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This peppermint hot chocolate is easy to make and irresistibly festive. It is the ultimate way to warm up your winter nights.
There’s something magical about a steaming cup of peppermint hot chocolate on a chilly night. I almost always have the ingredients on hand, and it fills the house with the warm, nostalgic scent of comfort that I love.
This recipe brings everyone together for warm, cozy memories wrapped in blankets, chatting and enjoying every sip. If you’re a fan of cozy food and love finding little ways to make your day feel special, this recipe is calling your name!
What You’ll Love About This Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Cozy Vibes: This is the perfect drink for starting your cold winter day, an afterschool snack, or snuggling up on chilly nights.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only ten minutes of prep time so you can make it at any time.
- Festive: A touch of peppermint takes plain hot chocolate to the next level for getting in the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
- Heavy whipping cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Whole milk
- Milk chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Kitchen Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons and cups
How To Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
***This is just a teaser! To see the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add the heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.
- Heat: Place the pot over medium-high heat and cook for about 10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a low boil.
- Add Peppermint: Remove the pot from the stove and whisk in 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of peppermint extract until fully combined.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, garnish with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tip
To keep the hot chocolate warm during parties, keep it on the stovetop on the “warm” setting or transfer it to a slow cooker, again on the warm setting.
Make It A Meal
To really feel the holiday spirit, serve this hot cocoa alongside these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Recipe Variations
Milk Options: Use 2% milk instead of whole milk for a lighter version or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips can replace milk chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Peppermint Extract: Swap with mint extract for a subtler flavor or omit for plain hot chocolate.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
What toppings go best with this hot chocolate?
My favorites include whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, I recommend double or tripling the ingredients when you make it. Just make sure you have a pot that is large enough. Then, keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can use crushed peppermint candies to infuse the peppermint flavor directly into the hot chocolate as it cooks.
More Christmas Recipes
- Easy Caramel Truffles
- 3 Ingredient Fudge Recipe
- Homemade Gingerbread Pancakes
- Festive Reindeer Cheeseball Recipe
- Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Vintage 7-Up Salad
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
GARNISHES:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Add the whipping cream, condensed milk, whole milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract to a heavy-bottomed large pot.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until a light boil forms, whisking occasionally.
- Remove from the stove and add 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of peppermint extract; whisk until combined.
- Serve immediately, or keep on the stovetop on warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
