Once you realize you never have to rely on those little pouches to get your hot chocolate fix, the sky’s the limit: the taste of homemade hot chocolate is incomparable. You can even make it even more seasonal and sensational, just like with Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate. The aromatic, warming spices of pumpkin mix with a creamy white chocolate brew for a taste that feels as comforting as watching the leaves change while wrapped in your favorite sweater. A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top ensures Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate becomes your favorite both during the fall and throughout the year. Make sure everyone has their mugs ready because they won’t want to miss out on this!
Ingredients
For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the hot chocolate:
- 8 cups 2% milk
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, grated
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup white baking chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1 –In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup of the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
Step 2 –Add the sugar and 3 teaspoons of the vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 3 –Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.
Step 4 –In a 6-quart stockpot, heat the milk, the remaining heavy cream, the cinnamon sticks, the pie spice, and the orange zest together over medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of the pan.
Step 5 –Whisk the pumpkin, the sugar, and the baking chips into the milk mixture until blended.
Step 6 –Transfer the stockpot from the heat.
Step 7 –Stir the remaining vanilla into the pumpkin mixture.
Step 8 –Discard the cinnamon sticks.
Step 9 –Pour into mugs, top with the whipped cream and the extra pumpkin pie spice, and serve.