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Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon in 5 Minutes

mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon - featured image

This quick Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon is rich, comforting, and ready in just 5 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients like cocoa powder, milk, and cinnamon, it’s the perfect warm drink for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk for richest texture, 2% works, or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Ghirardelli or Droste)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey, maple syrup, or preferred sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish; Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • Pinch of chili powder (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the cocoa paste: In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, chili powder (if using), and salt. Add about 2 tablespoons of the milk and stir into a thick, smooth paste.
  2. Heat the milk: Pour the remaining milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until steam rises and tiny bubbles form around the edges (about 2-3 minutes). Do not boil.
  3. Whisk in the cocoa paste: Reduce heat to low. Add the cocoa paste and whisk continuously until fully incorporated and the color turns deep brown (about 30 seconds).
  4. Add the vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Taste and adjust: Taste and add more cinnamon or sweetener if desired.
  6. Pour and serve: Pour into a mug. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk; it changes flavor and texture. Whisking is better than stirring for a smooth texture. Bloom spices in the cocoa paste for more intense flavor. A pinch of salt enhances chocolate and cinnamon flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican hot chocolate, hot chocolate with cinnamon, quick hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate, 5-minute hot chocolate, cinnamon hot chocolate, Mexican hot cocoa