If you’re looking for the perfect cozy drink to warm your heart on a chilly fall evening, look no further than this delightful Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate! This rich and creamy treat combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices, making it a beloved recipe in my home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this drink brings everyone together with its inviting aroma and luscious taste.

I love serving it at parties too! Just set it on warm in a slow cooker, and let your guests help themselves. Trust me, once you take that first sip of this thick and decadent hot chocolate, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my favorite fall traditions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious drink in no time!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet, spiced flavor—it’s like autumn in a mug!
Perfect for Entertaining: Set it in a slow cooker for parties; everyone can enjoy it at their own pace.
Rich Flavor: The blend of real pumpkin and white chocolate creates an indulgent experience that feels special.
Versatile Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make!

For the Hot Chocolate

15 oz can pumpkin puree
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

For Garnish

Whipped cream
Cinnamon sticks

Variations

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk to cater to dairy-free diets.
Add Some Heat: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Try Different Sweeteners: Use maple syrup or honey instead of sweetened condensed milk for a natural sweetener option.
Top with Extras: Get creative with toppings—try adding crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for extra flair!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Combine the Base

In a stock pot, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these ingredients until smooth is key; this ensures that every sip is perfectly blended with all those delicious fall flavors.

Step 2: Heat It Up

Place the pot over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer. It’s important not to let it boil, as boiling could alter the creamy texture we want. This gentle heating will help infuse all those wonderful spices into the drink.

Step 3: Melt in the Magic

Once simmering, stir in the white chocolate chips. Continue stirring until they melt completely into the mixture. This step adds richness and sweetness, transforming our hot chocolate into something truly decadent.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pour your beautiful Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate into mugs. Don’t forget to top each serving with fluffy whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. These garnishes will not only make your drink look festive but also elevate its cozy flavors.

Enjoy every sip of this delightful drink—it’s sure to become a new favorite tradition during those crisp autumn evenings!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is all about the little details—here are some tips to help you make this cozy drink even more delightful!

Use real pumpkin puree: Opting for pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling ensures that your hot chocolate has a rich and authentic flavor without added sugars and spices.
Choose high-quality white chocolate chips: The better the chocolate, the creamier and more decadent your hot chocolate will be. Look for chips with a higher cocoa butter content for an indulgent finish.
Experiment with milk alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try almond milk or oat milk. They can add unique flavors while still providing that creamy texture we love in hot chocolate.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Sweetened condensed milk provides a lot of sweetness, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. You can always add a touch of maple syrup or honey if you prefer it sweeter.
Keep it warm in a slow cooker: If you’re serving this at a gathering, keep your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate warm in a slow cooker. This way, guests can help themselves whenever they please!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Serving Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is just as fun as making it! With the right presentation, you can elevate this comforting drink into something truly special for any occasion.

Garnishes

Whipped cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream not only adds creaminess but also makes the drink look irresistible.
Cinnamon sticks: Using cinnamon sticks as stirrers not only looks beautiful but also infuses an extra burst of spice into each sip.
Pumpkin pie spice: A sprinkle on top adds visual appeal and enhances that cozy fall flavor.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Muffins: These moist muffins are bursting with pumpkin flavor and pair perfectly with the richness of the hot chocolate. Plus, they’re easy to grab and enjoy alongside your drink!
Apple Cinnamon Scones: The warm flavors of apple and cinnamon complement the pumpkin spice beautifully, creating a delightful combination that feels like fall.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Nothing beats classic cookies! Their crisp edges and soft centers provide a perfect contrast to the creamy hot chocolate.
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits: The savory notes from these biscuits balance out the sweetness of your hot chocolate, making them an ideal side dish for this rich beverage.

Enjoy crafting your Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate experience; it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy during the busy fall season or to serve at gatherings. You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store it so that you can savor its rich flavors whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover hot chocolate to cool completely.
Transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Let the hot chocolate cool before freezing.
Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
For microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe mug, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious drink.

Can I use almond milk in my Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate?

Yes! Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that will work well in this recipe, giving it a slightly nutty flavor.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate special?

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is special because it features real pumpkin puree and white chocolate chips, creating a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for fall!

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate?

You can reduce or increase the amount of sweetened condensed milk to adjust sweetness. Alternatively, try adding less white chocolate or using unsweetened cocoa powder instead.

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative, and use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate! It’s not just a drink; it’s a warm embrace on chilly days. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy sipping!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up this fall with a cozy Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate that brings the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices right into your mug. This rich and creamy drink is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or entertaining guests. Made with real pumpkin puree and white chocolate chips, it offers an indulgent experience that feels like autumn in every sip.

Ingredients

Scale

15 oz can pumpkin puree
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips

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Instructions

In a stock pot, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer; do not boil.
Stir in the white chocolate chips until melted and fully incorporated.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.