This peppermint hot chocolate is rich, creamy, perfectly chocolaty, and finished with a refreshing pop of peppermint. It comes together quickly, tastes like a café-style treat, and instantly brings those warm holiday vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This peppermint hot chocolate is the perfect balance of rich and creamy without making you feel sick. After a few recipe tests, I finally landed on a version that’s indulgent without being heavy, and delicious enough to enjoy any time of day.
Rich in Flavor
Using both whole milk and a splash of heavy cream gives this hot chocolate a velvety texture, while high-quality dark chocolate adds a deep, authentic chocolate flavor.
Not Too Sweet
A small amount of brown sugar keeps the drink perfectly balanced, and a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness without making it overwhelming.
Perfectly Balanced
A touch of vanilla adds warmth, and the peppermint brings a refreshing finish that makes each sip cozy yet bright.
For more recipes with a chocolate hit, check out my original hot chocolate recipe, lava cake recipe and chocolate loaf cake!
What Chocolate to Use
For the best flavor, use a high-quality dark chocolate block (around 50% cocoa solids). Anything up to 70% works well without making the hot chocolate bitter. And if you prefer it sweeter, simply add a little extra sugar at the end to taste.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
You can find the full list of ingredients for this peppermint hot chocolate recipe in the recipe card at the end of the blog post (for easy navigation, hit the ‘jump to recipe’ button at the top of the blog post). Here is a quick visual breakdown of the recipe (recipe video is also provided in the recipe card below).
Place a saucepan over a medium heat and add in milk, cream, cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk until well combined and bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, turn the heat down to low and add in roughly chopped chocolate and peppermint extract/essence. Stir until fully melted.
Once melted, pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. You can taste and add more sugar if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes, then top with your favorite additions, such as marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream or crushed peppermint candies for an extra peppermint hit.
Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Print Pin VideoIMPORTANT: For accuracy, I would recommend using the gram measurements provided, as those are the exact quantities I use. Cup measurements are given as estimates (based on US cup measurements) to make it easier for those who do not have a scale.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (420 g) whole milk
- ½ cup (115 g) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps cocoa powder - I use natural cocoa powder
- 2 tbsps soft light brown sugar - white granulated sugar is okay too
- ½ tsp vanilla extract/essence
- 1 small pinch salt
- ½ cup (85 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate - roughly chopped. If using cup measurements use a heaping cup of roughly chopped chocolate
- ½ tsp peppermint extract or essence
- whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes, for garnish - optional
Instructions
- Place a saucepan over a medium heat and add in milk, cream, cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk until well combined and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, turn the heat down to low and add in roughly chopped chocolate and peppermint extract/essence. Stir until fully melted.
- Once melted, pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. You can taste and add more sugar if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes, then top with your favorite additions, such as marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream or crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint hit.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only as they are automatically calculated by a third party application. Actual values may differ based on brands and types of products used.
3 Comments
can i use carnation milk for heavy cream. love to make it soon.
Looks perfect for the holidays!
This sounds so yummy I have had expensive hot chocolates before in cafés but this receipe sounds so good and easy plus I have most of the ingredients at home, thanks so much for sharing.. really appreciated.👌💗🥰