If you are a peppermint cocoa lover, you're going to be so impressed with this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe. It consists of only four ingredients to make a creamy, decadent dessert in a cup. You'll want to drink this all winter long!
Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Beverage
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- 🍴 Servings: 2
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Rich, chocolatey, and creamy with a refreshing peppermint finish.
- 🍚 Best Served With: Holiday cookies, biscotti, or as a cozy drink on its own.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes, prepare ahead and reheat gently, adding peppermint just before serving.
Summarize and Save This Content On
The peppermint and chocolate are an amazing combination, and this recipe uses melted chocolate rather than powder to enhance that indulgent chocolate flavor. This is one of my all-time favorite homemade hot chocolate flavors, and I love to drink it to help get into the Christmas spirit!
If you are looking for more hot chocolate recipes, I highly recommend Christmas hot chocolate and cinnamon hot chocolate.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's only 4 ingredients: You only need 4 simple ingredients to make the best peppermint hot chocolate ever. It's simple yet so good!
- It's ready quickly: This peppermint hot cocoa is ready in less than 10 minutes, so you don't have to wait super long to enjoy it.
- It's better than packaged: I promise that this recipe is way better than the store-bought you're used to. It's richer and creamier!
Ingredients
Everything you'll need to make a cup of decadent hot chocolate with peppermint is listed below. You don't need a lot of elements to enjoy delicious Starbucks peppermint hot cocoa at home.
- Milk and cream: I use a combination of milk and heavy cream to get a perfectly rich and creamy result. Feel free to use all milk for less fat!
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to because they aren't too sweet or bitter. If you want something sweeter, go with milk chocolate.
- Peppermint syrup: This is a little more seasonal, and you'll find it either in the baking, coffee, or seasonal aisle at the grocery store. You may even go with a zero-sugar version if you find it.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Peppermint mocha hot chocolate: Stir in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to make a peppermint mocha version.
- Peppermint white hot chocolate: Use white chocolate chips to create a peppermint white hot chocolate.
- Boozy peppermint hot chocolate: Add a shot of peppermint schnapps for an adult version. Kahlua hot chocolate is another fabulous alcoholic variety!
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Here are the steps you need to make this peppermint hot chocolate copycat recipe. It really is that simple!
Step 1: Add the ingredients. Start by adding all the ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate. Whisk the mixture often, and once all the chocolate has melted, it's ready! Garnish your cup with some festive Christmas marshmallows.
Recipe Tips
- Don't let the dairy boil: Watch the heat and don't let the milk and cream boil. If they are boiling, they are at risk of curdling.
- Whisk the mixture constantly: Ensure you are whisking the mixture often so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Don't store it in the freezer: Avoid saving leftover hot chocolate and keeping it in the freezer. It will not keep or thaw well!
Another way to enjoy peppermint hot cocoa is with these peppermint hot chocolate truffles. These Bailey's truffles bring your cocoa up a level with the little added kick of Bailey's Irish Cream. All I can say is yum!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a holiday treat like peppermint mocha cookies or Santa's trash cookies with a hot cup of peppermint cocoa.
- I enjoy these pecan pie brownies with it, too. Especially if you're not a big cookie fan!
- This holiday roast beef with cranberry balsamic sauce, is a wonderful option to serve as a main course.
- Want some hot chocolate for breakfast? Make a cup on Christmas morning to enjoy with these Christmas donuts.
Recipe FAQs
If you overheat the chocolate, it can cause the cocoa butter in the chocolate to break. Keep it at medium heat and no higher.
If you want a thinner consistency, use a little less cream and a little more milk. I like an even ratio, but it can be too creamy for some!
You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight jar for a day or two. Pour it back into a saucepan and gently warm it over low heat or pop a mug in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
More Delicious Holiday Drink Recipes
Do you like holiday drinks? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup chocolate chips about ¾ cup or 140 g
- 2 tablespoon peppermint syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk regularly over medium heat.
- Once all the chocolate has melted (ensure that no chocolate sticks to the bottoms/sides) and the milk is warmed to your liking, pour into 2 heat safe mugs.
Notes
- Adjust the milk and cream ratio to less cream and more milk if the consistency is too thick for your liking.
- Avoid letting it boil because it can make the milk and cream curdle.
- Ensure that you whisk the hot chocolate mixture constantly so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
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