I love, love, love the holiday season. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than bundling up on the couch with a blanket and some hot chocolate.
Wrapping my hands around a warm mug invites memories of sitting in the bleachers at brisk football games, waking up on Christmas morning to sticky buns and hot chocolate, and one of my favorites, arising at an insane hour to stand in freezing long lines for Black Friday, with the consolation of killer deals, fantastic people-watching, and a warm cup in my hands.
Usually, all of these hot chocolate memories include powder dumped from a packet.
Oh boy, do I have a treat for you!
OMD (Oh my decadence)! This recipe is the creamiest, most delicious hot chocolate I have ever had. I came up with the recipe for a family brunch recently and it was a huge hit. Since my taste buds have been yearning for pumpkin lately, I wanted to experiment with it in a hot chocolate. Sound crazy? It is delicious! But you can easily leave the pumpkin out and still have a decadent hot chocolate.
Easily prepared on the stove or the crock pot, this is the perfect treat for hitting those early Black Friday deals, or for a magical Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 10 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup white chocolate melting chips (or white chocolate chips)
- 2 cups (one 11.5 oz bag) milk chocolate chips
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine milk, pumpkin puree, and sweetened condensed milk in a pan and heat on medium low until heated through, stirring often. *This mixture should never boil.
- Add white chocolate and milk chocolate to the pan and stir while the chocolate melts.
- Once chocolate has melted and combined with the liquid, add the remaining spices. Stir to combine.
- Using a fine strainer (to capture the larger spice particles), strain the hot chocolate into a crock pot. This will make it incredibly creamy and delicious! Turn on warm until ready to serve.
You can make it directly in the crock pot by simply combining ingredients, turning the crock pot on low, and stirring often until chocolate has melted and all ingredients are combined. It is still a good idea to strain the mixture.
*A Quick Note: I did try making this hot chocolate the night before and then left the crock pot on warm over night but thought it gave the hot chocolate a funny taste. I would recommend making it fairly close to serving time (don’t leave overnight).
Then pour yourself a mug, snuggle up, and enjoy!
I sure wish I could still wear footed jammies. It kind of makes the experience that much more complete!
Happy Holidays!
Beth B. says
This sounds yummy!! Can you taste the pumpkin? Also, I’m pretty sure Target sells adult-sized footed pajamas. 🙂
Nicolette says
Haha! I will definitely check out target:). The pumpkin is noticeable but not overpowering.
Stephanie says
This recipe sounds heavenly and rich! Yum! … Footed jammies reminds me of living in England in college, without central heat! My mom somehow found and shipped from the states, a pair of fleecy footed jammies in my size. Although they had hearts and teddy bears all over them, making me feel like I was 3, they were incredibly cozy!
Lara says
This looks amazing Nic! And that little boy, goodness he is adorable!!
Deb says
if you leave out the pumpkin do you still use all of the spices?
Nicolette says
Definitely! It gives the hot chocolate a nice depth and warmth that is unique. Just make sure to strain it before serving.
K&B says
I never knew you could crock pot hot chocolate ! Thanks for the fabulous idea !
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lindsay says
Hi! I just wanted to let you know I am including this in a 35 Christmas party appetizers and drinks collection over at Mommy’s Sweet Confessions. Thank you!
Nicolette says
Oh yay! I’ll make sure to check it out.
Jennifer Jones says
Hi Nicolette,
I love this idea and am going to do it tonight for a wonderful Wednesday morning! 🙂
Also at pajamagram.com you can find Women’s, Men’s, and family coordinating footie pajamas! They even have hoods on their styles!
Have a great day!
Nicolette says
Oh how fun! We will have to do matching jammies for Christmas this year. Hopefully my hubby is a good sport. Enjoy the hot chocolate; I drank way too much for my own good last time!
Julie says
Wow, this sounded so good, and so we tried a small batch. I did not put in the white choc chips (as we’re avoiding partially hydrogenated oils), nor did I add brown sugar. It was good, but after drinking a mug we all decided it was way too sweet (my daughters added milk to theirs). So I guess I’m happy to report that my girls aren’t used to things so sweet! The pumpkin & spices were a nice touch tho.
Nicolette says
Glad you tried it! Yes it is rich, so adding milk to it would tone it down a bit. Great comments!
Leslie says
Could I use semisweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate? I almost never have them b/c they’re so sweet.
Shelley says
If you like semi-sweet, I’m sure you could give them a try! 🙂 It will just make for a semi-sweet tasting cocoa. 🙂
Nicolette says
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! I’m making this again Christmas Eve and think I’ll try just white chocolate chips for a white hot chocolate. Good luck!
Heidi Lynne says
This sounds delish! Definitely planning to make it Christmas morning. Could you please tell me how many it serves so I can be sure to make enough for the whole extended fam? Thanks so much! 😘
Nicolette says
Hi Heidi. I’ve served this exact recipe at a family brunch and I want to say there were about 20 people there. Hope that helps! Merry Christmas!