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A perfect day for me is when it’s a bit chilly, there are crisp colored leaves on the ground, and I have a hot beverage in my hands to warm me up. So yeah, this is my favorite time of year.
Hot chocolate is a favorite fall treat of mine, but it took me a bit to perfect it. First, I like it to have a deep chocolate flavor, while not being ridiculously sweet. So those hot cocoa packets that are mostly sugar are not for me. Feel free to add more sugar if you want it sweeter.
I also make mine with cocoa powder because it’s easier and I always have it on hand. One thing I learned early on about cocoa is that if you don’t let it dissolve, you’ll have chunks of unsweetened cocoa in your drink. Not good. The way to fix this to add a bit of water with your cocoa and sugar, boil, and then add your milk. You’ll get perfectly creamy hot cocoa every time.
For flavoring, vanilla is always a good choice, but right now is prime pumpkin spice season, so I added a pinch to my cocoa. With a bit of homemade whipped cream, and a gourmet marshmallow, it’s the perfect fall treat.
Oh, and here is a perfect fall picture of my dog, just because 🙂
Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa
Rich and chocolaty with a hint of pumpkin pie spice, this pumpkin spiced hot cocoa recipe is perfect for a chilly fall day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch sea salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Toppings: whipped cream marshmallows
Instructions
- Put the sugar, cocoa, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Let cook for a minute or so until mixture is thickened and whisk in the milk.
- Let simmer until hot, but don't boil. Add vanilla and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
