Go Back
–+ servings
A glass mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, next to whole candy canes on a light surface.

Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
Peppermint hot chocolate is a creamy, dreamy, and perfectly minty drink that will keep you warm this holiday season. It’s a richer, creamier, and dare I say, more delicious homemade version of the ones you buy from cafes. Just warm the milk, mix, and serve - you’ll have a special holiday treat ready in 10 minutes or less!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 466 kcal

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!
Serve: Enjoy on its own or serve with your choice of toppings. Pair with sugar or gingerbread cookies, pumpkin brownies, peanut butter blossoms, cinnamon rolls, or a fruit tart. Shortbread is great for dipping into your warm mug!
Store: 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 11gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 117mgPotassium: 628mgFiber: 1gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 501IUCalcium: 412mgIron: 0.3mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a review and share your experience with us! Your feedback means a lot to the entire community.