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Home Recipes Drinks

Homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

5 min
Avatar by: Lindsay Grimes
November 17, 2020 (Updated: October 26, 2022)
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side view of a red mug with hot chocolate, whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and spice sprinkled on top. text overly "simple & wholesome gingerbread hot cocoa."
overhead image of a red mug with a hot beverage and whipped cream inside, a cinnamon stick sticking out. text overlay "simple & delicious gingerbread hot cocoa"
overhead image of a warm beverage with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and spice sprinkled on top
Homemade gingerbread hot chocolate is silky smooth, rich, and easy to make! Use dairy or non-dairy milk, it’s such a cozy winter drink!

Gingerbread hot chocolate is going to be your favorite winter drink. Are you feeling the holiday spirit? Are you a wee bit chilly? Do you just want something chocolatey but with some warm spice?

There’s nothing quite like cozying up on the couch, watching a movie, and sipping on something delicious.

This homemade gingerbread hot cocoa is going to your new winter fave!

Check out some more fun drinks like this Mint Chocolate Smoothie, Super Indulgent Peanut Butter Milkshake and this 10-Min Creamy Chocolate Coconut Shake.

This hot cocoa is:

  • warm
  • cozy
  • perfectly spiced
  • chocolatey
  • can be easily made dairy free
  • easy peasy to make!
overhead image of milk, cocoa powder, agave nectar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice on a white counter
overhead image of two red mugs with warm beverages, whipped cream, and a cinnamon stick inside

Ingredients for gingerbread hot cocoa:

  • milk: I used whole milk, but you can use any variety of milk including nut milk or your favorite dairy free option!
  • cocoa powder: I used unsweetened cocoa powder
  • agave nectar: honey, maple syrup, or coconut nectar also work! You can also use granular sweetener – just make sure to heat the liquid enough so that it dissolves!
  • ginger
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • allspice
  • whipped cream (optional): but recommended
  • cinnamon sticks (optional): for fun!

How to make gingerbread hot cocoa:

It’s so simple! Place the warmed milk, cocoa powder, agave nectar, and spices into your blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a blender, you can place all the ingredients in a medium pot and whisk to combine over medium heat.

Divide between two mugs and top with whipped cream, and extra sprinkle of cinnamon or ground ginger, and a cinnamon stick.

Toppings and add-ins:

I topped mine with whipped cream, an extra sprinkle of ground ginger, and a cinnamon stick, but there are so many other fun possibilities!

Add a homemade gingerbread man to the top of your whipped cream!

Peppermint sticks or candy canes could add a fun minty twist to this gingerbread hot cocoa

Mini marshmalls, giant marshmallows, or regular old marshmallows. Basically marshmallows in any form are always a good idea.

side view of a red mug with hot chocolate, whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and a sprinkle of spice on top

Healthy ingredient swaps:

Make it dairy free: I used whole milk, but feel free to sub in your favorite nut milk or dairy free milk.

Sugar free: I’m using a refined sugar free sweetener, but you can sub in your favorite sweetener whether it’s an artificial sweetener or traditional granular sugar. Just make sure your milk is warm enough that it dissolves completely before you serve.

Cocoa v. Cacao. Cacao is less processed compared to cocoa powder, and generally considered to have more health benefits. Either one works!

Other cozy drinks you’ll love:

  • Red Velvet Hot Chocolate + Cream Cheese Whip Cream
  • Boozy White Hot Chocolate
  • Mocha Mexicana
  • Golden Milk Turmeric Latte

Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

overhead image of a warm beverage with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and spice sprinkled on top Recipe

Homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Homemade gingerbread hot chocolate is silky smooth, rich, and easy to make! Use dairy or non-dairy milk, it’s such a cozy winter drink!

AvatarRecipe by:Lindsay Grimes
Prep: 5 minCook: 0 minTotal: 5 min
Print recipe Rate recipe Pin Save recipe
Servings: 2 cups 1x

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk (or your favorite milk! non-dairy or nut milks work too)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (Cacao v. Cocoa Powder: What’s the Difference?)
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place warmed milk, cocoa powder, agave nectar, and spices into your blender.
  2. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Alternatively, if you don’t have a blender, you can place all the ingredients in a medium pot and whisk to combine over medium heat.

  4. Divide between two mugs and top with whipped cream, and extra sprinkle of cinnamon or ground ginger, and a cinnamon stick.

Nutrition Info:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 225
  • Sugar: 28.1g
  • Sodium: 99mg
  • Fat: 8.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31.4g
  • Fiber: 3.2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 24mg
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  1. AvatarBeth Cole says

    Posted on 11/22/20 at 9:00 am

    Could you use honey or maple syrup instead of agave? I am not crazy for agave and don’t have it on hand.

    Reply
    • AvatarLindsay Grimes Freedman says

      Posted on 11/23/20 at 9:18 am

      Yes either would work! Enjoy!! xo

      Reply

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Lindsay

Hi Friend!

I'm Lindsay I love sharing simple, better-for-you recipes. When I'm not in the kitchen, you can find me at the beach watching my kids boogie board and soaking in that warm Cali sun (with sunscreen, of course).

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