Dairy Free Cinnamon Hot Chocolate for First Trimester Cravings
Some nights in my first trimester, I just wanted something warm — a moment of calm that didn’t make my stomach turn. That’s how this Dairy-Free Cinnamon Hot Chocolate became my go-to. The cinnamon warmth felt grounding, like a quiet December night where the house finally settles.
It reminded me of my Dairy-Free Orange Hot Chocolate, that same silky texture but with a whisper of spice instead of citrus. I think of it as the coziest little act of rebellion — craving comfort, but doing it gently.
Why This Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Recipe for First Trimester Moms Works
- Gentle on digestion. Dairy-free, it's perfect for nausea-prone mornings.
- Naturally sweetened. Maple syrup provides steady energy without sugar spikes.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon adds spice and soothing warmth.
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Antioxidant-rich. Unsweetened cocoa helps lift your mood and ease fatigue.
Benefits of This Pregnancy-Friendly Cinnamon Hot Chocolate For You & The Baby
There’s something about that first sip — the creaminess of oat milk, the soft cocoa aroma, the cinnamon’s sweet heat — that settles both body and mind.
When everything in early pregnancy feels unpredictable, this drink is a small way to say, “You’re safe here.”
It’s the kind of cup you wrap your hands around slowly, the kind you sip while the world outside goes quiet.
Prep Time: 5 minutes / Cook Time: 5 minutes / Total Time: 10 minutes / Yields: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2-1 tablespoon maple syrup (or 1-2 teaspoons dark brown sugar)
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons mini marshmallows (or 1 large marshmallow)
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
Preparation Instructions for Dairy Free Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
- In a small pot, whisk together the oat milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Add marshmallows, stir, and dust with a little extra ground cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
- Make it frothy: Use a handheld frother to create a light foam on top before adding the marshmallows and serving.
- Extra chocolatey: Whisk 1 tablespoon Chocolate Hazelnut Spread into the mixture until smooth for a richer, more chocolatey drink.
- Smoother whisking: Pour 1/2 cup oat milk into the pot and whisk in the cocoa powder until completely smooth, then add the rest of the milk and ingredients. It's usually easier to combine them when you have less liquid initially.
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Add a drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup can make this simple hot chocolate even more indulgent.
What to Serve With This Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Topped with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
- With gingerbread cookies or Christmas Gingerbread Cupcakes for an afternoon treat
- With a slice of my Cheesecake Swirl Pumpkin Pie or High Fiber Carrot Pumpkin Muffins
- If my morning sickness is on the edge, with my Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter or No-Cook Peanut Butter Banana Toast.
How to Store & Reheat this Pregnancy Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes. Microwaving in 20-second increments works too.
FAQs about this Cinnamon Hot Chocolate for Pregnancy & Postpartum
1. Is cinnamon safe during pregnancy?
Yes — in moderate amounts, cinnamon is safe during pregnancy. It’s anti-inflammatory and may help stabilize blood sugar levels, easing fatigue and nausea.
2. Can I drink hot chocolate while pregnant?
Absolutely. Homemade versions like this one are best because they use unsweetened cocoa and dairy-free milk, which are gentler on sensitive stomachs.
3. Why is this cinnamon hot chocolate pregnancy-safe?
It’s dairy-free and naturally sweetened, making it gentle for nausea-prone or bloated mornings in the first trimester.
4. Can cinnamon help with morning sickness?
Some moms find cinnamon’s warmth and aroma calming for nausea and digestion — especially when paired with oat milk and cocoa.
5. What kind of milk is best for pregnancy hot chocolate?
Oat milk or almond milk are ideal. They’re dairy-free, easy to digest, and less likely to trigger queasiness.
6. Can I drink this hot chocolate postpartum?
Yes — it’s soothing, hydrating, and provides antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fatigue. Perfect for cozy postpartum evenings.
A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen
If you’ve been craving sweetness but can’t handle anything too rich, this is your middle ground: comfort without heaviness.
Every swirl of cocoa feels like an exhale, every trace of cinnamon a reminder that warmth doesn’t have to overwhelm. Sometimes the smallest rituals — a steaming mug with a few marshmallows melting on top — are the ones that remind us to slow down.
For more cozy pregnancy-safe holiday drinks, check out my Dairy-Free Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate, Dairy Free White Hot Chocolate, and Dairy-Free Gingerbread Hot Chocolate.
