Description
This Gingerbread Hot Chocolate recipe combines rich, creamy hot chocolate with a homemade gingerbread syrup infused with warm spices. Perfect for cozy winter evenings, this comforting drink is garnished with marshmallows and festive gingerbread men for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger (use 1.5 tsp for an extra kick)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Hot Chocolate
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended, but any preferred choice works)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Marshmallows for garnish
- Gingerbread men cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Gingerbread Syrup: Place water, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract in a small pot over medium-high heat. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 10 minutes to thicken and develop the flavors. Remove from heat, transfer the syrup to a glass mason jar, and allow it to cool completely. Rinse the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Hot Chocolate: Using the same pot, pour in the milk and add the unsweetened cocoa powder. Place over medium heat and whisk continuously to combine and warm the mixture evenly, about 5 minutes or until hot but not boiling.
- Combine Syrup and Hot Chocolate: Stir in 2 tablespoons of the cooled gingerbread syrup into the warm cocoa mixture. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or sugar if desired, whisking to blend well.
- Serve and Garnish: Crush gingerbread cookies into the bottom of your favorite mug. Pour the hot chocolate generously over the crushed cookies. Top with marshmallows and garnish with whole gingerbread men cookies. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich, spiced flavors and festive presentation.
Notes
- The gingerbread syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the syrup for a spicy twist.
- Adjust the amount of ginger in the syrup to your taste preference; more ginger means a stronger warm spice flavor.
- Crushing the gingerbread cookies in the mug adds extra texture and flavor to the drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering and heating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250 ml)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
