This Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink for the festive season. It is easy, creamy, rich, made with real chocolate and is ready in minutes.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Chilly nights call for warm cozy beverages in front of the fireplace like this mocha latte or a hot molten chocolate lava cake for a late night treat. Also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, it is simple, delicious and so much better than store bought stuff.
This recipe is made with a combination of cocoa powder adding the distinct "hot cocoa" flavor along with melted chocolate chips making it very creamy, rich, decadent and luxurious.
If you love Ghiradelli peppermint bark then this is for you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Best ever - It is rich, luxurious, smooth and decadent.
- Made from Scratch - Forget instant ones from a packet and make this recipe at home with real ingredients.
- Quick and Easy - It takes minutes to prepare on your stovetop.
- Festive - It is the perfect Holiday drink for Christmas season.
Best Chocolate to Use
Best ingredients make the best beverage! We suggest using Ghiradelli, Guittard or Valrhona semi sweet chips (which contains 35-40% cocoa) for the most luxurious drink.
Bittersweet tends to make it darker and you might have to increase the quantity of sugar. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter and less chocolatey drink.
No Peppermint Extract?
This recipe is made using crushed candy canes instead of peppermint extract for a few reasons. Extracts tend to be very strong and can easily get overpowering.
They are also harder to find when compared to candy which is available in every store or pharmacy that you walk into during the Holiday season.
What Milk to Use?
Whole milk makes a creamy and thicker beverage to drink, but feel free to use skim or fat free milk for a healthier twist and ¼ cup of heavy cream along with ¾ cup milk for an ultra rich drink.
INGREDIENTS
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below. Here is a quick note on the ingredient used:
- Cocoa powder - Use unsweetened
- Chocolate - We suggest using Ghiradelli semi sweet chips
- Milk - Use whole milk
- Sugar - Regular white granulated sugar.
- Peppermint - Use finely crushed candy canes.
Helpful Tips
- Cook over medium-low heat to avoid burning.
- Use good quality ingredients.
- Crush candy canes very fine so they melt easily.
- To crush, place broken pieces in a small ziplock bag and crush using a hammer, meat mallet, rolling pin or back of heavy cast iron skillet. Have leftover candy canes? Try making these peppermint bark.
Topping Ideas
Although crushed candy canes with sweetened whipped cream makes it perfect, you can try topping with marshmallows or grated dark chocolate.
VARIATIONS
One of the best parts of making it from scratch it that you can customize it the way you want.
- Use peppermint extract for a stronger peppermint flavor.
- Want a richer drink? Use half and half instead of whole milk.
- Like it less sweet? Try using bittersweet or dark chips instead.
- Healthier? Skip whipped cream, reduce sugar and use skim milk.
- Like mocha? Mix in freshly brewed espresso.
- Like it spiked? A small amount of liquor always warms you on a chilly night. Stir in Baileys Irish cream, peppermint vodka, rum or whisky. About 1 and ½ ounces of liquor, is recommended per serving.
- Add a strip of fresh orange zest.
HOW TO MAKE?
Here's a brief overview of the method. You'll find detail instructions in the recipe card below.
- Heat - Add milk, cocoa powder and sugar into a small saucepan, place over medium high heat and whisk contantly until it is well mixed.
- Melt - When it gets hot, add chocolate chips and finely crushed candy canes and cook until it has melted and looks smooth.
- Serve - Pour into a coffee mug, top with you favorite toppings if desired.
How To Serve?
Although this recipe is decadent as it is made, you can kick it up a notch with whipped cream, marshamllows and crushed or a whole candy cane. Adults might enjoy a spiked version with a shot of Baileys Irish cream, rum or peppermint vodka.
Can You Make Ahead?
It is best enjoyed right away, however it can be made a few hours ahead and stored at room temperature or in the refrigearite.
- To reheat from room temperature - Make sure to give a good stir, ladle into microwave safe mugs and microwave over low heat, until warmed through.
- To reheat from refrigerator - It tends to thicken when refrigerated as the chocolate firms up when cold. Warm on the stovetop over very low heat until warmed through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It contains a small amount of caffeine due to the addition of chocolate, however it is significantly lesser than your cup of joe, sodas and many teas.
More Decadent Chocolate Treats to Try:
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk whole
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar or to taste
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips Ghiradelli, preferably
- 3 tablespoons finely crushed candy canes 3 to 4 candy canes
- Whipped cream to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Add milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently until warm (not boiling).
- Add chocolate chips, crushed candy canes and whisk constantly until chocolate chips and candy canes have melted.Tip; to crush candy canes, place broken pieces in a small ziplock bag and crush using a hammer, meat mallet, rolling pin or back of heavy cast iron skillet.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third party calculations, should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types, brands purchased, produce, the way ingredients are processed and more change the nutritional information in any recipe.
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