Cinnamon and Spice Hot Cocoa

by

On chilly mornings and evenings, there’s nothing like a cup of hot cocoa to warm you up. This less-traditional spiced hot cocoa boasts subtle spices to kick the warmth up a notch.

cinnamon and spice hot cocoa in mug

Growing up, one of my favorite things about winter was my mother’s homemade hot cocoa. I didn’t care much about playing out in the snow, but I would do it just so I would have an excuse to ask her to make a pot full of cocoa upon coming back inside to warm my frozen toes and fingers.

She usually obliged. Being a health-nut, her version contained raw goats milk, carob or cocoa, and no refined sweeteners, so there was no problem indulging my hot cocoa-love.

This Spiced Hot Cocoa is a simple twist on my mom’s homemade version. Sweetened with honey, and with the addition of healthy spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, it provides a little extra nourishment to an age-old treat.

Cinnamon is a nutritional powerhouse and a powerful anti-bacterial. Its antioxidant properties protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, and it’s also one of the most effective substances against E–coli, and Salmonella.

cinnamon and spice Hot Cocoa wingredients

The anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger are said to rival those of NSAIDs and come from gingerol, the compound in ginger which helps to lower the risk of infections.

Nutmeg contains powerful trace minerals potassium, calcium, iron, and manganese, which help to keep the immune system strong. It also contains a natural organic compound called myristicin, known to shield the brain against degenerative diseases.

Cloves are high in antioxidants, can improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, and have antibacterial properties potent enough to kill a number of human pathogens. They’re also known to improve the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count.

With the addition of these healthy spices, this honey-sweetened pot of hot cocoa is a delicious and nutritious drink that’s sure to warm you up and put a smile on your face, especially when paired with a few healthy chocolate chip cookies or a homemade scone.

cinnamon and spice hot cocoa

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Cinnamon and Spice Hot Cocoa

Add extra warmth to your homemade hot cocoa!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade hot cocoa
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 373kcal
Author: Raia

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 6 Tbsp honey add more to taste if desired
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • pinch ground cloves
  • dash sea salt
  • 2 cups milk I recommend raw whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract find out how to make your own here!
  • whipped cream optional

Instructions

  • In medium-sized saucepan, whisk together cocoa, honey, spices, and 1/4 cup of the milk until creamy.
  • Pour in the remainder of the milk and heat through (don’t boil!).
  • Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla.
  • Serve with a cinnamon stick or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Dairy-free version - use coconut milk.
Sweetener substitutes - you may also use maple syrup or granulated sugar in place of honey.
Sugar-free version - use stevia or a stevia/erythritol blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 518mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 7.9% | Calcium: 29.6% | Iron: 9.8%

What’s your favorite drink during the chillier winter months?

Raia

Raia

Raia lives in the south with her husband/best-friend, five wonderfully crazy kids, six free-range chickens, and a gazillion mosquitoes. In between being a full time wife, mom, and homeschool teacher, she blogs over at RaiasRecipes.com, where she shares all her gluten-free and allergy-friendly food.
Raia

@RaiasRecipes

Raia

Raia

Raia
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17 Comments

    • Raia
      Raia on December 16, 2015 at 11:04 am

      Thank you, Rebecca! 🙂

    • Raia
      Raia on December 16, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! I’ve only recently started branching out in my hot cocoa recipes, and I can’t turn back now. 🙂

  3. Gluten Free With Emily
    Gluten Free With Emily on December 16, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    I love the idea of spicing up some hot cocoa! Looks delicious!

    • Raia
      Raia on December 16, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      Thank you so much, Emily!

    • Raia
      Raia on December 16, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks, Brianna. 😉

  5. tessa@tessadomesticdiva
    [email protected] on December 16, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    warming spices in a warming drink…great idea Raia!! Looks so comforting…I might have to add a dash of cayenne too!!

    • Raia
      Raia on December 16, 2015 at 3:57 pm

      Cayenne sounds like a great addition, Tessa! 🙂

  6. Chandice
    Chandice on December 16, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    I need this right now! Love the spice added 🙂

    • Raia
      Raia on December 16, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      There’s never a bad time for hot cocoa. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Chandice.

  7. Shreyashi Ganguly
    Shreyashi Ganguly on December 19, 2015 at 11:12 am

    What a wonderful new way to enjoy hot cocoa?
    Good one. Keep them coming 🙂

    • Raia
      Raia on December 19, 2015 at 12:21 pm

      Thanks, Shreyashi! 😉

    • Raia
      Raia on December 23, 2015 at 4:43 pm

      Thanks, Shreyashi!

  8. Nikki
    Nikki on December 23, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Sounds yummy! I love hot chocolate with cinnamon but hadn’t thought to try it with the other spices.

    • Raia
      Raia on December 23, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      Thanks, Nikki! It really is delicious. 🙂