Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a delicious twist on classic hot chocolate. Loaded with warm and cozy fall flavors, it is rich and creamy and comes together in just 10 minutes. Here is how to make it.
Here are some more of my chocolate drink recipes for you to try – Frozen Hot Chocolate, Instant Pot Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Frappe, and Chocolate Cold Coffee.

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About This Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a warm and comforting drink made using real pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate.
It is rich and creamy in texture and loaded with warm fall flavors.
This pumpkin pie spiced hot chocolate drink is perfect to serve for cold fall and winter evenings. I like to make a big batch of this comforting drink for my fall parties or thanksgiving dinner.
Spike it with bourbon for an indulgent adult treat.
This drink can be made in a pan over the stovetop, in an instant pot, or in a slow cooker. Choose your favorite method to make it this fall!
Ingredients


Pumpkin Puree – Make the pumpkin puree at home using my homemade pumpkin puree recipe or buy a can.
Milk – I like to make it using whole milk as it turns out super-rich and creamy but you can choose to use skim, low-fat, or plant-based milk.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Make it at home using my Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe or buy a bottle.
Cocoa Powder – Use the best-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. I like to use Ghiradelli.
Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate makes this drink rich and indulgent.
Others – You will also need dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and water.
How To Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Add 3 cups of whole milk, ¾ cup pumpkin puree, 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ½ cup water, ½ cup dark brown sugar, and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder in a pan and cook on medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.

Add ½ cup chopped dark chocolate and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and cook until they dissolve and the hot chocolate is creamy.

Top with whipped cream (optional) and serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, to try a different version, you can always swap dark chocolate with white chocolate. You will need to make a few minor changes to retain its white color, creaminess, and sweetness. Just reduce the amount of sugar, skip cocoa powder, and add 4 oz chopped white chocolate in place of dark chocolate.
Yes, milk chocolate is another option that you can use instead of dark chocolate. Just reduce the sugar and use milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate bar instead of dark chocolate.
You can use a mixture of ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and nutmeg instead of a pre-made pumpkin pie spice.
Press SAUTE button of the instant pot. Pour milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, water, sugar, and cocoa powder, and cook until milk comes to a boil. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract and cook until they dissolve and the hot chocolate is creamy. Press KEEP WARM and serve whenever you are ready.
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and whisk until smooth. Cook on low for 3 hours or on high for 1-½ hours. Make sure to stir it a few times while cooking. Add the hot chocolate into cups, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately.
Storage Suggestions
You can store Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate for about 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat, and mix it well before serving again.
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Recipe Card

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup dark chocolate (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Add milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, water, dark brown sugar, and cocoa powder in a pan and cook on medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Add dark chocolate and vanilla extract and cook until they dissolve and the hot chocolate is creamy.
- Top with whipped cream (optional) and serve hot.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!