Creamy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

Ingredient Notes

All of the ingredients with their measurements are listed in the recipe card below. You’ll want to gather the following to make a batch of spiced pumpkin hot chocolate.

• Whole Milk — For the richest homemade hot chocolate, whole milk is a must. Don’t use fat-free milk in this recipe, as that will make your white hot chocolate taste watered down.
• White Chocolate — Using a high-quality white chocolate is super important for creating the creamiest texture. I do not recommend using white chocolate chips since they aren’t very good quality and won’t give as nice of flavor.
• Cocoa Powder — Use unsweetened cocoa powder in this pumpkin spice hot chocolate and not actual hot chocolate mix. Even though this is a pumpkin white hot chocolate, you want to add a little cocoa powder to deepen the flavor and prevent your drink from tasting too sweet.
• Vanilla Extract — Pure vanilla extract will provide the richest, most fragrant flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree — The pumpkin does add a little sediment to the bottom of your mug, but it contributes to the thick and creamy texture of this hot chocolate and gives it good flavor.
• Spices — If you have pre-made pumpkin pie spice on hand, I’m sure you could use that in place of the individual spices I’ve listed. Start with a teaspoon of it, and slowly add more until your homemade hot chocolate is the right flavor.
• Whipped Cream — I made my own using heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar, but you can buy the kind in a can if that’s what you prefer.

How to Make Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

1. Heat the milk, cocoa powder, and white chocolate. A heavy-bottomed saucepan is key here! You want something that conducts heat well but won’t scorch your milk.
2. Whisk in the pumpkin and spices. If your hot chocolate is too thick at this stage, just add a little more milk.
3. Whip the cream. I suggest using a hand mixer for this. Technically you can whip cream using just a whisk and some elbow grease, but my arm always tires out too quickly!
4. Garnish and serve. Set aside. Once the hot chocolate is warmed through, pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and nutmeg.

Ideas for a Fall Hot Chocolate Bar

If you want to make a large batch of this pumpkin spice hot chocolate to serve for a social function, a hot chocolate bar is a fun idea for guests to customize their drinks! Here are some items you can include:

• Whipped Cream — I like to make homemade whipped cream and put it in a piping bag with a pretty piping tip to make nice designs. If you need to prep the whipped cream further in advance, make a batch of stabilized whipped cream instead (it doesn’t deflate in the fridge).
• White Chocolate Shavings — For those who want to sprinkle extra white chocolate on top. You can also make your own chocolate curls!
• Pumpkin Pie Spice — Perfect for dusting on top of the hot chocolate.
• Cinnamon Sticks — Are a great garnish and can be used as stirring sticks.
• Mini Marshmallows — Because marshmallows and hot chocolate are meant for each other!

Katie’s Tip: Add the hot chocolate to a slow cooker and set it to “warm” to keep this decadent treat warm for your guests.