Is there anything better than cozying up with a warm drink when the weather outside is frightful? I don’t think so! For me, the holidays just aren’t complete without a mug of something chocolatey and delicious. And this year, I’m *obsessed* with my Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a mug!
Growing up, my grandma always made the *best* hot chocolate. It was her secret weapon for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. I’ve taken her classic recipe and given it a little peppermint twist, making it the ultimate holiday treat. This isn’t your average powdered mix, folks. We’re talking real chocolate, creamy goodness, and that perfect peppermint zing that just screams “Christmas!” Trust me, once you try this Peppermint Hot Chocolate, you’ll be making it all season long. It’s *that* good.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Quick and Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Look, I get it. The holidays are *crazy* busy. That’s why you’ll love that this peppermint hot chocolate is ready in like, 15 minutes! Perfect for when you need a quick chocolate fix.
Rich and Creamy Peppermint Flavor
Wow, the taste! This isn’t some watery, sad excuse for hot chocolate. We’re talking *rich*, decadent, and perfectly balanced with that cool peppermint kick. My favorite part is how the peppermint cuts through the richness. It’s just *chef’s kiss*.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Seriously, make a big batch of this for your next holiday party. Everyone will rave about it! Plus, it’s super easy to customize with fun toppings. It’s basically guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Don’t skimp – good ingredients make *all* the difference!
- 1 cup whole milk – gotta have that creaminess!
- 1 cup heavy cream – yes, we’re going all out!
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps – or more milk if you want it alcohol-free!
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – for that perfect sweetness.
- 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract – be careful, it’s potent!
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped – trust me, *finely* chopped makes it melt easier.
- Whipped cream for topping – because, duh!
- Chocolate curls for garnish – they just make it look fancy, y’know?
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the fun part! Making this Peppermint Hot Chocolate is seriously easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping on holiday bliss in no time!
Preparing the Peppermint Infused Cream
First, grab a medium saucepan. Toss in your milk, heavy cream, peppermint schnapps (or extra milk, if you’re skipping the booze!), and powdered sugar. Now, heat it over medium, stirring occasionally, until it *just* starts to simmer. Be careful not to boil it! You just want it nice and hot, so the sugar dissolves. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The peppermint schnapps gives it a *kick*, but the milk works just fine for the kiddos!
Melting the Chocolate for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
While that’s heating up, let’s melt the chocolate. I like to use the microwave for this because, well, it’s fast! Pop the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one. This is *super* important because you don’t want to burn the chocolate! Keep going until it’s smooth and melted. It should only take a minute or two total.
Combining and Serving Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Alright, now for the grand finale! Take your melted chocolate and whisk it into the warm milk mixture. Make sure you whisk it *off* the heat so the chocolate doesn’t seize up. Whisk until everything is smooth and combined. Now, pour it into your favorite mugs. Top with whipped cream, chocolate curls, and maybe even a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies if you’re feeling extra festive! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Want to take your Peppermint Hot Chocolate from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here are a few of my top tips to make it *perfect* every time!
Choosing the Right Chocolate for Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Trust me on this one: bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate is the way to go! Milk chocolate can be *way* too sweet and overpowering. You want that rich chocolate flavor to shine, but not be sickeningly sweet, y’know?
Adjusting the Peppermint Flavor in Your Hot Chocolate
Peppermint extract is *powerful* stuff! Start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and then add more if you want a stronger peppermint kick. Same goes for the schnapps – go easy at first! You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Oops!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic Peppermint Hot Chocolate down. But what if you wanna get a little… *wild*? Here are some fun ways to switch things up and make it your own!
Adding Spices to Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Want to add a little extra warmth? Try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg! It adds a cozy, spiced flavor that’s just *perfect* for the holidays. I usually add it right to the saucepan with the milk and cream. Yum!
Dairy-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate
No dairy? No problem! Almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk… they all work great! Just use your favorite non-dairy milk instead of the whole milk and heavy cream. It might not be *quite* as rich, but it’s still super delicious!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
Marshmallows are a *must*, right? But don’t just grab any old bag of marshmallows! Try mini marshmallows, flavored marshmallows, or even toasted marshmallows for a fancy touch. My kids love the peppermint flavored ones!
Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing Peppermint Hot Chocolate ready to go. But what should you serve with it? Well, lemme tell ya, the possibilities are endless! But here are a few of my faves. Trust me, these pairings are *divine*!
First off, cookies! Gingerbread cookies, shortbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies… basically, any cookie works! Biscotti is also amazing for dipping! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, try serving it with some homemade peppermint bark. Seriously, it’s the *perfect* holiday indulgence!
Storing and Reheating Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Made too much Peppermint Hot Chocolate? No worries! Just let it cool completely, then pour it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Or, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Just don’t let it boil! And you know what? It’s almost as good the second time around. Maybe even better!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate FAQ
Got questions about this dreamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate? I figured you might! So, I’ve rounded up some of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this helps!
Can I make Peppermint Hot Chocolate ahead of time?
Yep, absolutely! Just make it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s perfect for prepping before a holiday party!
Can I use milk chocolate for Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
Okay, so *technically*, yes, you *can*. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. Milk chocolate is super sweet and can overpower the peppermint flavor. Bittersweet or semi-sweet is *way* better for that perfect balance!
How do I make Peppermint Hot Chocolate without alcohol?
Easy peasy! Just skip the peppermint schnapps and add an extra half cup of milk. You’ll still get that delicious peppermint flavor from the extract, and it’ll be totally kid-friendly!
Nutritional Information for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! The nutritional info below is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how heavy-handed you are with the whipped cream. Just sayin’!
For accurate nutritional information, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian.
Enjoy Your Delicious Peppermint Hot Chocolate!
Alright, that’s it! You’re officially a Peppermint Hot Chocolate master! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. If you try it, please, *please* leave a comment and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Share your pics on social media, too! I wanna see all your cozy creations!
For more delicious recipes, check out my Christmas dessert recipes.
If you’re looking for inspiration, websites like Food Network offer a variety of hot chocolate recipes.
Print
Sinfully Delicious Peppermint Hot Chocolate in 15 Minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Heating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy peppermint hot chocolate perfect for a festive treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps or more milk for non-alcoholic
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate curls for garnish
Instructions
- Combine milk, heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a light simmer over medium heat.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave on 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, just until melted.
- Whisk the melted chocolate into the milk mixture in the saucepan off the heat. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Notes
- Use 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract if including peppermint schnapps. Use 2 teaspoons if omitting the schnapps.
- Semi-sweet chocolate may be used in place of bittersweet. Milk chocolate may be too sweet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
