As the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate. This delightful concoction is not just a beverage; it’s a cozy hug for your taste buds. Get ready to elevate your hot chocolate experience with this recipe that strikes the perfect balance between rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint.

Best Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

This recipe is SO easy to make, and SOOOOO delicious! You can find all of the ingredients in your local grocery store, but I linked to a few of my favorites on Amazon. FYI, I did use affiliate links for those, so if you happen to buy anything through them (no pressure!), I’ll earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you. Also, I can’t lie, I used Canva AI Magic to create the images. I have a ton of recipes that are really quite yummy (especially drink recipes), but my food photography sucks. So I’m cheating a bit. Hey, I’m nothing if not honest! 😀

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (I love Trader Joe’s)
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (I like Watkin’s because it’s fairly affordable)
• 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat the Milk: Begin by warming the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Ensure it doesn’t boil but reaches a steamy, comforting temperature.
2. Mix in Cocoa and Sugar: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar, ensuring a smooth blend. Continue whisking until the mixture is velvety and free of lumps.
3. Add Chocolate Chips: Introduce the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mix, stirring constantly. Allow them to melt into the milk, contributing to the luxurious texture.
4. Infuse with Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. These additions will heighten the flavor profile, creating a perfect marriage of chocolate and mint.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Let the hot chocolate simmer for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld into a harmonious symphony of taste and aroma.
6. Serve in Style: Pour the heavenly elixir into your favorite mug. Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating a cloud-like crown on your creation.
7. Garnish with Joy: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the whipped cream, adding a festive touch and a delightful crunch to each sip.

Tips and Add-In Ideas:

• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for a personalized touch. Dark chocolate can add depth, while white chocolate brings a sweeter note.
• Kick it up a notch with a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a winter spice twist.
• For an adult version, consider adding a splash of peppermint schnapps or your favorite peppermint liqueur.
• Enhance the experience by serving alongside peppermint bark (like my Triple Chocolate Minty Bark Recipe) or chocolate-covered pretzels.

I actually took this pic. You can see what I mean about my lack of food photography skills. This was actually one of my better ones.

There you have it—the recipe for the best peppermint hot chocolate ever. Whether you’re curled up with a good book, enjoying a movie night, or simply seeking warmth on a chilly day, this decadent treat is sure to become a winter favorite. Cheers to indulgence and the simple joys of a well-crafted hot chocolate!