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!!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
So, can we just talk about the fact that you took ALL my favorite Christmas flavours and put them into one AH-MAY-ZING Drinkety drink?
I need this. With those gingerbread cookies for dipping. OBVI. Pinned!
Sarah says
Girl, this hot chocolate is SO up your alley! You must try. Like asap. 😀 Thanks for pinning, lady! Happy weekend!
Lauren says
I just made this and it was delicious! Do you know how long it will safely last in the fridge?
Thank you!
Sarah says
Hi Lauren! I’m glad to hear that you loved this hot chocolate! It will typically last 5-7 days in the fridge. You could also freeze it for up to 2 months. 🙂
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
Oooh, I love gingerbread season! I posted a gingerbread recipe today, too! 🙂 This drink looks just perfect for this chilly weekend!
Sarah says
Great minds think alike! I’m off to check out those gorgeous-looking cookies you shared, Kelly! 😉
Cheryl says
Yes!! Eggnog alone is sort of boring to me, but gingerbread makes it totally epic! I’d also have to add a little boozy booze to this… 😀 These pictures are awesome! They’re so sharp yet smooth and fluffy all at once.. is that impossible? I don’t care, because you’ve done it!
Sarah says
Haha YES! It is the weekend after all, so go crazy adding the booze to this hot chocolate, girl! 😉 And oh, thanks for the photography love! HUGE compliment coming from the photo-pro that you are! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Wow, I think this is my favorite hot chocolate ever! I’m loving the gingerbread and eggnog combination, Sarah! And your pictures are so gorgeous! I totally wish I had a mug of this right now. Pinned!
Sarah says
Thank you Gayle! I would totally box some of this hot chocolate up and send it to you if I could! 😉
Shashi at Runninsrilankan says
I am a fellow cold-hater myself – but not sure I could restrain myself to merely sip at a cup of this deliciousness – I would want all that gingerbread-eggnog-chocolate deliciousness in a hearty chug instead!
Sarah says
Hahaha! I love the way you think, Shashi! I’m totally the hot-chocolate-gulper myself! 🙂
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This sounds so comforting!! Love the gingerbread flavour! Perfect drink to warm up with this winter! 😀
Sarah says
Thanks Jess! This hot chocolate totally makes winter a little more bearable. 😉
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
I totally agree. I let my husband take care of the snow and junk outside and I am definitely willing to whip up something warm and delicious like this hot chocolate! This looks so good!
Sarah says
Right?! Best job EVER we have. LOL. Thanks Ashley! Happy weekend. 😉
Manali @ CookWithManali says
Your pictures are so pretty Sarah, I had to pin them even before I read your post! The hot chocolate looks amazing, pass me a glass please!
Sarah says
Thanks for the photo-love, Manali! Big compliment coming from an awesome photographer like yourself! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Dreaming of being at home and sipping this hot chocolate and watching a Christmas movie : )
Sarah says
I’m thinking I love this plan. 😀 Happy weekend Nat!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
Gingerbread and eggnog in hot chocolate?! This is pure genius. I could go for a warm mug right about now. Pinned!
Sarah says
Thanks for the pin, Jen! Have an awesome weekend!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
this drink looks SO good, Sarah! And your photos, gorgeous!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Julie! Have a good weekend. 🙂
marcie says
OMG…this looks insanely good! Gorgeous photos, and an equally gorge mug of cocoa! This is taking it to a new and out of control level…which I love. 🙂
Sarah says
Thank you Marcie! And LOL yeah…I’ve never been one to under-do it in the hot chocolate department. 😀
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Sarah – you know my Christmas wish? That you come over this Christmas and make me all the wonderful things you post on this blog. And I’m begging you – I want to start with this amazing Gingerbread Eggnog Hot Chocolate!
Sarah says
Haha! I’m on my way over right now Kristi! LOL. Happy weekend lady!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Oh wow you smushed like every good taste of the holidays into one beverage! And I boycott winter except December…well not that I can really escape it!
Sarah says
Yes! December is my favorite month of winter and then afterwards, just…meh, I’m ready for spring. LOL
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I guess the good thing about our “brown” christmas this year (no snow in Wisconsin this year? this is what I heard. . ) is that there shouldn’t be any snow shoveling happening . . or is this just the Madison area? anyway, love this eggnog hot chocolate!! and yes to some gingersnaps for dunking!! 🙂
Sarah says
We had some snow here but as of yesterday afternoon it all melted! LOL. So now I think we’re both in the same “brown” boat. Haha!
Julie G. says
Eggnog and hot chocolate, I would have never thought! This looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try it 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Julie! LMK if you try this hot chocolate!