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!
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.