Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

🎃Why You'll Love This Halloween Recipe

Fall drink season is a full-blown event on Pinterest, and this homemade version beats any coffee shop cup: real ingredients, no syrups, ready in 15 minutes, and endlessly customizable. Make a batch for Halloween movie night and thank yourself later.

🧺Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

• 4 cups whole milk (or oat milk)
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks, for serving

👩‍🍳How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Step by Step

1. Whisk the milk, pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a saucepan until smooth.
2. Heat over medium, whisking often, until steaming and just beginning to simmer — about 8-10 minutes. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and heavy cream (if using).
4. Taste and adjust sweetness. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, and a cinnamon stick.

🍂Halloween Party Serving Ideas

Set up a hot chocolate bar for Halloween: this as the base, plus toppings like mini marshmallows, caramel drizzle, and crushed graham crackers. It pairs perfectly with Pumpkin S'mores Cookies for dunking — the ultimate cozy fall pairing.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pumpkin spice hot chocolate ahead?

Yes — refrigerate up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove, whisking to recombine. Add whipped cream fresh when serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use oat milk (creamiest option) or almond milk, and coconut whipped cream on top.

Is this very sweet?

It's balanced — the cocoa keeps it from being cloying. Start with 1/4 cup sugar and add more to taste.