Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa

Name: Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 cups milk; 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whipped cream; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 cinnamon sticks

Jump to Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa is a spiced beverage featuring the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie and real chocolate. It's a homemade hot chocolate recipe that's perfect to sip on a chilly day, and only takes 10 minutes to make!

Want more recipes for sweater weather? Try these Pumpkin Spice Donuts that will melt in your mouth, this decadent Caramel Hot Chocolate, or a big mug of Maple Cinnamon Latte.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream in a glass mug.

As soon as cooler months appear, I buy a fresh jar of pumpkin spice and whip out a small saucepan. There's nothing that screams fall more than a mug of homemade hot chocolate, and this simple recipe adds a touch of real pumpkin that's irresistible.

Perfect Drink for Cold Weather!

Rich With Flavor: This smaller batch recipe adds a ton of fall flavor in every sip.
Versatile Recipe: You can add or subtract spices and extracts to make this drink your own.
Easy to Make: In just 10 minutes, you'll be sipping pumpkin spice hot chocolate in your favorite lounge chair!

Hot cocoa being poured into a glass mug.

From the first indulgent sip, you'll taste why this hot cocoa recipe reminds you of the fall season. Even if you're not one of those crazy pumpkin lovers like me, you'll still love this delicious fall treat on a cold day.

Overhead photo of ingredients and mugs of cocoa.

Ingredient Notes

Quantities are listed in the printable recipe card below.

Hot Cocoa

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - can substitute milk or dark chocolate if needed
Milk - whole milk creates a creamy hot chocolate, but you can substitute other types (like almond milk or oat milk)
Pumpkin Puree - this is real pumpkin puree found in a can in the grocery store and is not the same thing as pie filling
Pumpkin Pie Spice - a blend of several spices including cinnamon and cloves
Sugar - granulated white sugar works best in this recipe, but you can also use brown sugar in a pinch
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - has a bitter taste until it's mixed with sugar

Whipped Topping

Whipped Cream - can be homemade or store bought
Cinnamon - just a dash will do
Cinnamon Sticks - adds a festive touch

Ingredients needed to make Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa.

Instructions

STEP 1: Melt the chocolate chips in the saucepan on low to medium heat until soft.

STEP 2: Whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.

STEP 3: Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, sugar and cocoa powder until blended. Stir well.

STEP 4: Continuing cooking, stirring until the cocoa reaches your desired temperature. If you like it hot, wait until it is bubbling before taking off the heat.

STEP 5: Pour hot cocoa into glasses or mugs, add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick if you want, and enjoy!

Hot cocoa with cinnamon sprinkle and cinnamon stick.

Customize It!

Need to change the flavor of this pumpkin spice hot cocoa? Try these ideas...

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or maple syrup once the hot chocolate is off the heat.
Turn it into a peppermint hot cocoa by omitting the puree and adding peppermint extract.
Make it a regular hot chocolate by leaving out the spices.

Hot cocoa in a white saucepan ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious beverage pairs well with many fall desserts like Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars and my popular Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Pie. If you really love the flavor of fall, try it with Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake.

I also like to serve this hot cocoa with my favorite recipe for Walnut Snowball Cookies. If you're a cookie dunker, this is the perfect recipe for that!

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate with cinnamon stick.

Recipe FAQs

What does this hot cocoa taste like?

It tastes like hot chocolate with warm fall spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Is there a way to make this drink taste good without the spices?

This drink isn’t very spicy, but if you prefer no spice, then simply omit the spices, or use a pinch of cinnamon if you prefer.

How do I make more for a crowd?

This recipe serves 2 people. To make a larger batch that will serve 8 people, multiple this recipe by 4. Quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this recipe contains milk, I do not recommending freezing, because curdling could occur when thawing.

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Recipe Card