the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent it from scorching on the bottom. Heat until steaming and hot, but avoid bringing it to a full boil to maintain a smooth texture.
Melt the Chocolate: Add the semisweet or dark chocolate chips to the saucepan. Whisk continuously until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture becomes rich and smooth.
Adjust to Taste: Taste your hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or pumpkin pie spice if needed, stirring well to incorporate any changes.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. If desired, top with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for an extra festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Add a splash of espresso for a delicious pumpkin mocha twist.
This beverage is perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday gatherings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American