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Home » Recipes » Drinks & Smoothies

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

By Trang Doan - Nov 8, 2024 (updated Feb 6, 2025) - This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe
Spiced pumpkin hot chocolate in a green mug.

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with real pumpkin purée, a simple homemade hot cocoa mix, real milk, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. It’s like pumpkin pie in a mug!

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate in a mug with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

I used to live by hot cocoa mix, but ever since I discovered how easy it is to make hot cocoa from scratch, I parted ways with the store bought mix because it is one less jar in my overcrowded pantry!

Learn how to make this super easy pumpkin spice hot cocoa recipe at home and enjoy that signature pumpkin spice flavor anytime of the year.

Table of Contents
  • Why you’ll love this recipe
  • Tools you’ll need
  • Ingredients and substitutions
  • How to make pumpkin spice hot chocolate
  • More baker’s tips
  • What to serve with pumpkin spice hot cocoa?
  • FAQs
  • More hot drinks to warm your hands
  • 📖 Recipe card

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Super quick and easy – this pumpkin spice hot chocolate recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, some of which you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, and it takes just 5 to 10 minutes to make.
  • Real pumpkin – not only does this delicious pumpkin hot cocoa has that signature pumpkin spice flavor that you wait for every Fall, it even has real pumpkin in it, making it thicker and more pumpkin pie like!
  • Add richness with cream – heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the hot cocoa, and homemade whipped cream adds yet another layer of creaminess. Remember, this is a treat and it’s supposed to be indulgent!

Tools you’ll need

You don’t need any special equipment to make hot chocolate with pumpkin spice. You just need a small saucepan for simmering the milk along with a small spatula or a whisk for stiring.

Ingredients and substitutions

As always, you’ll find the complete list of ingredients and quantities in the recipe card at the end of this post. Below are some notes and substitution tips:

Ingredients for pumpkin spice hot chocolate.
  1. Pumpkin puree – add the real stuff for real pumpkin flavor. You only need pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling which has added sugar and spices already.
  1. Pumpkin pie spice – a pinch of this stuff gives it that signature “pumpkin pie” flavor. Use the store-bought version or your homemade mix if you have any leftovers from holiday baking. Or simply add a pinch of each — cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cardamom, fennel — if you have them readily available.
  1. Milk – I like whole milk for a richer pumpkin spice hot cocoa but 2% will work too. You can also use lactose free milk if you’re lactose intolerant. I haven’t tried milk alternatives in this recipe, but make sure to pick one with mild flavor so it doesn’t compete with the pumpkin flavor if you must.
  1. Heavy cream – heavy cream or heavy whipping cream will both work. I usually add this to both the hot cocoa for added richness and also use it to make whipped cream topping for the hot chocolate. If you are lactose intolerant, I believe there is lactose free cream, or explore other lactose free/dairy free whipped cream alternative like this coconut whipped cream.
  1. Cocoa powder – you can’t make hot chocolate without cocoa. You can use either natural or Dutch-processed but I do preferred making my pumpkin spiced hot chocolate with Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
  1. Sugar – you need sugar to sweeten the hot chocolate, regular granulated sugar is fine. You could also use brown sugar for additional flavor depth, or try maple syrup if you want a non-refined sugar option.
  1. Vanilla extract – I usually add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream. If you’re skipping whipped cream or using canned whipped cream or other whipped cream alternatives, adding a splash of vanilla extract to your pumpkin spice hot chocolate itself will enhance the flavor. Stir in at the end when you take the hot cocoa off the heat.

How to make pumpkin spice hot chocolate

The following instructions, step-by-step photos, and tips are here to help you visualize how to make the recipe. You can always skip straight to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

First, make the hot cocoa paste by mixing cocoa powder, sugar and pumpkin pie spice with the heavy whipping cream using a small spatula or a spoon.

Preparing homemade hot chocolate mix with sugar, cocoa powder, spices and cream.

Heat milk along with real pumpkin in a small saucepan over medium heat. Transfer the cocoa paste to the simmering milk and stir until completely dissolved.

Hot chocolate with pumpkin spice in a container with a whisk.

Then, divide your spiced pumpkin hot chocolate into 2 mugs, top with homemade whipped cream, and a few sprinkles of pumpkin pie spice.

Pouring pumpkin spice hot cocoa into a mug.

More baker’s tips

  • For even more chocolate flavor, add chopped dark chocolate while your hot chocolate with pumpkin spice is simmering on the stove top.
  • For a pumpkin white hot chocolate version, replace the cocoa powder and sugar with ½ cup of chopped white chocolate instead. Taste your hot cocoa while cooking and add more white chocolate if desired.
  • Keep it warm for a party – If making a large batch for a party, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker.

What to serve with pumpkin spice hot cocoa?

Is it acceptable to serve pumpkin on top of pumpkin? Because I have plenty of pumpkin muffins and pumpkin cookies to go with this pumpkin spiced hot chocolate.

  • I assure you it is completely acceptable for breakfast. Make it a complete breakfast with Buttermilk Pumpkin Pancakes and a slice of Frittata, with coffee for you, and hot chocolate with pumpkin spice for the kids.
  • It is more than perfect for snack time with a couple of Dulce de Leche Cookies or Almond Shortbread Cookies.
  • Serve it after dinner with a slice of Apple Tart for dessert.

FAQs

Is there real pumpkin in pumpkin spice hot chocolate?

Yes, my pumpkin spice hot cocoa recipe contains real pumpkin puree and not just pumpkin pie spice.

Is this the same as Starbucks pumpkin spice hot chocolate?

It is not exactly the same, but I think it would make a great homemade substitute! Starbucks doesn’t actually have pumpkin spice hot chocolate on their menu but I believe you can get it by ordering a hot chocolate and add pumpkin sauce which contains sugar, condensed milk and pumpkin puree. My recipe doesn’t contain condensed milk but if you have it on hand, you can add a few drizzles for a bit extra sweetness and creaminess.

Two mugs of pumpkin spiced hot chocolate.

More hot drinks to warm your hands

  • Baileys Hot Chocolate
  • Homemade Hot Chocolate with Cocoa
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Latte
  • Homemade Matcha Green Tea Latte

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Join my free newsletter to receive weekly email filled with recipe ideas, inspirations with a sprinkle of personal anecdotes and the occasional exclusive recipes for email subscribers only.

📖 Recipe card

Pumpkin spice hot chocolate in a mug with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with real pumpkin purée, a simple homemade hot cocoa mix, real milk, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. It’s like pumpkin pie in a mug!
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Yield: 2
Author: Trang

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (23 g)
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar (22 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (60 g)
  • 2 ½ cup whole milk (20 oz, 595 g)
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree (60 g)

Fresh whipped cream

  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream (119 g)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (11 g)
  • A splash of pure vanilla extract
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Instructions

  • To make whipped cream, add heavy whipping cream, sugar and vanilla to a medium mixing bowl and beat vigorously with a whisk until soft to medium peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • To make hot chocolate, add cocoa powder, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to a small bowl. Pour heavy cream over the cocoa powder mixture and mix with a spoon until a thick paste forms.
  • Heat milk and pumpkin puree in a small pot over medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring occasionally. Scrape the cocoa powder paste from the bowl and add it to the simmering pot, mix with a whisk until completely dissolved.
  • Pour hot chocolate into two mugs. Top with fresh whipped cream, and a few sprinkles of pumpkin pie spice.

Notes

The whipped cream can be made in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer. But for the small amount called for in this recipe, it can easily be made by hand. Refrigerate leftovers if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 397g | Calories: 462kcal
Course: Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: American
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?If you made this recipe and loved it, please leave a comment and give us a 5 STAR review. Thank you!!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more details on how we utilize affiliates, ads, and sponsored content, see our full disclosure policy. Thank you for your continued support, which enables us to keep bringing you delicious recipes, at no extra cost to you.

« Easy Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping
Spiced Apple Scones »
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Megan

    October 29, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Wow! This looks so creamy and delicious!

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 29, 2017 at 9:46 am

      Thanks Megan!

      Reply
  2. Tina

    October 29, 2017 at 7:15 am

    5 stars
    My daughter will be all over this when she comes home for the holidays, thanks for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 29, 2017 at 9:46 am

      Yay, I hope she’ll love it!

      Reply
  3. Bintu (@recipespantry)

    October 29, 2017 at 4:27 am

    5 stars
    What a delicious way to spice up regular hot chocolate!

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 29, 2017 at 9:46 am

      It sure is 🙂

      Reply
  4. Vaughn

    October 28, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    5 stars
    gonna try this tonight!

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 28, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      Great! Hope you like it 🙂

      Reply
  5. Ginny McMeans

    October 28, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    5 stars
    What a delicious treat! Your photos are beautiful and I think pumpkin cocoa sounds perfect!

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 28, 2017 at 10:27 pm

      Thanks Ginny!

      Reply
  6. Rebecca Hubbell

    October 28, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    5 stars
    I never thought to do a pumpkin hot cocoa, such a festive and cozy drink for fall!

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 28, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Thanks Rebecca, you should try, it’s so tasty!

      Reply
  7. Marie

    October 28, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    I could stare at these pictures for hours – what beautiful photos. The fact that they are filled with that gorgeous looking pumpkin pie hot chocolate really doesn’t hurt either ? It’s a bit warm here in Australia right now but this is definitely on my list for winter.

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 28, 2017 at 7:48 pm

      Yeah it’s a still a bit warm here too, but it’s almost November and I’m drinking what I want! hahaha

      Reply
  8. Jessica Williams

    October 28, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    I absolutely LOVE the idea to add pumpkin to hot chocolate!! Perfect flavors for this time of year.

    Reply
    • Trang

      October 28, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Thanks Jessica! It actually tastes like a pumpkin pie in a drink, so good!

      Reply

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About

Hi! I’m Trang and welcome to my blog. This is where I share recipes from my kitchen. From cookies to cupcakes, to pies and ice cream, to treats for your fur babies, I hope you’ll find something you like and stay a while. Read More…

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