This Peppermint Hot Chocolate is ultra-rich, creamy, and decadent. Infused with peppermint flavor, it’s easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients. It’s the perfect homemade hot chocolate recipe for the holiday season.
Is there anything more comforting than sipping on a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter night?
For me, hot chocolate is a holiday tradition. While my family used to rely on store-bought packets for Christmas, I've now embraced making my own.
This peppermint hot chocolate has become my favorite holiday go-to - it's rich, creamy, and filled with delightful chocolate and peppermint flavors. Best of all, it only takes 5 minutes to whip up.
Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best peppermint hot chocolate, including which ingredients to use and some of my favorite toppings for this delicious homemade hot chocolate recipe.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich Chocolate Flavor- Using chocolate chips to make hot chocolate gives it a richer, more chocolaty flavor compared to store-bought cocoa mix packets.
- Ready in 5 Minutes- Making this easy peppermint hot chocolate recipe only takes a few minutes. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings without any fuss.
- Only 3 Ingredients- Just milk, chocolate chips, and peppermint extract - that’s it!
- Perfect for the Holiday Season- Nothing is cozier than a mug of peppermint hot cocoa during the holiday season.
Ingredient Notes
Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.
- Whole Milk- Using whole milk gives this chocolate peppermint hot chocolate a richer flavor and smooth, creamy texture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips- Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balance of sweetness and rich, chocolate flavor.
- Peppermint Extract- Peppermint extract is strong so start with a ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
🌱 Sustainability Tip: Purchase milk from a local dairy farm and choose fair trade chocolate for a more environmentally friendly treat.
Substitutions
Here are a few ways to customize this simple peppermint hot chocolate recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.
- Whole Milk- Substitute with any other milk of your choice, such as skim milk, 2% milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each type of milk will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the hot chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips- Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. If you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, you can opt for milk chocolate chips.
- Peppermint Extract- If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can stir crushed candy cane pieces or peppermint candies into the hot chocolate to give it a peppermint flavor.
Toppings & Mix-Ins
Customize your peppermint hot chocolate with some of these delicious toppings and mix-ins!
- Marshmallows
- Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Shavings
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Chocolate Syrup
- Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies
- Caramel Sauce
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg
- Flaky Salt
- Fresh Peppermint Leaves
- Peppermint Liqueur
🌟 Quick Tip: Create a hot chocolate bar for your next holiday party with this peppermint hot chocolate and a variety of toppings for guests to choose from.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Here is how to make hot chocolate with peppermint.
Step 1: Warm the milk. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it's steaming. Be careful not to let it boil.
Step 2: Melt chocolate chips. Add the chocolate chips to the warm milk. Whisk vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and well combined.
Step 3: Add peppermint flavor. Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Pour the peppermint hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Feel free to add your preferred topping such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
- Refrigerator- Store leftover peppermint hot chocolate in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Freezer- For longer storage, freeze leftover hot chocolate in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
❄️ Quick Tip: Freeze leftover hot chocolate in an ice cube tray. Then, you can make homemade frozen hot chocolate in a blender.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop- Pour leftover hot chocolate into a saucepan set over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until steaming hot. Avoid boiling the hot chocolate.
- Microwave- Pour the desired amount of hot chocolate into a microwave-safe mug or container. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Slow Cooker- To reheat a larger batch of hot chocolate, pour it into a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low and cover with a lid. Stir the hot chocolate occasionally until warmed through. Keep the slow cooker on the "warm" setting if you plan to serve it over an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use any milk of your choice, such as skim milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
To make the hot chocolate less sweet, use fewer chocolate chips or a darker chocolate variety.
Simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need and use a larger saucepan. For parties, you can keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker.
Yes, you can make hot chocolate ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.
To prepare peppermint hot chocolate in the microwave, heat milk in a microwave-safe mug in 30-second intervals until piping hot. Add chocolate chips, whisk vigorously until well combined, and then stir in the peppermint extract.
Let's Connect!
Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].
📖 Recipe
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it's steaming. Be careful not to let it boil.1 cup whole milk
- Add the chocolate chips to the warm milk. Whisk vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and well combined.¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Remove the hot chocolate from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pour the peppermint hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Feel free to add your preferred topping such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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