Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint hot chocolate is a wintertime favorite for many people. It’s a variation of traditional hot chocolate, with the addition of peppermint flavor. The peppermint adds a refreshing, cool twist to the rich, chocolate flavor of classic hot chocolate.
To make this recipe, you’ll need chocolate chips or chocolate bars, milk, peppermint extract, and optional toppings like whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the milk is hot, add in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in a few drops of peppermint extract, to taste.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired. Some people like to add a candy cane stirrer for an extra festive touch.
Peppermint hot chocolate is the perfect treat to warm up with on a cold winter day. It’s also a popular choice for holiday gatherings and parties. Whether you’re sipping it by the fireplace or sharing it with friends, this recipe is sure to bring some cheer to your winter season.
Here’s a simple recipe for peppermint hot chocolate:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (add more to taste)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, crushed candy canes
Instructions:
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the milk is hot, add in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Optional variations:
For a richer, more decadent hot chocolate, try using heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.
For a non-dairy version, use your favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate.
Try adding a splash of peppermint liqueur for an extra minty kick.
Here are a few more things you might like to know about peppermint hot chocolate:
To make a large batch of this recipe for a crowd, simply multiply the recipe according to the number of servings you need. You can keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker or thermos for an extended period of time.
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can use peppermint candy or candy canes to add peppermint flavor to your hot chocolate. Simply crush the candy or candy canes and stir them into the hot chocolate along with the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars.
To make a festive presentation, try serving the hot chocolate in clear glass mugs or cups. The colorful layers of chocolate and whipped cream will look visually appealing and add to the overall holiday cheer.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding other flavors to your peppermint hot chocolate. For example, you could try adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a touch of ground chili pepper for a bit of warmth and spice.
we hope this gives you some additional ideas for enjoying peppermint hot chocolate. Enjoy!