If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate, especially when it has that perfect hint of festive minty goodness. This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is my go-to when I want to treat myself or impress friends with a cozy, winter-warmer drink that’s quick and fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this version, you’re going to love how indulgent and smooth it is—plus, the peppermint just adds that magical touch that lifts your spirits right away.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the combination of whole milk and heavy cream, you get ultra-smooth hot chocolate every single time.
- Balanced Peppermint Flavor: The subtle peppermint extract enhances the chocolate without overpowering it, making this comforting and refreshing.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: You can whip this up in about 10 minutes, perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to cozy up ASAP.
- Customizable and Festive: Garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or crushed candy canes to make it your own and perfect for holidays or any time you want a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe works together to create the perfect balance of silky richness and refreshing mint. Picking good-quality chocolate and fresh extracts really makes a difference, so it’s worth going for the best you can find.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk is ideal for creaminess—skim just won’t give you that luscious texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness that makes your hot chocolate feel truly indulgent and velvety smooth.
- Granulated Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your liking—start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like it sweeter.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate’s flavor perfectly—don’t skip it!
- Semisweet Chocolate: Finely chopped or chips work great; this is where the magic happens, so use quality chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Peppermint Extract: Use sparingly—it’s potent! I like just a little to keep it fresh but not overwhelming.
- Whipped Cream, Marshmallows, Crushed Candy Canes: Optional but oh-so-fun garnishes for that festive touch.
Variations
I love how versatile this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or occasions. Here are some ways I’ve played around with it to keep things interesting or accommodate my friends’ preferences.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substituting with almond or oat milk and coconut cream worked surprisingly well for a thinner, but still flavorful cup.
- Extra Minty Kick: When I’m craving a bolder mint flavor, I add a little more peppermint extract and toss in a smashed candy cane as a stirrer.
- Spiced Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Adult Version: A splash of peppermint schnapps or peppermint-flavored vodka turns this into a fun holiday cocktail.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Milk Mixture
Start by whisking together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small pot. Place it over medium-low heat and watch closely—when you start seeing bubbles forming gently around the edges (not a rolling boil!), that’s your cue to move to the next step. Heating gently prevents scorching and keeps everything smooth.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate (or chips). Whisk constantly until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture turns glossy and thickens just slightly—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Don’t rush this step; slow melting helps keep the texture silky without any graininess.
Step 3: Pour and Garnish
Once everything is perfectly melted and combined, pour your hot chocolate into a mug immediately. Now for the fun part—top with some lightly sweetened whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor. I find the whipped cream mellows the peppermint just right and adds a dreamy layer of texture.
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Use Quality Chocolate: I discovered that finely chopped good-quality semisweet chocolate melts more evenly and gives a deeper chocolate flavor compared to most chips.
- Watch the Heat: Heating the milk mixture too quickly can cause separation or burning—low and slow really is key.
- Adjust Peppermint Gradually: Peppermint extract is strong, so add it bit by bit and taste as you go to avoid overpowering your drink.
- Whisk Thoroughly: Continuous whisking ensures the chocolate fully melts and blends without clumps—patience pays off!
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a generous swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream because it softens the peppermint’s intensity and adds a luscious creaminess. Then, a handful of mini marshmallows just feels classic and joyous. For a festive crunch and burst of color, crushed candy canes are my ultimate topping — they make every sip exciting!
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for pairing this peppermint hot chocolate with simple yet delicious cookies—think soft gingerbread, shortbread, or even a rich chocolate chip cookie. If you want something lighter, crispy biscotti is a great dunking option!
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to serve this hot chocolate in clear mugs layered with whipped cream and candy cane bits for a pretty, Instagram-worthy effect. Sometimes I add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer or dust a little cocoa powder on top for that extra-special touch that guests always notice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which honestly, rarely happens around here!), store the hot chocolate in a covered jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It might thicken a bit, but a quick stir or gentle reheat will bring it back to life.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen this recipe often, but from experience, it’s better to freeze the milk mixture before adding chocolate and peppermint. When thawed, gently reheat and add the melted chocolate and extracts fresh for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftover peppermint hot chocolate, warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent scorching and to restore that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can heat unevenly and cause separation.
FAQs
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Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract in this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe?
Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract, so if you decide to use it, add only a drop at a time and taste frequently. Be careful as too much can make the drink bitter or extremely overpowering.
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Is it possible to make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any creamy plant-based milk and use dairy-free chocolate. Adjust sweetness and peppermint to taste for the best results.
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What’s the best chocolate to use for this hot chocolate?
I recommend semisweet chocolate with 60-70% cocoa – it melts beautifully and balances sweetness without being overly bitter or too milky like some chocolates or cocoa powders.
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How do I prevent the hot chocolate from becoming grainy or separated?
The key is gentle heating and constant whisking during chocolate melting. Avoid boiling the milk and low and slow stirring ensures the chocolate emulsifies smoothly.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is honestly one of my kitchen favorites when I want something that feels both luxurious and comforting without a lot of effort. I love sharing it during holidays because it brings everyone together—a simple cup but packed with warmth and festive cheer. You’re going to enjoy making this as much as drinking it, so grab your favorite mug, some good chocolate, and get cozy. You’ll be delighted with just how delightful peppermint and chocolate can be when paired perfectly in this recipe.
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 recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and minty twist on classic hot chocolate, perfect for cozying up on chilly days or celebrating the holiday season. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, semisweet chocolate, and flavored with vanilla and peppermint extracts, this indulgent drink is topped with optional whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
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 to taste)
- pinch kosher salt
- 3 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips (about 1/2 cup)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Whipped cream, lightly sweetened
- Marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a pot over medium-low heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined.
- Heat the Mixture: Warm the mixture on the stove until small bubbles start to form around the edges of the pan, making sure not to boil.
- Add Chocolate: Reduce heat to low and add the finely chopped semisweet chocolate. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted, the mixture is glossy, and has thickened slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into a mug or two small mugs.
- Garnish: Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream or marshmallows and sprinkle with crushed candy canes, if desired, for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- This hot chocolate is perfect for cold weather and holiday enjoyment.
- Adjust the sugar amount depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
- You can increase the peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor but be cautious as it is potent.
- Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for best flavor and texture.
- Garnishes are optional but add a festive and decorative touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 831 kcal
- Sugar: 77 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 83 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 118 mg
