If you’re anything like me, there’s something about the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that just hits the spot during chilly months. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe with you. It’s creamy, indulgent, and perfectly festive—guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out and make your taste buds dance. Stick around because I’ll walk you through some little tweaks and tips that make this recipe truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of milk and heavy cream gives this hot chocolate an ultra-smooth and silky texture you’ll savor with every sip.
- Balanced Peppermint Flavor: Just the right hint of peppermint extract keeps things fresh without overpowering the chocolate.
- Quick and Simple: From start to finish, you’re only looking at about 10 minutes to whip up this festive drink.
- Perfect for Gifting or Cozy Nights: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a snowy evening at home, this recipe always brings that comforting sparkle to the moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here lies in a few simple but quality ingredients that play so well together. When I first nailed this recipe, choosing whole milk and fresh cream really elevated the texture, and I recommend it if you want that classic creamy hot chocolate feel.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best to give you richness without getting too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Adds incredible creaminess and helps the chocolate melt in beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adjust based on your sweetness preference—you can always start with less and add more.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors and cut any flatness.
- Semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips: Finely chopped gives the most luscious melt and thickens the drink just right.
- Vanilla extract: A splash to deepen the chocolate notes and make the overall flavor pop.
- Peppermint extract: The star that turns this into peppermint hot chocolate—be careful with the amount since it’s potent!
- Whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes: Optional but highly recommended for topping and extra festive flair.
Variations
I love making this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe my own by swapping or adding ingredients depending on the occasion or who I’m serving. Feel free to get creative with it—you’ll be surprised how versatile it is!
- Dairy-Free Option: I once switched to almond or oat milk and coconut cream for my lactose-sensitive friends, and it was just as cozy and delicious.
- Extra Peppermint Punch: If you adore peppermint, add a crushed peppermint stick stirred in or a drizzle of peppermint syrup on top.
- Spiced Peppermint: Throw in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist that really impressed my holiday guests.
- Healthier Version: Use a bit less sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup without losing the indulgence.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up the Base
Start by whisking together milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium-sized pot. Use medium-low heat and gently warm the mixture until you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges—not boiling! This gentle heat prevents scorching and helps combine flavors smoothly. I’ve found that patience here pays off big time.
Step 2: Melt in the Chocolate
Lower the heat to low and add your finely chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips. Keep whisking steadily for 1 to 2 minutes until the chocolate is fully melted, glossy, and the drink thickens slightly. The whisking motion keeps everything silky and stops clumps. This is the moment where your kitchen will start to smell incredible—trust me, it’s worth every second.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug(s). Now for my favorite part – the toppings. Add a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a handful of marshmallows, and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top for that festive crunch and peppermint boost. It’s like giving yourself a warm holiday hug in a cup.
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Use Finely Chopped Chocolate: I learned that chopping your chocolate into tiny pieces helps it melt more evenly and quickly without any gritty texture.
- Watch Your Heat: Heating the milk too high can scorch the dairy or burn the chocolate, so be patient and keep it on medium-low to low.
- Measure Extracts Carefully: Peppermint extract is powerful – start with less and add more if you want a stronger flavor to avoid bitterness.
- Whisk Consistently: This ensures that the chocolate integrates fully and your drink stays smooth without any lumps.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for a generous swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream, topped with marshmallows and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that festive snap and sweetness. If you’re serving kids, marshmallows are always a hit; for adults, the crushed candy canes add a lovely crunch and cooling contrast.
Side Dishes
Personally, I like pairing this peppermint hot chocolate with buttery shortbread cookies or a classic gingerbread cookie. The warmth of the drink perfectly complements these sweet treats and makes the whole experience extra cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve served this in clear glass mugs so the layers of whipped cream and crushed candy canes shine through. Adding a mini candy cane hook on the rim makes it adorable and inviting. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon on top of the whipped cream for a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before refrigerating, let the hot chocolate cool to room temperature, then give it a good stir before sealing. I found it thickens up in the fridge, so stirring or adding a splash of milk when reheating helps bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze hot chocolate because it can separate and lose its smooth texture. However, if you want to freeze it, pour into ice cube trays for portioned amounts. These cubes are great for adding to milk or coffee later for a quick chocolate boost, although it won’t work as well if your goal is a silky hot drink straight from thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, I do it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling as it can cause the dairy to separate and the chocolate to seize. Adding a little milk while reheating helps restore the creamy texture I love.
FAQs
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Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet in this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your hot chocolate a richer, slightly more intense flavor with a slight bitterness that pairs beautifully with peppermint. Just choose a quality dark chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa for the best balance.
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How do I adjust the peppermint flavor if I find it too strong or too subtle?
The key is to start with just a small amount of peppermint extract—about an eighth of a teaspoon—and taste as you go. If you want more, add a few drops at a time. Peppermint extract is highly concentrated, and too much can taste medicinal, so patience works best.
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Is this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The flavor is kid-friendly and the toppings like marshmallows and candy canes are fun for little ones. Just make sure to adjust the peppermint extract carefully, as kids generally prefer a milder mint taste.
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Can I make a larger batch for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales well—just multiply the ingredients accordingly and warm everything in a larger pot. Keep the same gentle heat and whisk regularly to maintain that silky texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe comes together so effortlessly and turns into this cozy, dreamy cup of holiday magic. It’s become my go-to for cold nights when I want to treat myself or impress friends with something simple yet special. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own little twists! Trust me, once you have that first warm sip, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for this every season.
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 large or 2 small mugs
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy festive drink that perfectly combines the warmth of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, and semisweet chocolate, it’s a comforting treat ideal for chilly days or holiday celebrations. Topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes, this indulgent beverage is both visually festive and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- Pinch of kosher salt
Chocolate
- 3 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips (about 1/2 cup)
Garnish (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a pot, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until well blended.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Warm the mixture slowly until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan, being careful not to let it boil.
- Add Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped semisweet chocolate to the pot, and whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted, the mixture is glossy, and it thickens slightly, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug or two smaller mugs. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream or marshmallows, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive finish.
Notes
- This recipe can be customized by using 100% cocoa for a more intense chocolate flavor or substituting dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on personal sweetness preference or dietary needs.
- For an extra rich drink, increase the heavy cream slightly or add a splash of peppermint schnapps for an adult version.
- Crushed candy canes not only add a festive look but also enhance the peppermint taste. Use sparingly if you prefer a subtler mint flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 831 kcal
- Sugar: 77 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 83 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 118 mg
