Ginger Spiced Hot Chocolate – Straightforward Microwave Recipe!

At a glance

What stands out: Why spend top dollar at expensive coffee shops? In less than five minutes, you can make your own rich ginger spiced hot chocolate in the microwave for a fraction of the cost. This hot chocolate recipe is so straightforward to mix and tastes lots better than powdered mixes in packets.

How long it takes: 2 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: microwave-safe mug, microwave oven
Servings: 1

You’ll love this straightforward ginger spiced hot chocolate. When you’re feeling cold and shivery, you need a warm, sweet creamy mug of hot cocoa. You do!

From-scratch Hot Chocolate

Straightforward and economical! You won’t believe how straightforward it is to make your own hot chocolate. The only dish you’ll have to wash is the mug you use to drink the hot chocolate. And think about it. How much do you think you’ll spend on a mug of from-scratch hot cocoa? Pennies, we'd guess, compared to at least three or four dollars at a coffee shop.

So much better than instant hot chocolate. We don’t think we'll ever buy those little packets of hot chocolate mix again. The tiny dehydrated marshmallows never live up to real marshmallow stature. And why spend money on all that packaging? Bad for your wallet, bad for the environment. (Try our hot cocoa mix if you like the idea of a from-scratch mix.)

Goes well with baked goods. For a wonderful treat, make a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin streusel bread, or gingersnap cookies with white chocolate and cranberries to go along with your ginger-spiced hot chocolate. (Your house will smell like heaven.) For a special breakfast, serve the hot chocolate with gingerbread pancakes. It’s a standby breakfast ever!

What goes in

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder can be found in the baking aisle of the grocery store. It’s cocoa beans that have been roasted and dried, with most of the cocoa butter extracted, then ground into a fine powder. It has only 12 calories per tablespoon.
• Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioner’s sugar. Because of its fine texture, powdered sugar is easily stirred into the hot beverage. Regular granulated white sugar would not dissolve as easily.
• Ground Ginger: Found in the spice aisle of the grocery store, ground ginger is pale yellow. It’s usually used in baking, such as gingersnaps, which by the way, would go well with this hot chocolate!
• Milk: Use the kind of milk you like best. While whole milk makes the creamiest hot cocoa, other types of milk work well, too, including non-dairy milks.
• Garnishes: While not totally necessary, garnishes are what makes a hot beverage special and feel like a splurge. Keep reading for ideas.

How it comes together

Ginger spiced hot chocolate is straightforward to mix. Select your favorite microwave-safe mug and let’s get started.

Mix dry ingredients in your cup. Measure out a few teaspoons of cocoa powder, add a couple teaspoons of powdered sugar, and a dash of ground ginger. Stir it up a bit so that all the ingredients are mixed.

Add milk. The dry mixture you have in your mug is similar to what comes in an envelope but instead of adding water, you’ll add real milk. Choose full fat, 2%, non-fat, or non-dairy, it’s totally up to you. Whisk the milk into the dry ingredients and pop it into the microwave. Heat for a minute or so, stir again, and your hot chocolate is ready to sip.

Add a garnish, if you want. If you’re feeling like a splurge (and why not?), top your hot chocolate with a nice swirl of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a strip of candied ginger (as pictured). A drizzle of chocolate syrup is fun, or go more traditional with mini marshmallows.

Microwave Tips

Choose the right mug. Not all mugs are safe in the microwave. The glazed finish may contain harmful materials that leach into the hot beverage. Only use mugs that are labeled as microwave-safe. Choose a mug that’s the correct size and don’t overfill it.

Don’t overheat your hot chocolate. We like to start with 60 seconds. Stir the hot chocolate and either take a little sip or test it with a spoon. If it’s not hot enough the first time you try it, continue to heat in 15-second increments, checking the temperature each time.

Ways to change it

• Change the spice. If desired, omit the ground ginger and try ground cinnamon instead. We love to make Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla extract. Add your own from-scratch pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice, to taste, for a nice alternative.
• Adjust the sweetness level. Reduce or increase the amount of powdered sugar, to taste. Another option is to use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.
• Make it on the stove. No microwave? Heat the hot chocolate in a small saucepan on the stovetop, stirring often, until warmed through. A saucepan is a good option if you want to double or triple the recipe. (we use a saucepan to make this orange hot chocolate!)
• Lactose free or vegan. Use non-dairy milk, like almond or soy. If you’re interested in lactose-free hot chocolate, try our oat milk hot chocolate. We've found that oat milk is one of a standby choices for dairy-free hot chocolate.
• Rather have an cold beverage? Be sure to try our iced pumpkin spice latte or an apple cider mocktail (or cocktail).

Make Ahead Idea

Looking for the convenience of instant hot cocoa? Measure out the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa, and ground ginger into a snack-size bag or small container. While you’re at it, make several bags, assembly line style.

When you’re ready to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, simply pour the contents of the bag into a mug and whisk in the milk. Microwave as directed. So good and straightforward!

Make it a gift. This mix makes a great Christmas gift, too! If you’re looking for a gift that’s a little fancier, try Pop Rocks hot cocoa bombs. Guaranteed to be a hit!

Nothing warms you up from the inside out like hot cocoa! Fill a mug with hot cocoa, snuggle under a soft blanket, and be wrapped in sweet warm cozy happy thoughts.

• Yield: 1
• Prep: 2 minutes
• Cook: 1 minute
• Total: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger (see note)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk, 2%, nonfat, or non-dairy)

Optional garnishes:

• whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, candied ginger, mini marshmallows, chocolate syrup (use as many as you like!)

Method

1. In a large microwave safe mug, whisk together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and ground ginger.
2. Slowly pour in milk while whisking.
3. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds or until hot. Whisk again and serve immediately with desired garnishes.

Notes

Stovetop method/ake more: Heat the mixture in a saucepan on the stove over medium low heat until warm. Serve immediately or keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method works best if you’re serving a large crowd.

Variations: If desired, omit ginger for more traditional hot cocoa. Sometimes, we make it with cinnamon instead of ginger, and add a few drops of vanilla extract to make Mexican hot chocolate.

DIY instant hot cocoa packets: If you like the convenience of instant hot chocolate packets, try this idea. Measure out the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa, and ground ginger into a snack-size bag or small container. Make several bags, assembly line style. When you’re ready to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, simply pour the contents of the bag into a mug and whisk in the milk. Microwave as directed.

Nutrition note: Nutritional information is calculated using 2% milk and does not include garnishes.