Chase away the winter chill with this fun twist on hot chocolate that combines eggnog and gingerbread flavors into one unbelievably-cozy sipper!
It’s official. Eggnog-sipping, nut-crunching by the blazing fireplace-season is upon us.
And I am one content gal.
Yeah, yeah I know what you’re thinking: But what about all that complaining Sarah did about the weather in OCTOBER of all times?!
Yes, well. That was just denial. It happens every year when winter comes a ‘knockin too early for my cold-hating self.
Now that we’re smack in the middle December and surrounded by the white stuff? Not to mention the cookies and all things hot and cozy coming outta my ears?! I’m giving into the cravings and letting winter sweep me into it’s clutches.
Yikes, that sounds kinda scary. But believe me, they’re NICE clutches as long as I’m INSIDE and outta the Wisconsin-elements, covered in fuzzy blankets with a mug of THIS in my hand at all times.
I let my family handle the whole shoveling-up-the-white-mess part of winter while I stay in my nice and warm kitchen and supply the hot chocolate and cookies for afterward. I mean, somebody’s gotta do this part of the job and it might as well be ME!
It’s a hard job, but I’m more than happy to do it. 😀
Rambling put aside for the time-being. Let’s talk ’bout the chocolate.
When it comes to winter sippers, what do you usually reach for first? I always have the toughest time deciding which one I’m in the mood for: Hot chocolate or eggnog? Caramel latte or a steamer?
Now normally my caffeine-cray self would go straight for the coffee, no questions asked. But sometimes….I just want to be a kid again and sip away at piping-hot chocolate or creamy eggnog, while munching away on a few of my mom’s dynamite gingerbread cookies. ♥
Um yeah, a few cookies? Kinda the understatement of the year. Mom makes the gingerbread cookies of your DREAMS and it’s literally impossible to stop eating them. I need to share the recipe with y’all sometime….
Anywho when these kid-cravings do hit, do you know how hard it is for me to decide between eggnog and hot chocolate?! Tough stuff, so I came up with a fix: Combine them both AND throw some winter-y, gingerbread-y spices into the mix too…yes, yes, yes!
…Ultimately resulting in Winter’s Best Beverage of all the land.
One that can certainly hold it’s own against my beloved pumpkin spice lattes which, by the way, I DO NOT stop making even though pumpkin season is pretty much a distant memory. *sniff*
This hot choc guys? It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing—I’m positive you have all the ingredients only a hop, skip and stone’s throw away and seriously, TEN MINUTES prep time to sipping?! You can’t beat it.
And I just can’t even….stop…sipping..(!!!)
Dear Hot Chocolate Season: Please stay around forever so I can always indulge in your hot, chocolate-y goodness.
Sincerely and forever yours, Sarah.
Uh one last thing: I hope you know that even though there’s gingerbread flavors in this hot chocolate, it is absolutely necessary that you grab some gingersnaps for dunking. It’s sacred.
And I think it goes without saying that this hot chocolate would be pretty lonely without it’s BFF the whipped cream. Mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top too? Why not?! The more calories the merrier.
This, dear friends, is what winter dreams are MADE of. ♥
Gingerbread Eggnog Hot Chocolate
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup xylitol or sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for serving
- Mini chocolate chips and cinnamon for topping optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, whisk milk, cream, xylitol (or sugar) and egg yolks until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips, spices, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally until hot chocolate is steaming and chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla.
- Ladle hot chocolate into serving cups and top with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips or cinnamon if desired. Serve warm.
Happy Friday!!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This is totally what my winter wonderland dreams are made of! I love all the holiday flavors stuffed into this gorgeous cup! We had a big snowstorm the other day and I would have loved to snuggle up with this hot chocolate! Gorgeous pics, I just want to dive right in head first <3
Sarah says
Whaaa?! You had a snowstorm? So far all we’ve had is little snowfalls here and there and I’m still patiently waiting for a big one so I can crank out all the cozy hot chocolate and cookies! LOL. Thanks for the photo love, Kelly! Happy weekend. 🙂
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
WOW!! This winter sipper is incredible!! I love that you combined every single favorite seasonal hot beverage into one!! This looks awesome. Totally agree that gingersnaps for dunking are critical. And would it be crazy to dunk some chocolate chip cookies too? I think not. YUM. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
You could never go wrong dunking CC cookies in this hot chocolate! They’re not just for milk after all. 😉 Thanks so much, Sarah!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Wow Sarah! This truly looks delectable! I can hardly wait to try it. Photos are amazing too!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Melanie! Happy Sunday. xxxx 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Might be the best hot chocolate ever! Love that you combined gingerbread and egg nog!
Sarah says
Thank you Christin! xoxo
Nora @ Savory Nothings says
Yum, this looks absolutely delicious Sarah! Love the pictures too! 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Nora!! You’re too sweet. 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
This eggnog hot chocolate is seriously all I am craving right now after seeing the images. I can only imagine how good it must have tasted Sarah! Definitely a recipe that is added to my Christmas Eve menu plan.
Sarah says
Thank you Thaila! You will definitely have to let me know how this hot chocolate turns out for you! xoxo
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
Wow…you went all out and it’s working Sarah!!! This gingerbread eggnog hot chocolate looks incredibly festive and I can imagine the triple play of flavours is so worth it!
Sarah says
You’re too kind, Jessica! Thanks so much girly!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I’m seriously dying over how delicious this looks! And dunking gingersnaps in, is just genius!
Sarah says
Thanks Amber!!
Isadora says
Eggnog is one of my favorite things ever!! I still don’t understand why they only sell it during Christmas season because I could happily drink it all year long! I love this eggnog hot chocolate and I think I need a big cup of it right now 🙂
Sarah says
Right?! I’m totally making this hot chocolate year-round so I can get my eggnog-fix! 😉 Thanks Izzy!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
This DOES sound like the ultimate holiday drink! It’s finally raining like crazy here in California, so I’m ready to cozy up with this hot chocolate!
Sarah says
Thanks Sarah! It’s definitely perfect for those rainy/snowy days! 😉
WholeYum says
Uhh, I need this in my life!! Beautiful photography!!
Sarah says
Thank you so much!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Uhm…. ALL THE BEST HOLIDAY FLAVORS IN ONE PLACE!! Heck, yes! This sounds like a super amazing decadent treat!!
Sarah says
Haha it’s totally the few extra calories to say the least! 🙂 Thanks Jess!
Lorrie Roa says
I love hot chocolate, especially with the mini marshmallows…that’s just great. it’s totally my favorite cold weather drink! Hot chocolate and mulled cider are my favorite cold weather drinks!