Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Aug 12, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Drinks Drinks beverages Vanilla: Extract Easy

A steaming mug of pumpkin spice hot chocolate on a saucer, rich and glossy, with its toppings

This pumpkin spice hot chocolate blends rich cocoa and real pumpkin purée with warm fall spices and pure vanilla, creating a creamy, comforting beverage perfect for chilly days.

Prep 5 min

Cook 5 min

Total 10 min

Servings 2

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

2.0 cups (480.0 ml)whole milk
3.0 tbsp (21.0 g)unsweetened cocoa powder
2.0 tbsp (25.0 g)granulated sugar
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract
pinch of fine sea salt
2.0 tbsp (30.0 g)pumpkin purée
½ tsp (1.0 g)pumpkin pie spice

Make it at home

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and fine sea salt until combined.
Add the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a smooth paste.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring frequently, until steaming and just beginning to simmer, about 5 minutes; do not boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and serve immediately.

Tips

Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best rich chocolate flavor.
For stronger vanilla aroma, try vanilla bean paste instead of extract in the same amount.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make pumpkin spice hot chocolate?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 2 servings.

How should I store pumpkin spice hot chocolate?

Store any leftover hot chocolate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

Can I make pumpkin spice hot chocolate ahead?

You can prepare the pumpkin cocoa base in advance and refrigerate; reheat with milk before serving and add vanilla last.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

This pumpkin spice hot chocolate blends rich cocoa and real pumpkin purée with warm fall spices and pure vanilla, creating a creamy, comforting beverage perfect for chilly days.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 2 servings this recipe makes.

235 Calories / serving

9.7g Fat

32.0g Carbs

10.2g Protein

26.1g Sugar

Whole recipe (2 servings): ~470 cal · 19g fat · 64g carbs · 20g protein · 52g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 235 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 44 min·2.6 mi·~5150 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 32 min·1.6 mi·~3200 steps
Moderate cycling 24 min·4.8 mi
Swimming laps 33 min
Jogging 23 min·1.9 mi·~3700 steps
Stair climbing 22 min·~2000 steps
Dancing 38 min
Bodyweight circuit training 24 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 55 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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