Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
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Peppermint hot chocolate is a creamy, dreamy, and perfectly minty drink that will keep you warm this holiday season. This delicious homemade version is made with milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and cocoa powder, then topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes – the coziest, most comforting treat for a cool winter night.
Peppermint is to winter as pumpkin spice is to fall, and I admit that I obsess about peppermint everything this time of year! In fact, I just finished a bowl of peppermint ice cream. Later after dinner, the plan is to cozy up with a snuggly blanket on the couch with a good book and a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate. And not one from Starbucks this time – I’m making a richer, creamier, and dare I say, more delicious homemade version!
I love that I get to make it exactly how I like it, with just the right amount of mint and chocolate. Plus, this recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! You can whip it up in minutes anytime the craving hits, and have a quick special treat ready for entertaining. Peppermint hot chocolate hits the spot any night of the year, whether enjoyed at home or served at a holiday party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Warm the milk, mix, and serve – you’ll have a special holiday treat ready in 10 minutes or less!
- Homemade goodness: Enjoy a coffee shop quality drink at home anytime you want. Nothing beats
- Classic flavor combo: Mint and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
- The ultimate holiday treat: Cozy, comforting, and bursting with Christmas flavors. The crushed candy canes look so festive and pretty!
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare a day in advance and reheat for only a few minutes over a low flame on the stove. Add the extracts after rewarming for the best flavor. Super convenient when serving at a party!
- Party-ready: Easily double or triple the recipe for a large crowd. Keep the hot chocolate warm in a small crockpot so they’ll be ready to ladle into mugs when your guests are ready for it!
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Warm the milk, mix, and serve – that’s all you need to do to make this easy peppermint hot chocolate! Make a mug for yourself to keep warm at night, or a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Either way, this comforting holiday treat is the best way to spread Christmas cheer!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Milk: The creamy base for your hot chocolate. Whole milk is my favorite, but you can use whatever kind you like. I don’t recommend using skim or low-fat milk because your hot chocolate won’t be as thick and creamy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that rich chocolate flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a deep, chocolatey depth. I use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract: Provides that signature minty flavor. Make sure to use peppermint extract and not mint extract; there is a huge difference in their flavors!
- Whipped cream: For that fluffy, indulgent topping. It makes your hot chocolate extra creamy!
- Candy canes: Crushed for a fun, festive garnish that adds a delightful crunch.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make homemade peppermint hot chocolate? Follow just 3 simple steps and you’ll have a rich, cozy drink ready to go. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy peppermint perfection!
Step 1: Prep
Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Avoid boiling, but get it steaming so it’s hot enough to melt the chocolate chips.
Step 2: Mix
Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk well to combine all. Continue mixing until all the chocolate is dissolved. Stir in the extracts.
Step 3: Serve
Divide evenly between two mugs and serve with whipped cream and crushed candy cane garnish sprinkled on top.
Substitutions
Don’t have some of the ingredients on hand or prefer to use alternative ingredients? Try these substitutions!
- Milk: Swap the whole milk for plant-based milk like nut, seed, or coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. Use a half and half mix of whole milk and heavy cream if you want your drink extra creamy! I prefer my drink thicker, so I learned how to make heavy cream at home when I ran out. It’s so easy!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: No chocolate chips on hand? Substitute with chocolate chunks or shavings.
- Peppermint extract: Use mint extract instead. It won’t be as strong but will still have a distinctly minty flavor.
- Candy canes: If you ate all the candy canes from Christmas or you want to make this ice cream outside of the holiday season, crushed peppermint or any hard peppermint candy are ideal substitutes.
Variations
This homemade peppermint hot chocolate is sooo good you’ll surely be making it often throughout the holidays. Keep it fun and exciting by trying these equally delicious variations:
- Spike your hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s. Creme de menthe, peppermint vodka, Kahlua Mint Mocha, RumChata peppermint bark will also work great. The adults will love this boozy version!
- Need a caffeine kick? Turn your peppermint hot chocolate into a peppermint mocha by adding a shot of brewed coffee or espresso.
- Stir in some caramel sauce in the mix and sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a delicious salted caramel version.
- Add a pinch of cayenne and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a spicy, warming touch.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or chunks to create a sweeter, more indulgent version.
Expert Tips
- Taste and adjust: Peppermint extract has a strong flavor, so add less or more according to your taste. Aim for the right balance – too much peppermint can overpower the other flavors, but use too little and the festive feel of the drink is lost.
- Add the extracts at the end: Stir in the peppermint and the vanilla extracts towards the end for the best flavor. Their flavor tends to get lost if added in too early.
- Use a whole candy cane: If you’re not serving with whipped cream, keep the candy cane or peppermint stick whole to use as a stirring stick. Smashed candy sinks to the bottom of the cup and won’t work as a garnish if the whipped cream isn’t there to hold it up.
- Set up a chocolate bar: Set up a chocolate bar at your holiday party for added fun – fill small festive bowls with different toppings like marshmallows, extra chocolate chips, small candy canes, and snowman or snowflake-shaped sprinkles so that guests can customize their hot chocolate to their liking. Kids and adults alike will appreciate this fun touch!
- Cool before serving: I can’t count how many times I burned my tongue from taking a sip of hot chocolate. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – peppermint hot chocolate is best enjoyed warm, not scalding hot!
How to Store This Recipe
Place leftovers on an airtight food storage container or in a mason jar with lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The drink will thicken slightly when refrigerated. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
What to Serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Peppermint hot chocolate is an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed on its own. Serve with your choice of toppings like whipped cream, crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks, sprinkles, mini or crushed cookies, or chopped nuts.
Enjoy alongside sugar or gingerbread cookies, pumpkin brownies, peanut butter blossoms, cinnamon rolls, or a fruit tart. Shortbread is great for dipping into your warm mug!
If you make this peppermint hot chocolate, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 portions whipped cream for serving
- 2 whole candy canes crushed for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Avoid boiling, but get it steaming so it’s hot enough to melt the chocolate chips.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk well to combine all. Continue mixing until all the chocolate is dissolved. Stir in the extracts.
- Divide evenly between two mugs and serve with whipped cream and crushed candy cane garnish sprinkled on top.
Notes
- Peppermint extract has a strong flavor, so add less or more according to your taste.
- Stir in the peppermint and the vanilla extracts towards the end for the best flavor. Their flavor tends to get lost if added in too early.
- If you’re not serving with whipped cream, keep the candy cane or peppermint stick whole to use as a stirring stick. Crushed candy will just sink to the bottom of the mug if whipped cream isn’t there to hold them up.
- Set up a chocolate bar at your holiday party for added fun. Fill small festive bowls with different toppings so that guests can customize their hot chocolate to their liking.
- Let the peppermint hot chocolate cool for a few minutes before serving – the drink is best enjoyed warm, not scalding hot!
