Who doesn’t love a rich, warm, fall-spiced cup of hot chocolate? Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa is the ultimate “let’s tuck in and enjoy fall” drink! This Starbucks copycat comes together in less than 10 minutes and is filled with pumpkin spice flavor and rich chocolate goodness. The perfect treat for a chilly autumn day!

A quote from Si: “I took a sip and knew I was in trouble. Cream. Spice. Chocolate. Pumpkin. This is not a drink. It’s dessert.”

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa

  • Milk: Use skim, whole milk, or anything in between. You choose. 
  • Hot Cocoa Mix: We’ve included a hot cocoa mix recipe, but feel free to use any high-quality cocoa mix. We recommend Stephen’s Gourmet Hot Cocoa, Dark Chocolate, with this recipe. 
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has sugar and spices already added. 
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: This adds that spice-filled fall flavor. Don’t have Pumpkin Pie Spice? We have a recipe for that too! Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Don’t forget the toppings!

Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa stands on its own, but finished off with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, it’s over the top. Stand back, Starbucks! We’ve got this.  

More words from Si: If you’re cozied up at home, watching the rain or snow fall from inside your steamed up windows, mix up this treat. It’s like comfort in a cup. Fall style.

Bonus!  Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

Homemade hot cocoa comes together in a snap with just 5 ingredients, a bowl, and a whisk.
This simple recipe can be used in our Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa or for a quick hot chocolate anytime. Make a few batches and give as gifts along with a recipe for Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa. Your neighbors and friends will love this thoughtful, homemade treat!

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

More pumpkin recipes on ABK

Now that you’ve opened a can of pumpkin puree, why not make another treat? Here are a few more ABK favorites to enjoy!

Originally published in 2013. updated with fresh photos and content.

Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa

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Author: Si Foster
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa: This Starbucks copycat comes together in less than 10 minutes. Filled with pumpkin spice flavor and rich chocolate goodness – the perfect treat for a chilly autumn day!

Ingredients 

Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cocoa

  • 2 cups milk (low-fat or whole)
  • 1 cup hot cocoa mix (see recipe below – or use your favorite high-quality dark cocoa mix, such as Stephens)
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and additional pumpkin pie spice for topping

Hot Cocoa Mix

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa (see notes)
  • ¼ cup powdered milk
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Pour milk into a saucepan. Add dry cocoa mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice.
  • Cook over medium heat, whisking until smooth and milk is hot. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
  • Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Makes two 10-ounce servings.

Hot Cocoa Mix

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until blended well. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

Notes

If you are in a hurry or don’t want to make your own hot cocoa mix, you may substitute a premade powder mix, such as Stephen’s Hot Cocoa Mix. I suggest a dark hot chocolate mix.
For the hot cocoa recipe: When buying Dutch-process cocoa, buy a good quality chocolate. It will greatly improve the flavors in the finished product.
For a cup of cocoa from the hot cocoa mix: Place 1/3-1/2 cup hot cocoa mix in a mug. Stir in hot water or hot milk, depending on your preference. I like to use milk for an extra creamy, rich flavor!
 

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