If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and a little indulgent, this Snickerdoodle White Hot Chocolate is everything you didn’t know you needed. Inspired by the seasonal favorite from Starbucks, it’s rich and creamy with sweet white chocolate, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla—all topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle. It’s quick to make on the stovetop and perfect for sipping all season long.
Ingredients Needed
- whole milk – no substitutions! Trust me when I say, you don’t want to use skim or even 1% with this recipe. It will taste like cinnamon water!
- kosher salt
- white chocolate chips
- ground cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- almond extract
- Sweetened Whipped Cream – or your favorite store-bought whipped cream
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Snickerdoodle White Hot Chocolate
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Stir frequently over medium heat.
- Pour into 4 mugs and top with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
- Serve immediately.
Storage & Other Tips
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer leftover hot chocolate to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays good for 3–4 days, similar to regular hot chocolate made with milk.
Reheating: Reheat gently—either on the stovetop or in the microwave—stirring frequently until hot. Don’t allow it to boil to preserve texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve never tried it, but I don’t see why you couldn’t! You can make a batch, store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well before serving.
Whole milk, full stop. Skim or 1% will taste like cinnamon water! If you had to, you could try 2% and adding some half-and-half. Whole milk will give you the best texture and flavor, no questions. If you try a dairy-free option, let us know how it goes!
Yes. If it’s too sweet, reduce the amount of white chocolate or add a pinch more salt to balance the flavor.
Definitely! It’s non-caffeinated and alcohol-free, making it a fun and festive drink for all ages.
Copycat Starbucks Snickerdoodle White Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup white chocolate chips you can use a full cup if you want it a little sweeter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of almond extract probably ⅛ teaspoon–be careful, it's easy to overwhelm all the other flavors with almond
- Sweetened Whipped Cream or your favorite store-bought whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Stir frequently over medium heat until the chocolate is melted and the cinnamon and chocolate are incorporated.
- Pour into 4 mugs and top with sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Questions & Reviews
I make this for my kids the day they come home from school on the day before Christmas break. Tradition! They LOVE it!
I made this recipe tonight and it was delicious. Tasted just like Starbucks; so delicious. I did use the full cup of white chocolate chips. Loved that we had some leftover that I bottled for later.
I think it should be mandatory to serve actual snickerdoodles on the side. Yum!
We LOVED THIS!!!! To die for!!! 🙂
How particular is it to have the chips be white chocolate vs white morsels?
Not particular at all. 😉
Question:
Could this be done in a crock pot?
If it makes you feel better, I bought my 9 year old son a doughnut the other day, and he asked, “Which doughnut did you get, Mom?” I replied, “Old fashioned.” He nodded knowingly and said, “Because it’s from your day?” 😛 Kids are fun!