Winter has hit this week and I’m freezing ALL.THE.TIME. This is exactly when I like to bring on the warmth with drinks like this warming Cinnamon Hot Chocolate.
It’s like a hug in a mug – creamy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of spicy-sweet to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, it’s easy to tweak for your mood—fancy, fun, or a little tipsy (looking at you, spiced rum).
Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon
Sometimes when it’s chilly outside and you need something cozy to sip while you binge your favorite shows or brave the cold, this is what I love this mug of delicious warmth for. Warm jammies with a blanket on the sofa, or bundled up with fluffy mitts by the fire outside, this cinnamon hot cocoa is the ticket.
Ingredient List
- Whole Milk – Creamy and dreamy. Skip skim milk; we’re not here for watered-down vibes. No one said drinking this was calorically friendly, but once in a while, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you want to slim it down a tad, go with 2% milk.
- Table Cream (18%) – Because why stop at creamy when you can go extra creamy?
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla makes the flavors even happier. If you have it, go with vanilla bean paste!
- Sugar – White or brown sugar. Go brown if you want a rich, caramel-ish vibe.
- Good Quality Dark Chocolate – Skip the cheap stuff. Your taste buds deserve better and you’ll end up with a much nicer, smoother hot cocoa.
- Cinnamon Extract – Kind of the other half of this friendship. I have a recipe to make your own homemade cinnamon extract (that’s also great for gifting!) and it adds a smooth cinnamon kick. (Don’t have cinnamon extract? Cinnamon powder works too—see tips below!)
How To Make This Mug Of Happiness
STEP ONE: Heat it up!: Place a heavy-bottomed pot stove over medium heat. Add the milk, cream and sugar.
STEP TWO: Melt: Break the chocolate into small random pieces. When the milk reaches a boiling point of 180°F (82°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, stop heating when bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan.
STEP THREE: Add-in Time: Add the cinnamon extract, chocolate, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture. Whisk the mixture until smooth and serve immediately.
Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows and/or chocolate liqueur (for adults)
**Please check out the fully printable recipe card below that lists exact amounts, substitutions, and directions to make this hot chocolate recipe perfect every time.
No Cinnamon Extract? No Problem!
Using ground cinnamon is totally doable but requires a little finesse since it can float on top like an awkward party guest. Here’s how to make it work:
- Mix it in early – Whisk the cinnamon into the milk/cream mixture while it’s still cold. It blends better before the liquid gets hot.
- Strain it out – If you’re feeling fancy, whisk it in and then strain the hot chocolate before serving for a smoother texture but with the flavor still.
Variations For Hot Cocoa
Using different chocolate can give you different flavors:
Dark or extra dark for rich, bold flavor with a slight bitterness that contrasts well against the sweetness of the sugar.
Semi-sweet for a balanced sweetness.
Milk chocolate (my personal favorite) if you want a sweeter, lighter drink.
Other ways to switch it up:
Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy twist.
Boozy Bonus – A splash of spiced rum takes this to another level. Check out my Spiced Rum Hot Chocolate recipe. I also make a boozy coffee creamer that’s divine in coffee as well!
Garnish Goals – Sprinkle with cocoa powder, a dash of cinnamon, or even shaved chocolate.
Have you tried making this cinnamon hot chocolate recipe? I’d love to hear what you thought of it! Share your experience in the comments or drop me an email at joanne@thesaltypot.com.Thanks for hanging out, and have a fantastic day! Stay cozy my friend!
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Recipe
Want a rich, creamy mug of indulgence? This Cinnamon Hot Chocolate is the ticket. It's pure comfort in a cup that's perfectly sweetened and loaded with flavor that will give you that cozy night in or a pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ⅔ of 18% cream (table cream)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ ounces dark chocolate
Instructions
1. Add the milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. (If you're using cinnamon powder instead, add a ¼ teaspoon at this point now, while the milk is still cool).
2. Break the chocolate into small random pieces. When the milk
reaches a boiling point of 180°F (82°C). If you don't have a thermometer, stop heating when bubbles form around the pan's edge.
3. Add the cinnamon extract, chocolate, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture. Wait a moment and then whisk until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is completely dissolved. Pour the finished hot chocolate into a warmed cup and serve immediately.
Top off the serving with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate liqueur (for adults)
Notes
Feel free to upgrade the table cream to half and half if you want a richer flavor.
You can substitute cinnamon extract with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Start with that and adjust to taste if necessary. To ensure the cinnamon incorporates well, whisk it into the milk and cream mixture while it's still cold, as mentioned in the body of the post.
Storing:
Yes! If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but just in case):
- Fridge – Keep in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, or in the microwave.
- Freezer – Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Later, melt the cubes to jazz up coffee. Cinnamon mocha, anyone?
Making it ahead of time:
Want to prep ahead? Mix the milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a pot, then chill it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, heat it up and stir in the chocolate. Boom—hot chocolate in minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 596Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 6gSugar: 51gProtein: 9g
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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