Cinnamon and Clove Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy hot chocolate infused with warming cinnamon, clove, and bright orange zest — perfect for cozy winter evenings. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 15 minutes pairs whole milk, dark chocolate chips, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, heat 3 cups whole milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Whisk in 6 oz dark chocolate chips, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp orange zest, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir continuously until chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and steaming, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream if desired before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon and Clove Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon and Clove Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon and Clove Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon and Clove Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon and Clove Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange Zest?

American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes