With winter here, nothing beats coming in after a cold, blustery day and settling down with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Plain hot chocolate is comforting, but this cinnamon hot chocolate has become our favorite. It’s rich, smooth, and just spiced enough to feel cozy — so I’m sharing the recipe with you.
The inspiration came from an old church cookbook from the 1970s. That version called for instant milk and cinnamon sticks. I don’t keep instant milk on hand, and sometimes I forget the cinnamon sticks, so I use pantry staples: regular milk and ground cinnamon. It works beautifully. For extra indulgence, I sometimes shave a little chocolate from a bar over the top — optional, but highly recommended.
I usually finish each cup with whipped cream from a can when I’m making drinks for a hungry, chocolate-loving kid. If you prefer, homemade whipped cream will elevate this even more.
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Recipe
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup powdered cocoa
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered cocoa, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Whisk the dry mixture into the hot milk until fully combined and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
This cinnamon hot chocolate is a winter favorite in our home. It’s quick to make, easily adjustable, and comforting on chilly evenings. Use whole milk for a richer cup or low-fat milk if you prefer a lighter version. To make it extra-special, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick (if you have one), or a few chocolate shavings.
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