master-cooks | Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Peppermint hot chocolate is a delightful twist on a classic winter beverage that combines rich, creamy chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. To prepare this comforting drink, start by heating milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. Add high-quality cocoa powder and sugar, stirring until both dissolve completely, ensuring a smooth base for your hot chocolate. For an extra touch of indulgence, incorporate a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, whisking until melted and the mixture is velvety. Next, introduce the peppermint flavor by adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture. Be careful with the quantity, as peppermint extract is potent, and a little goes a long way. Continue to stir the mixture until the flavors are well-blended. Once everything is combined, remove the saucepan from heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs. To enhance the presentation and flavor, top your peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, or a candy cane for stirring. This cozy beverage is perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings, offering a comforting balance of sweet chocolate and invigorating peppermint that warms both the body and spirit.

Gather the ingredients for peppermint hot chocolate

To prepare this recipe, you'll only need six ingredients. Start by picking up some milk and cream from the dairy section, then head to the baking aisle to collect sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla, and peppermint extract. "If you're a fan of essential oils and have peppermint oil on hand, you might be curious if you can substitute it. If it's food-grade peppermint essential oil, you can use it, but you'll need significantly less since it's much more concentrated. Just a tiny drop will suffice," advises Hahn. If you'd like to enhance your hot chocolate with some toppings, consider adding mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes.

Step 1: Add 3 ingredients to a pot

Combine the milk, cream, and sugar in a medium saucepan and set the heat to medium-low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Step 2: Add 3 more ingredients

Reduce the heat to low and incorporate the chocolate chips, vanilla, and peppermint extract.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate chips

Whisk for approximately 2 minutes, or until the chocolate chips have fully melted.

Step 4: Pour into mugs

Serve in mugs and garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes, if you like.

Step 5: Serve the hot chocolate

Pour the peppermint hot chocolate.

How can I customize this peppermint hot chocolate?

There are numerous ways to personalize this peppermint hot chocolate. Experiment with various types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, to achieve different flavors and levels of sweetness. "If you have cocoa powder or raw cacao powder, you can substitute about ½ cup of that for the chocolate chips," suggests Hahn.

You can also alter the flavor profile by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne for an extra kick. Instead of using sugar, consider alternative sweeteners such as date sugar, monk fruit, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut nectar. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of sweetener you add.

If you have dietary restrictions and wish to make this delightful drink vegan, there are plenty of options available. Opt for dairy-free milk such as soy, almond, cashew, or oat milk. For heavy cream, you can replace it with additional dairy-free milk or full-fat coconut milk. Be sure to select dairy-free chocolate chips or use cacao powder. For a whipped cream topping, choose coconut whipped cream that comes in a tub. If you plan to include marshmallows, ensure they are the vegan variety.

What can I serve with this peppermint hot chocolate?

Your warm and inviting hot chocolate will undoubtedly complement a variety of sweet treats. "Setting up a toppings bar with candy canes, marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, and other festive candies is a fun idea," suggests Hahn. Pair it with a selection of cookies, like sugar cookies (either plain or decorated), gingerbread, or shortbread. Mini cakes, pastries, or cupcakes also make for a delightful and sugary accompaniment. A fruit platter featuring strawberries, apples, orange slices, or raspberries can offer a refreshing contrast to the indulgent hot chocolate.

If you're savoring the hot chocolate as a mid-morning or after-school snack, a cheese and cracker platter can provide a heartier option. Choices like brie, cheddar, and gouda served with an assortment of crackers can balance the sweetness of the drink. A bowl of mixed nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and pecans, can add a satisfying crunch to enjoy during the celebrations.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe