The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
There’s just something special about curling up with a warm mug of hot chocolate in winter. And when that cocoa is gingerbread-flavored? Even better. I made this one chilly afternoon, and it honestly tastes like a warm hug from a gingerbread teddy bear. It’s rich, creamy, and has the perfect touch of spice. Whether you’re watching a holiday movie, sitting by the fire, or just need a little pick-me-up, this gingerbread hot chocolate is pure joy in a cup.
Method
1. Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. In a small saucepan, pour in 1 cup of your preferred milk. I like using oat milk or whole milk for extra creaminess, but any kind will do. Then add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla bean paste. Drop in your chopped dark chocolate about 1/3 of a bar. Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of date syrup or molasses to give it that deep, cozy gingerbread flavor. It might look a little messy at first, but don’t worry it all comes together.
2. Heat Gently on the Stove
Place the saucepan on your stovetop over medium heat. It’s important not to crank the heat up too high or walk away this is a slow and cozy process. Start whisking gently right away. You want the cocoa powder to dissolve, the spices to blend in, and the chocolate to slowly melt. Stir often and patiently as the ingredients warm up together, turning into a rich, silky mixture.
3. Melt and Mix Thoroughly
As the mixture heats up, the chopped chocolate will begin to melt. Keep whisking to help it blend smoothly into the milk. You’ll know it’s ready when the hot chocolate is glossy, thickened slightly, and completely smooth. It should be steaming but not boiling. Boiling can cause the milk to scorch or split, so keep your eye on it and lower the heat if needed.
4. Serve and Decorate
Once your hot chocolate is perfectly smooth and steamy, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the drink into your favorite mug holiday-themed if you have one! To make it extra festive, top it with a swirl of whipped cream, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cute little gingerbread cookie on the rim or dipped right in.
Necessary Tools
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Your favorite mug (holiday-themed if you’ve got one!)
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
1
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
7
minutesTotal time
12
minutesIngredients
About 1/3 of a dark chocolate bar, chopped
1 cup milk of choice (I like oat or whole milk for creaminess)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Splash of vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon date syrup (or molasses for that deep gingerbread flavor)
Toppings (optional but highly recommended)
Whipped cream
Cinnamon sprinkle
A gingerbread cookie
Directions
- Add the milk, cocoa powder (or hot chocolate mix), ground ginger, cinnamon, chopped chocolate, vanilla paste, and date syrup (or molasses) to a saucepan.
- Place the pan on medium heat. Whisk slowly and constantly as it warms up.
- Keep stirring until the chocolate has completely melted and everything is smooth and silky.
- Once it’s hot and steamy (but not boiling), remove from the heat.
- Pour into a festive mug, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and pop in a little gingerbread cookie for extra fun.
Notes
- Don’t let the milk boil. If it gets too hot, it can burn or split. Keep the heat at medium and stir often.
- Make sure the chocolate is finely chopped so it melts evenly.
- Add the spices at the beginning to let the flavor steep properly don’t toss them in at the end!
- Use a whisk instead of a spoon if you want extra smooth hot chocolate with no clumps.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with holiday cookies like snickerdoodles, shortbread, or biscotti.
- Add a candy cane stir stick for peppermint flair.
- Snuggle up with a blanket and sip it while watching your favorite holiday movie.
- Hosting friends? Make a big batch and pour into small mugs for a cozy dessert drink.
Fun Fact
Gingerbread goes all the way back to the 11th century! Back then, it was made with honey and spices brought by soldiers returning from the Crusades. Fast forward to now, and it’s still a holiday favorite only now, we’re putting it in our hot cocoa.
Conclusion
This gingerbread hot chocolate is everything you want during the holidays rich, warm, slightly spiced, and a little bit nostalgic. It’s super easy to make but feels fancy and festive. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it at a holiday gathering, this drink is sure to bring big smiles and cozy vibes. So grab a mug, stir in some cheer, and sip slow. You’ve earned it.
