Name: Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups milk, any variety (I used oat milk); ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup pure maple syrup; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon*; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg*; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger*; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves*; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; Optional toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, cinnamon stick, chocolate shavings, ground cinnamon

While I love the standard, decadent pumpkin spice latte on a crisp fall day, there is just something so special and nostalgic about a fall-inspired hot chocolate. Few things bring me back to my childhood like a warm cup of rich hot chocolate! So what could be better than merging the creamy comfort of hot cocoa with the beloved seasonal flavor of pumpkin pie?!

This pumpkin spice hot chocolate takes an already delicious drink and makes it even more irresistible! Just mix my simple, homemade, pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix with warm milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup. You will have the ultimate cozy, comfy drink ready in just about 15 minutes. It's absolutely perfect for fall sipping!

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate topped with whipped cream in a glass mug.

Not only is pumpkin spice hot chocolate caffeine free and family friendly, but it is easy to make at home and SO fun to customize. My favorite toppings include: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, and cinnamon but the possibilities are truly endless!

After testing multiple different ratios of chocolate to pumpkin pie flavor, I wanted to ensure I achieved the ultimate balance of both, while also prioritizing the silky, smooth texture of hot cocoa without any grit or lumps. So, the true secret is in whisking the mixture twice. The first whisk is to ensure the liquid ingredients, like the milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup combine seamlessly. And the second time ensures that the cocoa powder and warm fall seasonings blend together. Within minutes, this technique creates a perfect, rich, and velvety pumpkin spice hot chocolate!

If you have leftover pumpkin puree and can't get enough of the warm, cozy taste of pumpkin to truly celebrate the flavors of fall, you'll want to try this easy, delicious, and versatile Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup. You can add it to nearly any warm or iced beverage, but I especially love it in this Starbucks copycat Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam too!

Ingredients

⭐️ Quick Tip! When making recipes from scratch, quality of ingredients matter! Choose high quality cocoa powder and pumpkin puree for best flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Pour milk into a medium saucepan. Set over medium-low heat. Heat until small bubbles rise to the surface, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not simmer or boil.

Pumpkin puree added to the heated milk in the saucepan.

Step 2: Once the milk is hot, whisk in the pumpkin puree and maple syrup.

Cocoa powder and seasonings added to the milk in a saucepan.

Step 3: Add the cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk again to combine.

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and a cinnamon stick.

Step 4: Remove from heat and ladle into coffee mugs. Serve warm with whipped cream or mini marshmallows and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate on a silver trivet.

My Top Tips!

⭐️ You can whisk together the dry ingredients (cocoa powder and spices) ahead of time. Store in a jar in your pantry for future hot chocolates. Then, when ready to make, just warm the milk, pumpkin, and maple syrup and stir together!

⭐️ This recipe makes 2 servings. For a larger crowd, just adjust the recipe accordingly. I recommend keeping a large batch warm in a slow cooker for serving at a holiday party!