Name: Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Milk: 5 cups White Chocolate Ghirardelli’s Melting Wafers: 20 pieces Pumpkin Puree: 6 tablespoons Sugar: 4 tablespoons (adjust to taste) Whipped Topping: for topping Pumpkin Pie Spice: for topping

Jump to Recipe

There’s something extra magical about snuggling up with a mug of Pumpkin Hot Chocolate when the crisp autumn breeze rolls in. This comforting treat combines creamy milk, velvety white chocolate, and pumpkin puree for a luscious, golden drink that tastes like fall in a cup. Each sip is warmly spiced and rich, making it the ultimate cozy beverage whether you’re hosting friends or curling up for a solo movie night. If you love classic hot chocolate and all things pumpkin, this easy recipe will quickly become a seasonal must-have.

Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This irresistible Pumpkin Hot Chocolate is a showcase of simple, familiar ingredients working together in perfect harmony. Every element brings something essential to the table, from sweetness and creaminess to that signature spiced pumpkin glow. Here’s what you’ll need and why each choice matters:

Milk: The silky base that keeps this drink smooth and luscious; whole milk delivers maximum richness, but any milk works.
White chocolate Ghirardelli’s melting wafers (20 wafers): These premium wafers melt like a dream, giving the hot chocolate its signature sweetness and decadence.
Pumpkin puree (6 tablespoons): Adds real pumpkin flavor and a beautiful autumn hue—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Sugar (4 tablespoons, or more to taste): Sweetens the mix and lets you control how decadent the final cup is.
Whipped topping: For that irresistible cloud of creaminess on top—smother it on thick for true indulgence!
Pumpkin pie spice: The finishing touch, this blend infuses each mug with warm, aromatic notes.

How to Make Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Gather and Combine Your Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and pour in all five cups of milk. Next, plop in the pumpkin puree, sprinkle on the sugar, and add those luscious white chocolate wafers. Putting everything in the pot at once makes this recipe genuinely fuss-free and ideal for spontaneous cravings.

Step 2: Gently Heat and Whisk

Turn your stove to medium-low and start whisking the mixture constantly. Keep a close eye on it—you want a slow, gentle heat so nothing scorches. The trick is patience! As the milk warms, the chocolate will begin to melt, and the pumpkin will blend in perfectly, giving your hot chocolate a beautiful creamy texture.

Step 3: Let It Reach a Low Boil

As you continue to whisk, bring the pumpkin hot chocolate to a gentle low boil. You’ll notice it getting velvety smooth and majestically golden. Once the chocolate wafers are thoroughly melted and everything is well combined, remove the saucepan from the heat promptly to keep the flavors at their best.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Ladle the ultra-creamy mixture into your favorite mugs. Immediately pile on the whipped topping and finish with a generous dusting of pumpkin pie spice. The contrast between the cool cream and the hot chocolate is pure bliss.

How to Serve Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Garnishes

Garnishing is where your Pumpkin Hot Chocolate really shines! Besides the classic whipped topping and pumpkin pie spice, try a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few white chocolate shavings, or even a caramel drizzle to make each mug extra-special.

Side Dishes

This decadent drink pairs wonderfully with spiced cookies, snickerdoodles, or pumpkin bread for the ultimate autumn treat. For a more savory twist, serve it alongside salty snacks like pretzel sticks—the sweet-salty combo is a cozy dream come true.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, pour your pumpkin hot chocolate into mini espresso cups as a dessert shooter. Or, serve it in mason jars with cinnamon sticks as stirrers for a rustic, Instagram-worthy look. You can even set up a “hot chocolate bar” with bowls of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and flavored syrups for guests to customize their mugs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra pumpkin hot chocolate, simply let it cool to room temperature, then pour it into a jar or airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for up to three days—you’ll thank yourself for this quick treat later!

Freezing

Freezing is an excellent option if you want to prep ahead. Pour the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for single servings. When you’re craving a warm-up, just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. Be sure to stir well after thawing to restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pour your refrigerated pumpkin hot chocolate into a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling, as this can change the consistency. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Yes! While white chocolate brings a sweet, creamy base that lets the pumpkin flavor shine, you can swap in milk or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, more classic cocoa twist. Just adjust the sugar to taste, as darker chocolate adds more bitterness.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. Substitute your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) for dairy milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips. The flavor will still be indulgent and ultra-comforting.

Can I make this Pumpkin Hot Chocolate in advance?

You sure can! Prepare the hot chocolate ahead, cool it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat, pour into mugs, and garnish with whipped topping and spice for a perfect, stress-free treat.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Totally! The recipe calls for four tablespoons of sugar, but you can easily add more or less depending on your taste buds. Taste as you go—the beauty of making Pumpkin Hot Chocolate at home is tailoring it just for you!

What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?

Be sure to use pure, unsweetened pumpkin puree—not canned pumpkin pie filling which already has sugar and spices added. This way, you control the flavor and sweetness for the tastiest result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the coziest way to savor pumpkin season, you can’t go wrong with this Pumpkin Hot Chocolate. It’s comforting, luscious, and impossible to resist. Grab those mugs, warm up your kitchen, and treat yourself—or your loved ones—to a cup (or two!) of pure autumn magic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want fall to end.

Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 19 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Hot Chocolate recipe. Creamy, rich, and spiced just right, it’s the perfect treat for chilly days.

Ingredients

Milk:

5 cups

White Chocolate Ghirardelli’s Melting Wafers:

20 pieces

Pumpkin Puree:

6 tablespoons

Sugar:

4 tablespoons (adjust to taste)

Whipped Topping:

for topping

Pumpkin Pie Spice: