Name: Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups milk; 2 tbsp. cocoa powder; ¼ cup milk chocolate chips; 2 tbsp. granulated sugar; ½ tbsp. molasses; 1 ½ tsp. ground ginger; ¼ tsp. nutmeg; Whipped cream for topping; A sprinkle of nutmeg for topping (optional); Gingerbread cookies for topping (optional)

There’s something so cozy about a cup of rich, spicy chocolate melting in your hands on a chilly day. This Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe combines all those classic holiday flavors into one creamy, dreamy drink that feels like a warm hug in a mug.

A clear glass mug filled with three visible layers: a light brown creamy layer at the bottom, a darker brown layer in the middle, and a frothy light brown layer on top. The mug is topped with a swirl of white whipped cream, a brown cinnamon stick laid across the cream, and a gingerbread cookie decorated with white icing and red and green sprinkles placed leaning inside the mug. Around the mug on a wooden board, there are two more gingerbread cookies with the same decoration and a few dark chocolate chips scattered. In the background, a white cloth with a dark brown gingerbread man pattern lies softly on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m excited to share this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe because it’s the perfect holiday indulgence that’s easy to make but feels extra special. It brings together the nostalgic warmth of gingerbread spices with luscious, velvety chocolate that’s simply irresistible.

Decadently Creamy: The combination of milk chocolate chips and cocoa powder creates the richest hot chocolate you’ll want to savor slowly.
Gingerbread Spice Magic: Ground ginger and nutmeg bring authentic holiday warmth without overpowering the chocolate’s smoothness.
Super Easy to Make: Just one pot and a whisk, no need for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Customizable: Top it with whipped cream, gingerbread cookies, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for your perfect comfort cup.

A clear glass mug filled with a brown drink topped with a tall swirl of white whipped cream in the center; a gingerbread cookie with white icing and red and green sprinkles leans on the right side of the whipped cream, next to two cinnamon sticks resting on the left side of the glass rim. The mug sits on a light wooden cutting board scattered with chocolate chips and topped with three more gingerbread cookies decorated with white icing and red and green sprinkles. A twisted silver spoon lies on the white marbled surface to the right of the board, while a white cloth with brown gingerbread men patterns and a white bead garland are in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a part in building the cozy flavor and creamy texture that makes this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe stand out. Picking good-quality chocolate chips and fresh spices makes a noticeable difference, so look for ingredients that you enjoy eating on their own.

Flat lay of a small white bowl of cocoa powder, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of molasses, a small white bowl of ground ginger, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of milk chocolate chips, a small white bowl of milk, a dollop of whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, a couple of fresh gingerbread cookies placed beside the plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: The base for creaminess and richness—whole milk works best but you can use any milk you prefer.
Cocoa powder: Gives that deep chocolate flavor and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Milk chocolate chips: Melt into smooth pockets of creamy chocolate, upping the indulgence level.
Granulated sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness without masking the spices or chocolate.
Molasses: Adds a classic gingerbread depth and subtle sweetness that feels festive.
Ground ginger: The star spice that brings the holiday gingerbread vibe alive.
Nutmeg: A pinch rounds out the warmth and complexity perfectly.
Whipped cream: The ultimate topper for extra creaminess and visual appeal.
Sprinkle of nutmeg (optional): Adds aroma and spice right on top.
Gingerbread cookies (optional): Makes for a fun, thematic garnish that you can dunk or nibble.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe is how easy it is to tailor exactly to your taste buds. I sometimes swap out milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer bite or add a tiny splash of vanilla extract to enhance the warmth.

Variation: I once added a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick that surprised all my guests—in a good way!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond milk and dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Less Sweet: If you prefer a more bitter, intense chocolate flavor, reduce the sugar by half and add more cocoa powder.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients

I like to get everything ready before I turn on the heat—measuring cocoa powder, sugar, spices, and molasses means you won’t miss a beat when the pan is warm. Plus, it helps the process feel smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan

In a medium saucepan, toss in the cocoa powder, milk chocolate chips, sugar, molasses, ground ginger, nutmeg, and milk. I like to whisk them together right away to help dissolve the dry ingredients and prevent lumps before the heat hits.

Step 3: Heat and Whisk Until Smooth

Place the pan over medium heat. Stir and whisk frequently—about every minute or so—to help the chocolate melt evenly and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is steaming hot and silky smooth, usually in about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Add Your Favorite Toppings

Pour your delicious gingerbread hot chocolate into mugs and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. I can’t resist adding a sprinkle of nutmeg on top and sometimes the perfect gingerbread cookie on the side for dunking.

Top Tip

Having made this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned that the key to that perfect silky texture is patience and constant whisking. It’s tempting to crank the heat, but low and steady wins here.

Low and Slow: Heat the mixture gently over medium to low heat to avoid scorching and to let flavors meld beautifully.
Frequent Whisking: Keep whisking to melt the chocolate evenly and stop dry ingredients from clumping.
Use Good Quality Chocolate: I always find that better chocolate chips give a richer, creamier hot chocolate that’s worth the slight splurge.
Avoid Boiling: Letting the hot chocolate come to a gentle steaming point preserves the smoothness and avoids bitterness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

gingerbread hot chocolate - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, the magic is in the toppings. Thick whipped cream piled high is non-negotiable, and a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg amps up the seasonal aroma. I often tuck in a crisp gingerbread cookie right on the side—it’s fun for dunking, adds texture, and just feels festive.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs beautifully with soft sugar cookies or a slice of spiced bundt cake if you want something a little more substantial. On busy mornings, a simple almond biscotti works well to keep things casual.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve the hot chocolate in clear mugs to show off the layers of chocolate and whipped cream. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer and placing a sprig of fresh rosemary nearby gives it a charming, rustic look that guests always notice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover hot chocolate (it rarely lasts here!), I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Before reheating, I give it a good stir because the chocolate tends to settle and thicken a bit.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to because the milk can separate and the texture suffers. But if you want to freeze it, do so before adding whipped cream and thaw gently in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over medium-low heat, whisking frequently to revive that creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through is key to avoid hot spots or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The molasses and spices stay the same and add plenty of cozy flavor.

How spicy is the gingerbread flavor in this hot chocolate?

The gingerbread spices—ginger and nutmeg—are warm but gentle, so they complement the chocolate without overwhelming it. You can easily adjust the ginger amount if you prefer a stronger kick.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?

Yes! Using dark chocolate chips will give your hot chocolate a richer, slightly more intense taste. Just keep in mind it might be a little less sweet, so you may want to tweak the sugar to taste.

What’s the best way to store leftover hot chocolate?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with frequent whisking to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid boiling to prevent bitterness.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe holds a special place in my fall and winter routine. It’s that little moment of joy and warmth I look forward to after a crisp walk outside or before settling in with a good book. I promise if you give it a try, you’ll find yourself reaching for this comforting mug again and again, sharing those cozy vibes with friends and family.