• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Little Sugar Snaps
  • All Recipes
  • Trending
  • Favourites
  • Baking
  • Drinks
  • Savoury
  • Midlands Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Work with Me
  • Portfolio
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Trending
  • Favourites
  • Baking
  • Drinks
  • Savoury
  • Midlands Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Work with Me
  • Portfolio
×

Home » Drinks

Spiced Hot Chocolate – a white hot chocolate recipe

February 5, 2021 by Jane Saunders 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Chai spiced white hot chocolate with text text overlay
A cup of spiced hot chocolate with text overlay
A cup of spiced hot chocolate with text overlay

Spiced Hot Chocolate is a sweet yet delicate blend of frothy milk, white chocolate and Indian chai spices. This white hot chocolate recipe is indulgent and warming. Make up a batch to reheat on demand.

A cup of frothy spiced hot chocolate with cream, ground spices and star anise garnish

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Contents hide
1 Why this Spiced Hot Chocolate is So Good
2 Ingredients
3 Step by Step Instructions
4 Expert Tips
5 Frequently Asked Questions
6 More Enticing Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try
7 Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate

When I was growing up I’d occasionally end up on a day-long shopping trip to Nottingham with my Mum. We would always make time to stop at my favourite café for a treat. The hot chocolate there came topped with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and a chocolate flake. Bliss. I ordered it every time.

It’s due to these trips that I’ve always had a nostalgic affection for hot chocolate. It makes me feel better if I’m down and positively buzzing if I’m already happy.

However, having been spoilt at a young age, I am a self confessed hot chocolate snob. These days, I rarely drink it away from home for fear that the quality will not live up to my expectations. Quite simply, I like to be in charge of the ingredients that go into my chocolate, the temperature and the adornments.

I’m particularly proud of this spiced hot chocolate though. It is made with fine ingredients and it is the ultimate autumn and winter comfort drink.

Why this Spiced Hot Chocolate is So Good

This white hot chocolate recipe has been carefully compiled to deliver a sweet drink with hints of creamy white chocolate and a delectable bunch of Indian spices more commonly paired with black tea in the classic masala chai drink.

Here the delicate spices marry particularly well with white chocolate, which doesn’t overpower them like dark or milk chocolate can.

And since white chocolate is undoubtedly sweet, a little goes a long way in this white hot chocolate recipe.

Best of all, unlike a masala chai, this handsome spiced hot chocolate sits well with a splurge of whipped cream and a dusting of ground spices. Hot chocolate and whipped cream are mandatory in my world.

But if spices are not your thing, try my straightforward white hot chocolate instead. It’s quick and easy to make and has just the right level of sweetness about it.

Ingredients

Ingredients for a chai white chocolate  drink with text overlay

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Begin by putting the spices into a pestle and mortar and crushing slightly

Step 2: Put the milk, spices and ginger into a pan. Heat to scalding, then turn the heat to the lowest setting and cook very gently for 5 minutes – do not let the milk boil

Step 3: Remove from the heat, cover the pan with a lid (or a plate) and let everything infuse for 45 minutes

Step by step images showing spices being infused in milk

Step 4: After 45 minutes, strain the milk through a sieve (or nut bag) then pour it into a clean pan

Step 5: Add the white chocolate & vanilla extract. Heat gently, stirring all the time until the chocolate has melted and the liquid is hot

Step by step images: spices being strained from milk and chocolate being added milk

I highly recommend topping this spiced hot chocolate with whipped cream, ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg and whole spices to garnish.

Expert Tips

There are just a few guidance tips I have to ensure you get the best out of this white hot chocolate recipe:

  • Give this recipe time. The milk needs to infuse for a minimum of 45 minutes to pick up the wonderful attributes that the spice blend has to offer
  • Crush the spices lightly in a pestle and mortar but avoid grinding them to a powder
  • To achieve a frothy top, use an handheld immersion blender to briefly blitz the spiced hot chocolate until frothy. Before blending, ensure that the milk comes well below halfway in the pan otherwise it might splash over the edge. You may need to return the drink to the heat briefly to bring back up to temperature
  • Vary the level of spices used. Add a little more pepper and cloves for a more pronounced level of spice heat. Or add a little more nutmeg, vanilla or cardamom to enhance the character of these less fiery elements
  • For a milder version use fewer spices and of course, it’s easy to drop one spice out if you do not get along with its flavour
  • For a culinary adventure, treat my spice list as a guide rather than gospel in this spiced hot chocolate recipe. Play around with different ones that you really enjoy
  • Increase the amount of white chocolate in the recipe with caution. It is easy to add too much which creates an overly sweet drink and detracts from the spice profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk for this chai hot chocolate. Keep in mind that each milk will display its own flavour profile and this may affect the overall flavour of the drink.

Coconut milk would make quite a decadent version with a luxurious, slightly thick texture. It makes a great pairing with the chai spices, though you may need to increase the amount of spices used slightly, to maintain the same depth of spice flavour.

Can I reheat leftovers

The infused milk can safely be heated through once. To make a batch of this chai hot chocolate for later use, go ahead and infuse the milk with the spices, but then let cool and store in the fridge until required. At this point, heat through and add the white chocolate before serving.

Alternatively, make the recipe up in full and chill the leftovers which can then be consumed over ice as a milkshake without the need for further reheating.

Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white?

This chai hot chocolate recipe has been developed specifically for white chocolate which has a distinctly different taste and level of sweetness to both milk and dark chocolate (particularly the latter).

Nothing bad will happen if milk or dark chocolate is used, but it will affect the overall taste and sweetness of this drink. Specifically, the level of the spice flavour may not be so bold, especially if using dark chocolate.

White Hot Chocolate in an enamel mug topped with ground spice

More Enticing Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try

Despite my snobbery, my fond memories of drinking hot chocolate with my mother means I’ve been happily handing down this tradition to my own kids since they were little. We have a regular Friday night slot for a homemade hot chocolate with all the trimmings. Here are a few of our favourites:

Cioccolata Calda (Italian Hot Chocolate)
Check out this recipe
Cioccolata calda - thick Italian hot chocolate - featured image
Salted Honey Hot Chocolate
Check out this recipe
Salted Honey Hot Chocolate
Caramelised White Chocolate “Hot Chocolate”
Check out this recipe
Caramelised White Chocolate - Hot Chocolate
Blackberry Hot Chocolate
Check out this recipe
2 glasses of Blackberry Hot Chocolate with cream, coulis, marshmallows and blackberry

Have you made this spiced hot chocolate? Let me know how you got along by leaving a comment or rating below – your feedback is always helpful. You can also show me your creation on Instagram by tagging me @jane_littlesugarsnaps.

A cup of spiced hot chocolate with whipped cream, ground spice and star anise garnish

Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate

Jane Saunders
Spiced Hot Chocolate is a sweet yet delicate blend of frothy milk, white chocolate and Indian spices. This white hot chocolate recipe is indulgent and warming. Make up a batch and warm up on demand.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drink, Non-alcoholic Drink
Cuisine: Worldwide
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Infusing time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 2 serving
Calories: 246kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 400 ml Whole milk
  • 45 g White chocolate
  • 8 Black peppercorns
  • 6 Cloves
  • 4 Allspice
  • 1 Cinnamon stick 15-20 cm
  • 2 Green cardamom pods
  • ½ Nutmeg clove
  • 1 Star anise
  • 4 Slices ginger thinly sliced (1mm)
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

To serve

  • Whipped cream
  • Freshly grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon stick

Instructions

  • Begin by lightly crushing the whole spices in a pestle and mortar (but do not grind them to a powder). Start with the black pepper, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and star anise, then transfer to a bowl and do the same with the cinnamon. Finally, crack the cardamom pods open
  • Put the cracked spices in a pan along with the ginger and milk. Heat until scalding, then turn the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 5 minutes, but do not let the milk boil
  • After 5 minutes turn off the heat and cover the pan either with a lid or a plate. Leave to infuse for 45 minutes (or longer for a more pronounced spice flavour)
  • Strain the milk through a fine-meshed sieve (or use a nut bag if you have one) then put into a clean pan along with the chocolate and vanilla extract
  • Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the chocolate has melted and the liquid is piping hot
  • (Optional) Use a handheld blender to froth the milk – just a couple of short pulses will turn the liquid frothy. Ensure your pan is large enough to do this without it spilling over the sides. If the liquid comes more than halfway up the pan transfer to a larger pan/ jug before blending. Reheat if necessary
  • Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream (if using), a scattering of freshly grated nutmeg or some ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick
  • Serve immediately

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • The milk needs to infuse for a minimum of 45 minutes to pick up the wonderful attributes that the spice blend has to offer
  • Crush the spices lightly in a pestle and mortar but avoid grinding them to a powder
  • Vary the level of spices used – add a little more pepper and cloves for a more pronounced level of spice heat or add a little more nutmeg, vanilla or cardamom to enhance the character of these less fiery elements
  • For a milder version use fewer spices and of course, it’s easy to drop one spice out if you do not get along with its flavour
  • Treat my spice list as a guide rather than gospel in this white hot chocolate recipe – play around with different spices that you really enjoy
  • Increase the amount of white chocolate in the recipe with caution. It is easy to add too much which creates an overly sweet drink and detracts from the spice profile

Make it Vegan

You can use any non-dairy milk for this chai hot chocolate. Keep in mind that each milk will display its own flavour profile and this may affect the overall flavour of the drink.
Coconut milk would make quite a decadent version with a luxurious, slightly thick texture and makes a great pairing with the chai spices

Reheating 

The infused milk can safely be heated through once. To make a batch of this chai hot chocolate for later use, go ahead and infuse the milk with the spices, but then let cool and store in the fridge until required. At this point, heat through and add the white chocolate before serving
If you have completed the recipe in full, so have already heated the milk twice, serve the leftovers chilled over ice. It makes a delicious milk shake. 

Using Milk or Dark Chocolate

Nothing bad will happen if milk or dark chocolate is used, but it will affect the overall taste and sweetness of this drink. Specifically, the level of the spice flavour may not be so bold, especially if using dark chocolate.

Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)

Calories:246kcal | Carbohydrates:23g | Protein:8g | Fat:14g | Saturated Fat:8g | Cholesterol:25mg | Sodium:106mg | Potassium:330mg | Fiber:1g | Sugar:24g | Vitamin A:331IU | Vitamin C:1mg | Calcium:271mg | Iron:1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @littlesugarsnap or tag #littlesugarsnaps!
(Visited 457 times, 2 visits today)
« Chicken and Lentil Curry
Cherries Jubilee – using frozen cherries »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ashley Marie Lecker

    February 06, 2021 at 5:33 am

    5 stars
    The cloves, nutmeg, and spices with the white chocolate are dreamy. It is the perfect balance of sweet with spice. This is one of my favorite cold weather drinks!

    Reply
  2. Sharon

    February 05, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    5 stars
    I must agree that most hot chocolates you get when out are pretty disappointing – I also much prefer the homemade touch. And THIS has it. Omgsh – beautiful. The spices were balanced perfectly with the sweetness. Yum!! This will be on repeat. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Choclette

    February 05, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    5 stars
    Love, love, love your spiced white hot chocolate. I too am a hot chocolate snob, but this ticks all of my boxes. Chai masala is so delicious, but I reckon this will beat it. I’ve used white chocolate and matcha together, but now I’m definitely going to try it with masala spices too. But one thing’s for sure, my pictures will NEVER be half as good as yours. Your photography rocks.

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      February 05, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      oohhhh, I’m with you on white chocolate and matcha – coconut milk is definitely good there too!

      And thankyou Chocette, I do love food photography.

      Reply
  4. Miranda

    October 18, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    The combination of chai and white chocolate is such a wonderful idea! I love both so much!

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      October 20, 2016 at 8:19 am

      Thanks Miranda

      Reply
  5. cakespy

    October 11, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    OMG, I had never even thought to add chai spice to non chai tea. You are my hero. Seriously.

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      October 12, 2016 at 11:44 am

      You are most welcome Cakespy – enjoy it.

      Reply
  6. Miranda

    October 09, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    I would love to make this! I love chai and white hot chocolate!

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      October 10, 2016 at 9:14 am

      It’s a special combination – thankyou Miranda

      Reply
  7. Demeter | Beaming Baker

    October 08, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    Jane, you gave me such a great big smile when you shared memories walking around town with your mom. It must’ve been such a wonderful time–especially when hot chocolate was involved! 🙂 Well, I’m quite glad that you became a hot chocolate snob. If not for that, we probably wouldn’t be enjoying this amazing recipe right now. Love that you added in your masala chai syrup. I can only imagine how fantastic this hot chocolate must taste! Simply amazing, Jane! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      October 09, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      Thankyou Demeter. It’s often the little things that stick in your mind as the special times isn’t it. I also recall my Mum absolutely loving the Danish pastries from that cafe whilst I was content with my hot chocolate. And so true – we often turn to homemade to get things just so. (Confession: I’m a little bit obsessed by that Masala Chai Syrup right now)

      Reply
  8. Mimi

    October 06, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    I need to hurry up and make the syrup! These drinks sound awesome for fall weather!!!

    Reply
    • Jane Saunders

      October 06, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Haha, Mimi, yes do that. It’ll see you happy all through autumn.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Headshot of jane Saunders (Jane Coupland) Food Photographer and Blogger at LittleSugarSnaps

Hello there. I'm Jane. Welcome to LittleSugarSnaps - my place for sharing enticing and easy sweet and savoury recipes with a side helping of cocktails.

More about me →

Inforgraphic with image and text overlay for newsletter subscription

POPULAR RECIPES

  • Disaronno Sour (Amaretto Sour)
  • Cheese Savoury Recipe for Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
  • Minced Beef and Onion Pie (Shortcrust Pastry)
  • Baileys Espresso Martini
  • Egg Mayo Sandwich
  • Triple Chocolate Layer Cake with Marshmallow Frosting

As Seen In...

Footer

^ back to top

SIGN UP! for emails and updates

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertising
  • Accessibility Policy

About

  • About Jane
  • Contact Me
  • Work with Me

Featured In...

Featured in image with text only

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

All content is © 2014-2022 Jane Saunders & LittleSugarSnaps.com. All rights reserved.

Please ask permission before using any images or recipes.