Hey friends! Let’s talk about hot chocolate—not just any hot chocolate, though. I’m talking about a creamy, dreamy cup of Happy Hormone Hot Chocolate. This isn’t your basic cocoa; it’s a warm hug for your insides, packed with ingredients that help balance your hormones, fight inflammation, and keep those sugar spikes in check. And the best part? It still tastes like a decadent treat.

I mean, who doesn’t want a drink that feels indulgent but works for your body, not against it? If you’re like me and trying to sneak in some self-care wherever you can, this recipe is it. So, grab a cozy mug, and let me tell you why this hot chocolate is your winter must-haver.

The Secret Sauce (or Broth?)

Okay, I know this first ingredient might make you pause. Ready? It’s beef bone broth. Wait—don’t run off! I promise you, you won’t taste it. What it does is add this beautiful, rich creaminess to the hot chocolate while sneaking in some incredible benefits. Bone broth is like gold for your gut—it’s packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support gut health, which, believe it or not, is huge for keeping your hormones in check. Plus, it’s loaded with protein (about 10g per cup for most brands), which makes it perfect if you’re always trying to hit your protein goals like I am.

Chocolatey Goodness

Let’s get to the fun part: cacao powder. This is the star of the show. Not to be confused with cocoa powder, cacao is minimally processed and keeps all those amazing nutrients intact—like magnesium. Magnesium is magic for calming stress, supporting your adrenal glands, and even helping your thyroid function properly. And the taste? It’s rich, it’s chocolatey, and it’s everything you want in a cozy drink.

PIN IT!

Spices That Do More Than Taste Good

Now, let’s talk spices. First up is Ceylon cinnamon. I love this one because it’s slightly sweet, warm, and it helps regulate blood sugar—key for managing insulin resistance and overall hormone health. Don’t have Ceylon? No worries; regular cinnamon works too.

Then there’s cardamom. Oh, how I love cardamom! This little gem adds a fragrant, floral note that takes the hot chocolate to the next level. It’s also great for digestion, so it helps with bloating and inflammation (and let’s be honest, we could all use less of that).

Maca powder is another MVP here. It’s an adaptogen, which means it helps your body deal with stress while also improving energy and mood (and boosting libido—just saying). But fair warning: maca has a strong smell, kind of like caramel, so use it sparingly to keep it balanced.

Now for the ultimate cozy duo: clove and nutmeg. Clove is a powerhouse—it’s packed with antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar. Nutmeg, my personal favorite, is a natural mood stabilizer. It has compounds that calm your nerves and reduce stress, and let’s not forget how incredible it smells. Freshly grated nutmeg on top of your drink? Chef’s kiss.

Sweet Enough without the Guilt

Alright, let’s talk sweeteners. Ultimately if you’re drinking this at night and drinking many of them, you don’t want to consume a lot of sugar. We are trying to regulate our sugar spikes, especially later in the day. Now, I am not a fan or many artificial sugars just because they have such a strong aftertaste and studies have shown that they’re not as healthy as we thought, but use at your own risk. I know we’re all trying to keep sugar spikes at bay, especially in the evening, so I found the perfect solution: Dolcedi. This low-glycemic sweetener is made from apples and doesn’t spike blood sugar. It’s been a game-changer for me when I want something sweet. Even my diabetic mom tested it for me (thanks, Mom!), and it passed with flying colors. It has the consistency of honey, so it blends beautifully. Of course, you can use honey or maple syrup if you prefer—just go easy to keep it hormone-friendly.

The Power of Roasting Spices

One step I incorporate that takes this Hormone-Balancing Hot Chocolate to the next level is roasting the spices before adding the broth and milk. Why? Because a little heat unlocks so much more than flavor—it also enhances the health benefits of certain spices!

When you lightly toast spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small amount of coconut oil, you’re essentially activating their oils, which are rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Here’s how this process supports both flavor and hormone health:

• Boosts Bioavailability: Roasting can make some compounds, like curcumin in turmeric (if included), more bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb and use them more effectively. Even spices like cardamom and clove benefit from this heat activation.
• Enhances Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Spices like cinnamon and clove are already anti-inflammatory, but gently heating them can intensify these properties, helping your body combat inflammation—a root cause of many hormone imbalances.
• Releases Natural Oils: Roasting draws out the natural essential oils in the spices, which carry concentrated nutrients and health-promoting compounds, including antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress.
• Adds Depth to the Flavor: Beyond health benefits, toasting deepens the spices’ flavors, giving your hot chocolate a richer, more aromatic base that’s perfect for a cozy, winter-friendly drink.

PIN IT!

Make it Your Own

The best part about this recipe is how flexible it is. Not into maca? Swap it for a pinch of turmeric and black pepper for extra anti-inflammatory power. Not feeling the cardamom? Add a little more cinnamon. Want it to be creamy? Add some seed butter. And if the idea of bone broth still feels too wild, you can use your favorite protein powder instead and double up on the milk. The goal here is to make something you love, because enjoying what you eat and drink is part of the whole self-care package.

So, there you have it—my Happy Hormone Hot Chocolate. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it’s doing your body a whole lot of good. I hope you give it a try, and if you do, let me know how it turns out!

Stay cozy, friends. 💕