Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Rich and indulgent pumpkin spice hot chocolate is about to become your favorite fall drink! This ultra-creamy concoction is made with real pumpkin puree and filled with cozy spices, with a touch of vanilla for extra sweetness. 

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe

Pumpkin spice is basically the poster child for fall (thank you, Starbucks). Indulgent and filled with the flavors of the season, this pumpkin spice hot chocolate is sure to hit the spot. This drink is:

• Rich and creamy. This recipe turns your favorite hot chocolate mix into the creamiest, steamiest mugful with real pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a hint of vanilla. The chocolatey, spiced flavors mingle together for the perfect taste of fall.
• Quick to make. Making pumpkin spice hot chocolate at home takes one pot and less than 10 minutes on the stovetop. 
• A cozy substitute for coffee. Maybe coffee isn’t your thing, or maybe you’re looking for a sweet after-dinner treat. This hot chocolate has all the flavors of a beloved pumpkin spice latte, minus the espresso. Whip up a batch on your next chilly evening and get sipping.

Looking for another fun homemade hot chocolate recipe? My unicorn hot chocolate is great for Halloween! And if you’re after more delicious pumpkin treats to pair with a mug of hot cocoa, try these chewy pumpkin cookies or these soft pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

Recipe Ingredients

Chocolate, spice, and everything nice, that’s what pumpkin spice hot chocolate is made of. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the ingredients. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and recipe instructions.

• Milk and Hot Cocoa Mix – The base of this drink starts with your preferred hot cocoa, made with any type of dairy or non-dairy milk you’d like. You’ll want to use a hot chocolate mix that comes without mini marshmallows. I love my homemade hot chocolate mix (made with just 3 ingredients!).
• Canned Pumpkin – Make sure to buy real pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree makes this recipe ultra-rich. 
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Our favorite blend of fall spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. You’ll find pumpkin pie spice pre-mixed in the spice aisle, or you can make your own (see below).
• Vanilla and Salt – To enhance and balance the sweet flavors of the drink.
• Toppings – You’ll never find a mug of hot chocolate without whipped cream or marshmallows in this house! See further on for more serving ideas.

Can I Make My Own Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Certainly. If you don’t have pumpkin spice for this recipe, you can make your own with just 4 ingredients from your spice rack. To make 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, combine ½-¾ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. You can really use any combination of spices that you have on hand.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

It takes just a few minutes to make this zesty hot chocolate on your stovetop. Get out your bowl and a whisk and follow these quick steps:

• Make the hot cocoa. First, you’ll whisk the hot chocolate mix and warm milk together in a saucepan on the stovetop.
• Stir in the add-ins. Next, whisk in the canned pumpkin, vanilla, salt, and pumpkin spice.

• Heat. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it’s steaming. Be careful that you don’t scorch the milk.
• Serve. Pour your hot chocolate into mugs and garnish them any way you’d like with whipped cream, marshmallows, or an extra sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

Can I Make Spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate?

Absolutely! For a grown-up treat, spike your pumpkin spice hot chocolate with bourbon, spiced rum, or vanilla-flavored vodka. Spiked hot chocolate is perfect for cozying up by the fire or putting a festive spin on your Halloween party.

Helpful Tips and Variation Ideas

Below are a few bonus tips to keep in mind for the best hot chocolate:

• Keep stirring. Stir often, if not constantly, once your hot chocolate starts to heat up. This keeps the milk from burning on the bottom of the pan.
• Don’t overheat. Keep an eye on your hot chocolate while it heats on the stovetop, and make sure that it doesn’t cook too hot or too long. Simmer it slowly over medium-low heat, and don’t rush the process.
• For even richer hot chocolate, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pumpkin spice hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows, or swirls of whipped cream drizzled with caramel sauce (or pumpkin spice caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra). Don’t forget an extra dusting of spice over top! This is a delicious and creamy drink to serve with mini apple pies, a serving of apple pie dip, or a slice of Halloween cookie cake at your next party. Pair a steaming mug of hot chocolate with more fun treats like Krispie Treat ghosts or candy corn scotcheroos. It’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

If you have leftover hot chocolate, allow it to cool completely to room temperature and then store it airtight in the fridge. It will keep for 3-5 days. To reheat, warm the hot chocolate in mugs in the microwave, or transfer leftovers to a saucepan to heat on the stovetop.

More Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
• Pumpkin Pie
• Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
• Fluffy Pumpkin Mousse Pie

Print