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Top-down view of two white mugs filled with rich, creamy spiced hot chocolate, served on a white marble countertop. The hot chocolate has a deep brown color with a silky surface, garnished with a cinnamon stick resting on the mug rim. The setup is clean and elegant, capturing the cozy warmth of this homemade drink, ideal for winter evenings.

Spiced Hot Chocolate Recipe

This cozy spiced hot chocolate blends rich cocoa with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a kick of chili. It’s light, flavorful, and the perfect winter drink to warm up your soul.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverage, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 118 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Heatproof mugs
  • Ladle (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups skim milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions
 

  • Pour skim milk into a saucepan and place over medium heat.
    This top-down image captures the moment skim milk is being poured into a medium silver saucepan placed on a clean white marble countertop. The milk begins to fill the saucepan, indicating the start of this cozy beverage recipe. A glass measuring cup is nearby, adding a practical touch to the simple yet inviting kitchen scene.
  • Add cocoa powder and sugar, and whisk until fully dissolved.
    The image shows cocoa powder and sugar being added to the warm milk inside a medium silver saucepan placed on a white marble countertop. A stainless steel whisk stirs the ingredients, starting to blend the cocoa and sugar into the milk. The scene captures the transformation of plain milk into a rich chocolate base for the drink.
  • Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, chili powder, nutmeg, and cloves.
    Top-down view of vanilla extract, cinnamon, chili powder, nutmeg, and ground cloves being stirred into the warm cocoa mixture using a stainless steel whisk. The mixture is turning darker and more aromatic inside the silver saucepan, resting on a clean white marble surface. Measuring spoons with spice traces are nearby, showing active preparation of this flavorful drink.
  • Continue to heat while whisking gently—do not let it boil.
  • Simmer for 5–7 minutes until warm and fragrant.
    In this top-down photo, the hot chocolate mixture simmers gently in a silver saucepan for 5–7 minutes. A light steam rises from the surface, which is now a velvety deep brown. All the added spices—vanilla, cinnamon, chili, nutmeg, and cloves—infuse the drink with a warm, fragrant aroma. The scene conveys comfort and care in preparation.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
  • Turn off heat and ladle into mugs.
  • Serve hot with Salty Marshmallow Banana Bread, or your favorite dessert.
    A ladle filled with thick, warm hot chocolate is shown pouring into white heatproof mugs placed on a white marble surface. The silver saucepan is off the heat, and the chocolate inside has a silky finish. This moment captures the final step before serving, emphasizing the cozy and heartwarming appeal of this homemade spiced drink.