Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate for First Trimester Cravings

Some nights in my first trimester, I’d dream about sugar cookies — that buttery, soft sweetness that somehow feels like childhood and Christmas morning rolled into one.

But every time I actually tried one, the heaviness of butter and sugar would turn my stomach. That’s how this Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate was born — a cozy middle ground between comfort and calm. 

It reminds me of my Dairy-Free Orange Hot Chocolate and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Hot Chocolate, two other warm drinks that became my go-tos when I just needed something gentle to sip on.

Why This Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate Recipe for First Trimester Moms Works

• Dairy-free. Oat milk and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk base help ease bloating and nausea caused by heavy dairy.
• Tastes like a sugar cookie. Vanilla extract, almond extract, and condensed milk give the sugar-cookie flavor without triggering sensitivities.
• Light sweetness. It has very little sweetened condensed milk to support steady energy without spiking blood sugar.
  
• Super comforting. Feels like a holiday treat without the heaviness.

Benefits of This Pregnancy-Friendly Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate For You & The Baby

The first sip is soft and creamy, with that whisper of vanilla and almond that instantly tastes like a sugar cookie. The dairy-free sweetened condensed milk gives it that nostalgic sweetness without the crash — just enough to feel like a treat, not a trigger.

I used to curl up with a cup of this after a long, queasy day, with the mug warming my hands while the smell of cocoa and vanilla made my kitchen feel a little more like home again.

Prep Time: 5 minutes / Cook Time: 5 minutes / Total Time: 10 minutes / Yields: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2-1 tablespoon dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (or 1-2 teaspoons dark brown sugar)
• 1/2 oz sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
• Pinch of salt

For Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream (dairy-free, if desired)
• 1-2 tablespoons mini marshmallows
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• 1 small sugar cookie

Preparation Instructions for Pregnancy-Friendly Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate

1. In a small pot, whisk together the oat milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, almond extract, dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, and salt.
2. Add the sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate.
3. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until the chocolate is fully melted and the cocoa powder is dissolved. The mixture should be hot, but do not allow it to boil.
4. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug.
5. Garnish: Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder, and serve with a sugar cookie on top. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate

• 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.
• Pistachio Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate: Swap the oat milk for Homemade Pistachio Milk for an easy variation. 
• Skip the whipped cream: If you don't have whipped cream or don't want to add some, use a handheld frother to create a light foam on top of the hot chocolate before serving. 

What to Serve With This Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it: 

• With a sugar cookie, gingerbread, or shortbread for a simple treat when my stomach could handle it :) 
• With a slice of my Banana Date Walnut Bread or Cinnamon Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Biting into my Carrot Pumpkin Muffins or Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins with Oat Crumble
• As an afternoon drink with my Christmas Gingerbread Cupcakes or Rustic Apple Pear Galette. 

How to Store & Reheat This Pregnancy Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight jar or 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 Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate for Pregnancy 

1. Can I drink hot chocolate during pregnancy?

Yes — especially when made at home with simple, wholesome ingredients. This Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate is dairy-free, low in sugar, and made with oat milk for easier digestion.

2. How do you make sugar cookie hot chocolate pregnancy-safe?

This version skips heavy dairy and uses oat milk, cocoa powder, and a touch of dairy-free condensed milk to create that sugar cookie flavor without upsetting sensitive stomachs.

3. Is cocoa safe in early pregnancy?

In moderation, yes. Cocoa contains a small amount of caffeine (less than 15 mg per serving) but is rich in antioxidants and mood-lifting compounds that support circulation and relaxation.

4. What makes this hot chocolate taste like a sugar cookie?

It’s the blend of vanilla and almond extracts paired with a hint of sweetened condensed milk — a nostalgic, buttery cookie flavor without any actual dairy or butter.

5. Can I make this drink postpartum too?

Absolutely. It’s gentle, soothing, and lightly sweet — a perfect comfort drink for late nights or cozy feeding sessions.

6. What kind of dairy-free milk is best for hot chocolate?

Oat milk or almond milk creates the creamiest, most neutral base without the heaviness of dairy. 

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

If you’re craving sweetness but your body’s saying “easy, please,” this one’s for you.

It’s a small act of self-kindness — warm, soothing, and still celebratory in its own quiet way. Motherhood begins in these moments — the little ways you listen to your body and still let yourself have something lovely. 

For more cozy drink recipes for pregnancy, check out my Dairy-Free Dulce de Leche Hot Chocolate, Dairy-Free White Hot Chocolate, or Dairy-Free Gingerbread Hot Chocolate.