Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate is rich and decadent with the sweet flavor of peppermint. In just 10 minutes you can have this creamy, minty mug whipped up and a warm cup of hot cocoa.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Serve up a big, warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate when the weather turns chilly. This is a simple and easy recipe, bursting with sweet peppermint flavor in every sip.
This hot cocoa mix can be made ahead of time, and then just assemble your drink when you want to sip on some.
With the homemade hot chocolate mix, you are able to control how light or rich you want your drink to be. Or you can even spike it with a little booze for a grown-up boozy hot chocolate drink.
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Ingredients Needed
Cocoa Powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder. A dark chocolate cocoa is also very tasty.
Instant Dry Milk – I prefer a non-fat milk powder so I can add lots of marshmallows later.
Sugar – This recipe uses a combination of white granulated sugar and powdered sugar.
Milk – Whole milk makes it extra rich. You can also use a bit of heavy cream.
Peppermint Extract – This adds that bright peppermint flavor. You can also use peppermint sticks.
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How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
First: You will need to prepare the hot cocoa mix first. Sift together the dry milk, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
Second: Stir in the sugar (don’t sift it as it will clog your sieve). Stir to combine and store in an air tight container until ready to make your mug of cocoa.
Third: When you are ready to make your cocoa, add in your hot milk (or hot water) and the peppermint extract. Stir to mix. Top with your favorite toppings!
The key is to just warm up the milk a bit. Make sure to not overheat and scorch the milk. Then whisk in the peppermint extract, and powder mix.
You can also make this in a slow cooker like this crock pot hot chocolate recipe.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Not sure what toppings to use for peppermint hot chocolate? Here are a few of my favorites!
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
- Peppermint candies
- Mini marshmallows
- Drizzle of chocolate sauce
- Mini chocolate chips (or peppermint chips when in season)
Adjust the Peppermint Flavor
You will find that depending on the brand of extract you buy, the strength of flavor will vary. Start with a drop or two and then taste.
If not’s not strong enough feel free to add another drop or two.
Can I use a different milk if I have an allergy?
If you want to use a different milk such as almond or soy milk feel free to d so. Just be aware that the dry hot chocolate mix contains dry milk powder.The key is to just warm up the milk a bit. Make sure to not overheat and scorch the milk. Then whisk in the peppermint oil, and powder mix.
Is hot chocolate actually chocolate?
Hot chocolate is made with cocoa, not the finished chocolate you eat in like a candy bar. We consider this a drinking chocolate mix that is flavored like chocolate but more mellow in the flavor of cocoa that is paired with sweetness from the sugar.
What to Serve with Peppermint Hot Cocoa
I love a good shortbread cookie with it because it doesn’t have contrasting flavors and allows both to shine.
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This is an incredible chocolate and peppermint drink to serve up around the holiday season. But if you are like me, I drink this mix all year round.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Hot Cocoa Mix
- 2 cups instant dry milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
- 4 cups milk
- 1 1/3 cups hot cocoa mix
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
Make the hot cocoa mix
- In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar.
- Sift instant dry milk on top of powdered sugar.
- Sift cocoa powder on top. Whisk together.
- Whisk in granulated sugar until well combined.
- Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months
Make the peppermint hot cocoa
- To a medium saucepan, add the milk and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in the 1 1/3 cups hot cocoa mix until combined.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
- Tops with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and candy canes!
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Finger Foods
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