This creamy peppermint hot chocolate is the ultimate indulgence, combining the smooth, velvety richness of hot chocolate with the cool, fresh flavor of peppermint! This delightful drink is the perfect way to warm up on cold winter nights, or great for all your holiday gatherings.
Try our other delicious drinks, like our Caramel Brulee Latte or warm Apple Cider!
PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
You have come across the best creamy and rich peppermint hot chocolate recipe! The combination of creamy milk, velvety chocolate, and refreshing peppermint creates a comforting drink that’s both sweet and satisfying. It’s a drink that brings a little holiday magic to every sip! Like our classic hot chocolate, you cannot go wrong with this drink.
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Cocoa Powder – For the best flavor, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. My personal favorite is Hershey’s cocoa powder, which gives a smooth and balanced chocolate taste.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is used to sweeten hot chocolate, but feel free to substitute it with any other sweetener you prefer. You can also adjust the amount to suit your desired sweetness.
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor and richness of this warm drink, balancing the sweetness and deepening the chocolate taste.
- Cream – Adding half and half creamer creates a thick and creamy texture. If you want an even richer cocoa, you can substitute with heavy whipping cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Milk – Whole milk is essential for creating the creamiest and most flavorful hot chocolate. While cow’s milk is ideal for the best results, you can easily swap it out for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Vanilla – A dash of vanilla extract boosts the flavor of the hot chocolate by adding a warm, subtle sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
- Peppermint– For the peppermint flavors you can add peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candy or crushed candy canes.
- Chocolate – I love incorporating chocolate chips or chunks into the cocoa to intensify the rich chocolate flavor. You can choose from white, milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate, and either regular morsels, mini morsels, or chopped chocolate will work beautifully.
HOW TO MAKE PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
Indulge in a rich, creamy hot chocolate in under 10 minutes with this simple recipe!
- Add all the hot chocolate ingredients into a saucepan or pot. Whisk them together to blend everything smoothly.
- Next, heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until the chocolate completely melts, and the milk begins to bubble gently.
- Once heated, remove the pan from the heat and carefully ladle the hot cocoa into cups. Add any toppings you like and enjoy while it’s still warm!
SLOW COOKER PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
For a party or larger gatherings, try making hot chocolate in a slow cooker! This method ensures the cocoa stays warm for hours.
- Begin by adding all the ingredients to the crockpot bowl.
- Use a whisk to thoroughly combine them, making sure the cocoa powder doesn’t float on top.
- Secure the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for about an hour, until the chocolate has fully melted, and the milk is hot. Stir occasionally to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the bottom.
- Once ready, serve the hot cocoa in cups, topping with your favorite additions.
| Party Tip– If you’re hosting a party, keep the cocoa on the warm setting for a long-lasting supply of cozy drinks throughout the event! |
TOPPING IDEAS
Hot chocolate is always better with toppings! Here are some great topping ideas:
- Cool Whip
- Whipped Cream
- Marshmallows
- Crushed Peppermint
- Candy Cane
- White chocolate shavings
- Chocolate shavings
- Dark chocolate drizzle
- Condensed milk drizzle
- Ground cinnamon
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
No, you can use crushed peppermint candy or you can even throw a peppermint candy into the hot chocolate to give it the peppermint flavors.
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk with any dairy-free milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or your preferred non-dairy option.
If you’d prefer not to use creamer, simply omit it and add extra milk in its place.
Once the hot chocolate has cooled, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat the hot chocolate either in the microwave or on the stove, depending on your preference.
Best Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half and half creamer
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips morsels milk, dark, or semi-sweet
- Pinch salt
- crushed peppermint optional topping
Instructions
Stovetop Hot Chocolate:
- In a medium saucepan, combine all your ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, milk, creamer, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved, ensuring it doesn’t remain floating on top.
- Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching or the chocolate from sticking to the bottom.
- Continue to heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate chips are completely melted, and the milk starts to gently simmer or bubble slightly around the edges (avoid a rolling boil).
- Once the hot chocolate is smooth and heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Carefully pour the hot chocolate into individual mugs using a ladle.
- Top with your preferred garnishes, such as whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a dash of cinnamon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate:
- Add all your hot chocolate ingredients—cocoa powder, sugar, milk, creamer, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, chocolate chips, and salt—into the slow cooker.
- Whisk everything together until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for 2-3 hours or high heat for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally, especially as it starts to heat up, to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the chocolate is fully melted and the milk is hot, give it one last stir to make sure it’s smooth and well-mixed.
- Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs or cups.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve warm.
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