I was hesitant to give Peppermint Hot Chocolate a try a few years ago, however once I did...I was smitten! I figured I like the original so why change. Boy was I wrong! Hot chocolate with peppermint is even better!
My daughter is currently obsessed with Starbucks's Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I am not fully sure which she is into the most, the actual; drink OR collecting as may of Starbucks's holiday cups as she can. THIS is what makes my 12 year old happy, lol!
Am I the only mom who see this (as well as the collecting of Bath and Body Works little pocket hand sanitizer's!)??!!
I make her my version hot chocolate with peppermint a couple of times every year. My candy cane hot chocolate is rich and delicious, it's truly decadent. It has a great peppermint flavor.
It is not just topped with freshly made homemade whipped cream...It is smothered with it!
My candy hot chocolate is a very occasional treat. It's got everything on it, lol. Delicious homemade whipped cream, candy cane bits, a chocolate drizzle and even mini marshmallows. Like I said, a treat!
You can keep this simple without all of the toppings and its still delicious!
For a boozy fall drink (or winter) try my Apple Pie Moonshine recipe, its a friend and family favorite!
Table of Contents
Hot Chocolate Ingredients
- unsweetened cocoa
- sugar
- semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- salt
- water
- milk
- vanilla
- crushed candy canes / peppermint candies
Variations
- If you don't enjoy the taste of peppermint, leave that out of the recipe and instead enjoy plain hot chocolate. Or add in a bit of cinnamon for a spiced hot chocolate.
- Leave out the peppermint and add in some cayenne pepper to make spicy hot chocolate.
Make Ahead
- You can make this peppermint hot chocolate recipe ahead of time and cool completely uncovered on the stove. After that store in a large mason jar or milk container in the refrigerator.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator until the expiration date that was on the milk used (up to a few days after).
Chocolate recipes you may enjoy
Those darned cute-trendy holiday cups of their would most likley kick my butt! The things that get people excited!I have nothing but love for Starbucks...But I do think my version would...should...could win! Are you listening Samantha???
Make this rich, delicious & satisfying Peppermint Hot Chocolate. You know you want to...Do it, its worth every single calorie 🙂 Be heavy handed with everything. Load. It. Up! Then sit back, maybe by a fire, with your favorite holiday tunes playing and be happy that you didn't have to drive anywhere or stand in line. And...if you want to write your name on the cup...Knock yourself out!
I make my "Crazy Good Hot Chocolate" by the gallon, then pour it out and heat it through when the mood strikes, here is the recipe for that. If you have never made fresh whipped cream, here is the recipe for that...You will never go back to the other stuff. Try to not eat it all directly from the bowl!
Enjoy!! XO - Colleen
Originally published December, 2016, Updated September, 2023.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
- ½ cup plus 2 TBS sugar more or less to your taste
- ¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate of your choice
- pinch salt
- ¾ cups boiling water
- 6 cups of milk
- splash of vanilla
- 6 TBS crushed candy cane or peppermints (you can also use peppermint extract)
Optional Toppings
- marshmallows
- Homemade Whipped Cream or store-bought
- crushed candy cane or peppermint sticks for garnish
- chocolate syrup for drizzling
- festive or red jimmies / sprinkles
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a pot and bring to a simmer stirring often.
- Stir or whisk until the peppermint bits have melted and the hot chocolate is steaming hot. Do not boil.
- If making ahead for another day or as needed use. Cool completely on the stove, uncovered. Then store in a milk container or large mason jar. Reheat to steaming when ready to enjoy.
- Top each mug of hot chocolate with a handful of mini marshmallows (make sure you have a big enough mug) then a crazy amount of whipped cream followed by a drizzle of chocolate syrup, more crushed candy canes and a spritz of red sprinkles. Face plant!
- If you have never made homemade whipped cream before, here is my recipe...You will never go back to store-bought!
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