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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.
I’m with your mother on this one. After experiencing such a delight, how can one return to a simple cup of Joe? Now I’m spoiled, too. Totally luscious and lovely, especially on a cold January morning. Thanks, girl.
Lol love to hear this Jean!! Thanks for giving the recipe a try! xT
Can’t wa to try this, but also love the mug. And noticed the same pattern in a bowl.
Could you possibly tell what brand or where you got them?
Hey Jean,
These are super hold from Anthropologie! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
I love your recipes; have all your books. But all your links take me to Thrive market. I can’t see the product; due to them wanting an email. I must say..it is really annoying. Just a heads up.
Hi Leesa,
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback and I totally understand your frustration!! We contacted Thrive Market and asked them to remove that! xx
So delicious! For me, this recipe serves 2.
Hey Denise,
Happy Thursday! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe and thanks so much for making it! xT
Would you share the brands of dark chocolate and cocoa powder that you use?
Hey Annette,
I like to use Chocolove Dark Chocolate and Equal Exchange cocoa powder. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
I just made this using coconut milk for the base and aquafaba for the whipped cream- sooooo delicious with all those warming spices.
Such a great idea Rene!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xx
Thank you and I can’t wait to give this recipe a try; especially when next it snows here…lots and lots of snow; a real blizzard would be nice!
I hope you love the recipe!!
I just made this…it’s amazing!! Thanks for sharing!
Hey Rebecca,
Happy Wednesday! ❄️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
What’s expresso?
Hi Dee,
This recipe calls for 1 ounce of espresso…which is a concentrated form of coffee served in small, strong shots and is the base for many coffee drinks. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
So calling it “expresso” is just a lazy typo/way to get comments pointing it out. Got it.
I enjoy all Tieghan’s recipes, but her “expresso roast” of your sorry arse is the best thing brewing right now.
☕️😃☕️
I don’t drink tea or coffee for religious reasons, but would love to get the flavor of this recipe… It sounds so good! Can I just omit the teabag and the espresso and if I do, do I need to change anything else in the recipe?
You can find caffeine free chai tea (they leave out the plant that certain religions avoid). I get mine from mountain rose herbs online. They have real loose leaf blends. And then just leave out the espresso! I can answer your question easily because I just made this exact version for my kids 😁😁
Thank you Lexi!!
Thanks for sharing Lexi!!
Hey Danette,
I would give one of my other hot chocolate recipes a try:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sugar-cookie-hot-chocolate/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/creamy-coconut-hot-chocolate/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/vanilla-bean-hot-cocoa/
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
I too would like to hear the exact recipe of your moms hot chocolate. You’ve teased us long enough! Please share! Thank you!!!
Lol will share soon!! Let me know if you give this recipe a try:) Thanks Jamie! xx
I like the recipe but I have never experienced a website where they force you to give them your email and/or details of items you might be interested in before you can browse the store. I would never ever order anything from thethrivemarket
Thanks for sharing your feedback, sorry to hear this was frustrating for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try! xx
This was DELICIOUS. I didn’t even cut the honey!! (Didnt have dark chocolate) and it wasn’t too sweet at all.
Hey Priya,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and thanks so much for trying it out! xx
Yum!! Sounds delicious!!
Thanks so much Charlotte! Let me know if you give the recipe a try! xx
mouth = watering !
you’ve GOTTA divulge your mum’s secret to how her cocoa wakes her up in the morning but helps her sleep at night 😀 would love the advice 😛
Lol thanks so much Natala!! Yes, it’s on my list to share:) xx