Christmas Gingerbread Hot Chocolate (Printer-Friendly)

Silky hot chocolate blended with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a festive morning treat.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Hot Chocolate Base

01 - 2 cups whole milk or non-dairy milk
02 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon molasses
05 - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
06 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

10 - Whipped cream
11 - Crushed gingerbread cookies
12 - Cinnamon or nutmeg, for dusting

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well blended.
02 - Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture. Heat until the beverage is hot and slightly frothy, about 5 to 7 minutes, taking care not to bring it to a boil.
03 - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour into serving mugs.
04 - Top each serving generously with whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed gingerbread cookies, and dust with cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance aroma and flavor.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Avoid boiling to preserve the smooth texture and prevent bitterness.