Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint hot chocolate is the perfect beverage for snow days and for festive winter gatherings during the holiday season.

This creamy homemade hot chocolate has hints of peppermint flavor and is topped with homemade whipped cream garnished with crushed peppermint candy and dehydrated mini marshmallows. 

Not only is this peppermint hot cocoa perfect for a cold day but it's also a favorite warm drink to enjoy by the fire or during a family movie during the Christmas season.

If you're a lover of all things peppermint, check out this Peppermint Cheesecake - it's delicious! 

Jump to:

• Ingredients in Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• How to Make Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream
• Substitutions in Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Peppermint Hot Cocoa Variations
• Storing Hot Chocolate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can you Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Hot Chocolate Packets?
• RELATED
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredients in Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• heavy cream
• milk
• sweetened condensed milk
• peppermint extract
• milk chocolate chips

Ingredients in homemade whipped cream

• heavy whipping cream
• vanilla extract
• powdered sugar

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

To make delicious Peppermint Hot Chocolate, you'll need just a few simple ingredients and a stovetop.  

Begin by adding the milk and sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan and heat over medium heat.  Once the mixture begins to steam, stir in the milk chocolate chips a little at a time to allow them to melt. Mix in the pure peppermint extract.

Once the chocolate chips are melted, the melted chocolate is smooth, and the mixture is creamy, it's time to serve!

Divide the peppermint hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and chocolate chips. 

Crush candy canes or peppermint candy to add as garnish and save some chocolate chips to add to the top of the whipped cream. 

To make a cup of peppermint mocha, add two shots of espresso to the mug, top it off with the peppermint hot cocoa, and garnish as desired. 

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

Add the heavy whipping cream to a chilled bowl and beat using an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form.

Gently stir in the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract.

Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag or scoop the whipped cream on top of the hot chocolate.

To use a whipped cream dispenser, mix together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl and then pour it into the dispenser. Screw the lid of the dispenser onto the canister, load the charger, and remove once done according to the dispenser directions.

Squeeze the lever to spray the whipped cream onto the hot chocolate, clean the nozzle, and place the dispenser in the refrigerator until next use.

Substitutions in Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Condensed Milk:  You can swap the condensed milk for granulated sugar, It will alter the creaminess of the hot chocolate but the sweetness will be there.  

Milk and cream: If you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, use almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk is also another great choice. Make sure to use dairy free chocolate chips.  

Chocolate: Milk chocolate chips are used to create a nice chocolate flavor but semisweet chocolate chips will cut down on the sweetness and dark chocolate will give the peppermint hot cocoa a richer flavor. 

Vanilla Extract: In addition to the peppermint extract, add a bit of vanilla extract to give the hot chocolate depth. 

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Variations

Make it alcoholic: Stir in some peppermint schnapps to make this beverage alcoholic for adults. 

Use unsweetened cocoa powder: Although it will alter the overall texture of your hot cocoa, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder for your chocolate flavor. 

Get creative with the toppings: crushed candy canes, peppermint candies, chocolate chips, and even a dusting of powdered sugar are fun toppings for this cocoa.

Storing Hot Chocolate

Here are some tips for storing leftover hot chocolate. 

Refrigerating: Place the cooled hot chocolate in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Reheating: To reheat your peppermint hot chocolate, either reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat until it is warm or microwave it in a cup until steamy. Make sure to stir the mixture to ensure that the temperature is even and the texture is smooth. 

Garnishing: Store all garnishments separately. Top as desired onto rewarmed hot cocoa. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there alcoholic versions of peppermint hot chocolate?

Yes, there are several ways to add a boozy twist to your peppermint hot chocolate for adults. You can add a splash of peppermint schnapps, vodka, or even Irish cream for a more indulgent flavor. Adjust the hot cocoa accordingly to make sure you have at least a hint of peppermint in your drink. 

Can you Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Hot Chocolate Packets?

Yes, you can make peppermint hot chocolate with hot chocolate packets. Replace the milk chocolate chips in this hot cocoa recipe with 4 hot chocolate packets. 

RELATED

Another delicious winter drink is this Gingerbread Iced Latte with Dalgona Coffee. This warm drink is a great way to get your morning started.

Check out these great recipes such as these No Bake Peanut Butter Balls for the Christmas season.

📖 Recipe