This Cardamom Hot Chocolate is the soul-warming, cozy sipper you've been looking for. Rich, chocolatey with background notes of fragrant cardamom, this winter drink is hygge in a mug. Whether you're curled up with a good book or watching the snow fall outside, this luscious treat is sure to become a new cold-weather favorite!
This Cardamom Hot Chocolate was inspired by my love of all things chocolate (this Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake is my absolute fave!) and my belief that everyone should have a delicious homemade hot chocolate recipe in their repertoire. This comforting beverage is a natural pair with other sweet treats such as these rye chocolate chip cookies or Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Cookies.
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Ingredients
- Milk: Regular milk (preferably whole or 2%) or unsweetened plant-based milk work great here.
- Whole Cardamom Pods or Seeds: Seek out the green pods or the whole seeds that have already been removed from the pod.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Granulated Sugar
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances both the sweetness and other flavors in this recipe.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chopped Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- Vanilla Extract
See recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan - Be sure to use a plant-based milk, cocoa powder and chocolate.
- Mocha - Add a shot of espresso or a splash or strong coffee to your hot chocolate.
- Spiked - Add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, brandy or aquavit to each serving.
How to Make Cardamom Hot Chocolate
- Step 1: Combine milk and crushed cardamom pods/seeds in a medium saucepan. Heat until just steaming. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the milk into a container and return it to the saucepan. Discard pods/seeds.
- Step 2: Add the cocoa powder, sugar and salt to the milk. Heat over medium low until warm.
- Step 3: Add the chopped chocolate, whisking frequently. Add the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Remove from the heat and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings and/or additional cardamom.
Expert Tip
Be sure to keep the heat at medium low and whisk often to prevent scorching!
Recipe FAQ
Ground cardamom will not fully dissolve in the heated milk. To ensure a smooth texture in your hot chocolate, I recommend using this steeping method where you strain out the crushed seeds and/or pods.
Yes, you can make Cardamom Hot Chocolate in advance. Simply let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before reheating, give the mixture a good whisk, and whisk again to recombine before serving.
What to Serve with Cardamom Hot Chocoate
Cardamom Hot Chocolate is great on it's own but it's even better with a homemade cookie or two. These Scandinavian favorites would be wonderful alongside this luscious beverage:
- Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor)
- Easy Checkerboard Cookies
- Swedish Oatmeal Cookies (Havreflarn)
- Easy Almond Macaroons
- Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Related Recipes
Looking for more Scandinavian inspired beverages? Give these a try:
If you tried this Cardamom Hot Chocoalte recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Cardamom Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk preferably whole or 2%
- 8 green cardamom pods or just seeds crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place milk and crushed cardamom in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium low until just steaming, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the milk into a container and return the cardamom-infused milk to the saucepan. Discard the cardamom seeds.
- Add the cocoa powder, sugar and a pinch of salt to the milk. Heat over medium-low, whisking frequently until warm (but not boiling). Add chocolate and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk. Whisk in vanilla extract, serve immediately.
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