Warm Milk with Cinnamon and Honey
A Holiday Favorite of Children and Honey Bears
This warm milk with honey and cinnamon has been a family favorite in our home for years. I first made it when my boys were little because my eldest is allergic to chocolate. While other children had hot chocolate, he had his own special drink we called Honey Bear Milk.
At Christmas time, it became part of our traditions, the boys sipping their warm mugs while we watched Christmas movies or read holiday stories before bed.
Not Just for Kids
Even though it started as a child-friendly recipe, warm milk with honey and cinnamon is something everyone enjoys. The hint of cinnamon gives it a Christmas flavor, and it’s the perfect cozy drink to enjoy after an evening of skating, sledding, or Christmas shopping.
Is Warm Milk at Christmas Beneficial?
Warm milk has long been a bedtime tradition, and the holidays are the perfect season to bring it back. It’s comforting and soothing, and some say the natural compounds in milk like tryptophan and melatonin, help with sleep. Whether it’s the science or simply the comfort of holding a warm mug, this drink is wonderful to enjoy as part of your Christmas bedtime routine.
Honey Bear Warm Milk Recipe
Here’s the simple recipe we’ve been making for years. If you happen to be allergic to honey, you can easily swap it with sugar or even brown sugar.
1 cup of milk
1 tsp of honey (or sugar)
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp granulated sugar for topping
1/4 tsp of cinnamon for topping
How to Make Warm Milk with Honey
If you have a cappuccino steam maker or frother, that’s the easiest way to heat and blend your milk with honey. But you don’t need any special equipment.
If you have a cappuccino steam maker or frother, that’s the easiest way to heat and blend your milk with honey. But you don’t need any special equipment.
Microwave method: Combine the milk and honey in a large microwave-safe bowl (milk boils over easily). Heat for 45 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second intervals until hot but not boiling.
Stovetop method: Warm the milk gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring in the honey until it dissolves. Be careful not to let it boil.
Pour into your favorite Christmas mug, stir in the vanilla, then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top.
A Cozy Christmas Tradition
Whether you make this recipe for kids who can’t have hot chocolate or just want a soothing drink on a frosty night, honey bear milk is a simple way to add warmth to your Christmas traditions. I still love serving it during the holidays, especially with Christmas pajamas, twinkle lights, and a plate of cookies.
I created a Drinks and Beverages board on Pinterest where I save recipes I want to try along with some of my own creations. You’ll find both hot and cold beverages there, with and without alcohol. Take a peek at even more delicious drink ideas to enjoy this Christmas season.
Honey Bear Warm Milk with Cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk any kind you prefer
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar if needed
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar for topping
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Combine the milk and honey in a mug or microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat with a steam frother, or microwave for 45 seconds. Stir and continue heating in 15-second intervals until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- Pour into a mug and sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar on top.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Other Hot Beverage Recipes to Try
Hiding in the house with a yummy beverage is one of my winter survival skills. Here are some other hot drink ideas you may enjoy.
Vanilla Latte
A delicious vanilla latte recipe you can make with or without whipping cream. I love having all the flavor this recipe offers without having to leave my home to enjoy it.
I never had something like this. It sounds yummy. Plus I like the name.
Hi Nikki:
This drink really is every bit as good as hot chocolate and because it has no caffeine and likely less sugar it is much more soothing.
I hope you did make yourself some. Let me know how you liked it.
Leanna, what a great Mom you are. This not only sounds delish, I bet it made your son feel special. Allergies can be rough, especially if it has to leave someone out of the treat. So cool that you figured out a way for him to join in the fun and tradition of warm winter drinks. This sounds delish and soothing, I’m going to break out our espresso maker and froth up a batch! It’s cold here today I could use a little treat to warm up! Thanks for sharing.
This sounds amazing! I love alternatives to hot cocoa. Even though I love chocolate, it’s nice to try something else once in a while. Maybe I’ll try it with my nephews when they come over tomorrow. And the name is so sweet!
Hi Gina: Let me know if your nephews enjoy it. Little boys especially like anything with a cool name. Let me know what you think. Leanna
That’s great Kristin. I bet your kids enjoy it too. Its funny with children how they want everything to have a name. If you called it warm milk they wouldn’t want it, but Grama’s coco milk, that;s a treat. lol
Thank you for commenting, I hope you tell your Mom about it as well. Leanna
My mom has always given a variation of this to my kids . She calls it coco milk. No idea how she came up with that one for a non chocolate drink. She is grandma though so I guess she can do as she pleases. 😉
Oh how cute is that story and how you made this special drink for your son Leanna. My girls would love honey bear milk! I’m drooling over those mugs!! They are perfect for this drink!!
Hi Katrin: Its a really nice way to have them drink milk. In the evenings on a cold day it use to relax them as well. I typically always have these simple ingredients on hand. I hope they like it as much as my munchkins did.
Thanks again for commenting. Leanna
Mmmm, this sound kinda like a hot vanilla with the added spice of cinnamon. Yum! I’m sure it’s delicious sitting around a crackling fire! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Hi Erin: Its a nice change from hot chocolate, I had to find an alternative, but I think this is every bit as good.. Thank you for commenting.
OMG you’re allergic to chocolate – you poor girl you! Second, you have a cappuccino machine – when can I come over? How adorable is this idea, Leanna. You’re such a great Mom and Grandma.
I would come visit the day I figure out how to make steamed gingerbread pudding with gran marnier sauce. My eldest son bought me that gorgeous maker about 14 years ago. It works well with the blender just more dishes.
I love the story of your son and how you made him the milk, mine have allergies too so I understand what is like. And I love this kind of Milk my youngest still likes it.
Its great when you have insomnia. Giving it the bear name made in kid approved. Thank you for commenting, and don’t real allergies suck!!!.
And good for grandmas!! Sounds so good I’m going to have some tonight! Thanks for sharing on the Whats for Dinner link up!
I make it on nights when I can’t sleep. Its soothing and light. Hope you like it. Leanna