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Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate – the coziest mug of hot chocolate complete with so much whipped cream. Chai steeped steamed milk with sweet chocolate, extra spices, rich vanilla, and espresso. This cocoa is creamy, lightly sweetened, and best enjoyed with a large helping of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Perfect for sipping morning or night, any time of year, but especially during the winter. This recipe is simple to make and soon to become a cozy winter staple.
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I have so much love for this simple, spicy mug of hot chocolate. It’s cozy, perfect, not too sweet, and just so warmingly delicious!
I know I’ve shared this before, but my mother could live off of hot chocolate she drinks a healthy mug every single morning and practically every single night before bed. She is addicted like some are addicted to coffee. If her morning starts without her daily mug, watch out. You don’t want to cross her path that day, she’s not going to be a happy camper.
She literally needs a mug of hot cocoa, probably more than most people need coffee. No exaggeration.
Anyway, it’s safe to say that I know how to make hot chocolate. I grew up sipping it daily with my mom. To this day it’s still such a cozy comforting drink. I love to enjoy it, especially on snowy days.
It warms you right up!
I love a chai latte and I love hot chocolate, combing the two was a no-brainerm- of course I needed to do it! The second I had the idea, I knew exactly the recipe I want to create, and the mug I wanted to use. I was so excited.
So here we are. My favorite mug of chai hot chocolate, brewed with a shot of expresso, vanilla, and extra spices.
The details
You can use whatever milk you drink daily, I use whole goat milk. Coconut milk would be delish, but whatever milk you prefer wil work!
Warm the milk on the stove until it’s steaming, then add a chai bag and steep the milk like you would tea. I usually add a cinnamon stick for some extra cinnamon.
When the milk has steeped, everything else goes in. Extra cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, unsweetened cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. Put the small pot back on the stove until it’s steamy once more. Add the vanilla.
Next, pour brewed espresso into a latte-size mug, then pour over the hot cocoa. Dollop with more whipped cream than you probably should. If you’d like, add a dusting of cinnamon and or chocolate shavings.
If you need something sweet to warm things up this winter, make this hot chocolate. It’s so well-loved. As long as you have milk, chai, and chocolate, you can easily make it anytime. Trust me, you’ll enjoy every sip of this cocoa! And again, don’t skimp on the whipped cream – that’s Asher’s favorite part!
And if you’re wondering, my mom approves too!
Tis’ perfect.
Looking for other warming desserts? Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Chunk Chai Banana Bread
Lastly, if you make Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 bag chai
- 1 star anise , (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 ounce dark chocolate
- 2-4 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ounce espresso
- so much whipped cream
- grated chocolate shavings and cinnamon sticks, (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a small pot, bring the milk to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and add the chai bag and star anise (if using). Cover and steep 10 minutes. 2. Remove the tea bag and add the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and honey. Place over low heat and stir until the milk is steaming. Stir in the vanilla. 3. Pour the hot espresso into a mug, then pour over the hot chocolate. Dollop with whipped cream, and top with chocolate shavings and cinnamon. Drink and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
You lost me when you put espresso in it. I wish you didn’t add coffee flavor to your recipes, some of us don’t like the coffee.
Hi Terri,
You can skip the espresso:) Or here’s another recipe you might enjoy:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/polar-express-hot-chocolate/
Which chai teabags do you use & where to buy?
For your chai hot cocoa😎
Hi Michelle,
I get mine from Whole Foods! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try!
Hi, any way to make this for a crowd ? Like in a crock pot ?
Hey Lisa,
That’s a fun idea! I’ve never done that, but you could certainly give it a try! I hope you love this recipe!
Made this today and it’s delicious! I don’t like super sweet drinks so I used 2 tsp of honey and it was perfect. Thanks for another great recipe, Tieghan!
Hey Michelle,
Happy Sunday! Big thanks for making this recipe and your comment, I love that it turned out well for you!
It looks delicious, but how is something that’s 478 calories per serving on a list of healthiest recipes of 2025? That’s about 25% of an average-sized woman’s daily caloric intake. And it’s just a beverage.
Healthy isn’t all about the calories!
HaHa, I wasn’t done my comment! This is delicious and in response to another comment, healthy is not all about the calories!!
Thanks so much, Jen!
Oh, i do love hot chocolate, chai, and coffee and i never thought about putting them together . I do it slightly different, no masala bag, just masala spices ( cinammon stick, cardamom, whole peppers, ginger, clove) assam tea, let it steep for 10 minutes then add sugar, the milk, chocolate, coffee ( i just do instant) and as you say at the end lots of cream. Thank you for the discovery!
Hey Estrella,
Happy Monday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you!
I made this tonight and we both loved it. I subbed coconut milk for the milk, monkfruit sweetener for the honey and dairy free chocolate chips and it still rocked!! Thank you!!
Hi Pam,
Lovely!! Thank you so much for trying this recipe and your feedback, I love to hear it was enjoyed! Happy New Year!🥳🥂
Delicious 🤤
Thanks so much, Holly!
Where do you get the bag of chai?
Hi Stacey,
Your local grocery store should carry it in the tea section. Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xx
I made this last night and it was delicious. Making it again tonight. Question tbougb, the end of my cup of cocoa was gritty. Secret to blending the spices in the milk chai mixture better?
Hey Jess,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe!! Do you have a milk frother? Those can be helpful for blending in the spices. I hope this helps! xx
Hands down, the BEST hot coco recipe I’ve ever had! I keep making this as my chocolate, cozy fix all in one! It’s perfect as is and goes nicely with a little rum.
Hey Beth,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out and your feedback! Love to hear it turned out well! xT
what brand of chocolate do you prefer?
Hi Francine! I love HU chocolate and chocolove!
Insanely delicious!
Thanks sooo much Jocelyn! xT
Wonderful recipe. Loved it. Made it last night. Like how you’ve put all my favorite flavors together. Chai, chocolate and coffee. I’ll be making this all Winter.
Hi! I’m so so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for giving it a try! xT