Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Mocktail Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for cozy drinks, especially once the air turns crisp.

There’s just something comforting about a mug of hot chocolate, but lately, I’ve been loving a cinnamon-spiced twist.

This recipe is all about making a rich, warm hot chocolate with a gentle kick of cinnamon—perfect for chilly evenings, whether you’re winding down solo or hanging out with friends.

Cinnamon brings a subtle warmth and a little excitement, making it a nice change from your standard hot chocolate.

Curious about how to whip up a simple cinnamon hot chocolate at home? I’ll walk you through my easy go-to recipe that’ll brighten up your day.

Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Mocktail Recipe

When the evenings get cold, I find myself reaching for this cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate mocktail. It’s got rich chocolate, a cozy blend of spices, and creamy milk, all topped off with whatever sweet treats you like.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan: I use this to gently heat the milk and mix everything together.
• Whisk: Makes it easy to blend cocoa, sugars, and spices without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Getting the amounts right really does matter for taste and texture.
• Heatproof mugs: For serving, of course.
• Small bowl: Handy for mixing the spices before they go into the pan.
• Ladle: Helps pour the hot chocolate into mugs without making a mess.
• Optional – Milk frother: If I’m in the mood for extra creaminess, I’ll use a frother at the end.
• Optional – Grater: For topping with fresh nutmeg or chocolate shavings. Highly recommend.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk (or swap in almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of cardamom
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a little heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mini marshmallows or whipped cream, for topping
• Cinnamon stick, for stirring and garnish
• Chocolate shavings or extra ground cinnamon, for garnish

Sometimes I’ll swap the whole milk for coconut or almond milk if I’m feeling like something lighter or need a dairy-free option.

Instructions

• Measure out all your ingredients before starting.
• Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-low until it’s just steaming—don’t let it boil.
• Add cocoa powder, both sugars, and chocolate chips. Whisk until everything’s smooth and melted.
• Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cayenne.
• Keep whisking here and there, letting it stay warm (not boiling) for about 3-5 minutes.
• Take the pan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Give it a taste and tweak the sweetness or spice if you want.
• Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs.
• Top with marshmallows or whipped cream, plus a dusting of cinnamon or chocolate shavings.
• Pop a cinnamon stick in each mug for stirring and a little extra aroma.

Notes

Whenever I make this, I try to use good cocoa powder and decent chocolate chips—the flavor really pops that way. If I want it thicker, a splash of heavy cream does the trick.

A cinnamon stick as a stirrer is one of those small touches that makes it feel special. If I’m craving more spice, I’ll add a pinch more ginger or cayenne.

For a vegan version, just use oat or almond milk and non-dairy chocolate chips. There are even plant-based marshmallows and whipped cream out there now.

If you’re making this for kids, I’d skip the cayenne. Sometimes I get creative with toppings—crushed cookies, extra spices, even a drizzle of caramel if I’m feeling indulgent.

Sweetness is personal, so feel free to adjust the sugar to match your chocolate and your mood.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, there’s this gentle cinnamon aroma—honestly, it just feels warm and inviting. The cocoa and cinnamon together? That combo really hits the spot on a cold day.

The chocolate flavor is smooth, not too sweet, and sort of creamy in a way that’s hard not to like. I appreciate how the cinnamon brings a bit of spice, but it doesn’t take over the whole drink.

If I throw on some whipped cream or a few marshmallows, it just takes everything up a notch. The drink leaves behind this sweet cocoa finish that honestly makes me want to go back for more.

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