If you’re craving something cozy and festive to sip on during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat with this Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe. I absolutely love how rich and creamy it turns out with just the right hint of peppermint and cinnamon warmth. Trust me, whether you’re curling up on the couch or sharing this with friends at a holiday party, this recipe hits all the right notes for a perfect winter warmer. Stick with me—I’ll share all my tips to get your hot chocolate silky smooth and decadently delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Creamy: The mix of whole milk and heavy cream makes this hot chocolate ultra smooth and indulgent.
- Perfect Peppermint Kick: Adding crushed peppermint candies and garnishes gives it a holiday twist you’ll keep coming back to.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice, so it’s just right for your taste buds.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for an impromptu festive treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe balances creamy richness with just a touch of holiday spice. I love having these ingredients on hand because they come together quickly yet feel so special—like a little celebration in a mug.
- Whole milk: Provides a creamy base that’s not too heavy but offers a nice mouthfeel.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess that makes this hot cocoa feel luxurious.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Easy to melt and gives that classic smooth chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate depth without extra sweetness.
- Sugar: Helps balance the bitterness from the cocoa and chocolate. Adjust to your liking!
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice to complement the peppermint.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant note that makes this hot chocolate extra special.
- Whipped cream: For topping – that fluffy crown on your cup of cocoa.
- Crushed peppermint candies: The festive magic that adds crunch and cooling mint.
- Cinnamon sticks (optional): Useful both for stirring and adding subtle flavor.
- Peppermint candy or mini candy canes: Perfect as charming garnishes for that holiday feel.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You’ll find that just a simple swap or addition can totally change the vibe to match your mood or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free version: I’ve tried replacing whole milk and heavy cream with coconut cream and almond milk – still creamy, with a hint of coconut sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
- Extra chocolate punch: Feel free to add a splash of chocolate liqueur or stir in some dark chocolate chunks for a deeper richness and a boozy holiday spin.
- Spiced up: Once, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth, and it really took the cinnamon- peppermint combo to the next level.
- Vegan tweaks: Using vegan chocolate chips and oat milk works well too – just keep an eye on sweetness as some plant milks vary!
How to Make Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream Gently
Start by combining the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. I always watch closely here because you want it steaming and just about to bubble—not boiling. Boiling can scald the milk and ruin the silky texture. When you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges, that’s your cue to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Melt in Chocolate and Cocoa Powder
Next, whisk in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar. Keep your whisk moving so everything melts evenly and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy—no lumps allowed! I discovered this trick after a few clumpy tries: constant stirring makes a huge difference here.
Step 3: Add Warm Spices and Vanilla
Now toss in the ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Let the hot chocolate gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking occasionally to blend the flavors. That simmering time helps marry all the ingredients so the drink tastes harmonious and rich.
Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Before you pour, give your hot chocolate a quick taste. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar, or sprinkle in a little extra cinnamon if you want that cozy spicy glow. Once it’s perfect, pour into mugs and get ready for the fun part—topping it!
Pro Tips for Making Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Use Quality Chocolate: I always opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bars for deeper flavor and smooth melt.
- Don’t Overheat: Keeping the heat moderate helps avoid grainy hot chocolate and keeps the cream from separating.
- Crushed Peppermint Magic: My secret to “wow” guests is adding crushed peppermint candies both in the drink and as a garnish for that cooling contrast.
- Whisk Away Lumps: Constant whisking while adding chocolate and cocoa powder is the key to a lump-free, velvety texture.
How to Serve Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this hot chocolate, whipped cream is an absolute must—it adds lightness and looks so festive. Then I sprinkle a generous pinch of crushed peppermint candies on top for that pretty sparkle and refreshing bite. Cinnamon sticks are great if you want to stir in a little extra cinnamon or just want an autumnal touch. Mini candy canes or a peppermint swirl candy as a garnish? Totally optional but 100% adorable and makes your mug look party-ready.
Side Dishes
For a delightful holiday treat, I like to serve this hot chocolate alongside buttery sugar cookies or gingerbread men. Sometimes, I’ll add salty snacks like pretzels to balance that sweet peppermint richness. It’s the perfect cozy combo for sharing with friends or family.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a holiday party, I filled clear glass mugs and lined up hot chocolate “stations” with toppings like crushed peppermints, marshmallows, and cinnamon sticks in cute jars. It made the whole experience interactive and festive—your guests will love building their own perfect cup!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover hot chocolate (rare in my house!), store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to keep it sealed tightly to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in. Just remember, it will thicken slightly when chilled.
Freezing
I’ve never needed to freeze this hot chocolate because it usually disappears fast, but if you want to freeze, pour it into an airtight container leaving room for expansion. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating to avoid separation.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly to bring everything back together and recreate that velvety texture. Microwaving works, but I find the stove method yields a creamier result.
FAQs
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Can I use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute with almond, oat, or any milk alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture will be less creamy and the flavor might vary slightly. I recommend adding a bit more chocolate or creaminess with coconut cream if you want to compensate.
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How do I make this recipe peppermint-flavored?
The crushed peppermint candies on top give a nice burst of mintiness, but you can stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for a stronger flavor. Be careful—peppermint extract is potent, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the hot chocolate base and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat and top with fresh whipped cream and peppermint garnish. Avoid topping ahead to keep garnishes fresh.
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What’s the secret to smooth, lump-free hot chocolate?
Constant whisking while melting the chocolate and cocoa powder with the warm milk prevents lumps. Also, make sure not to overheat the milk, as scorching can cause grainy texture. Using quality chocolate helps too!
Final Thoughts
This Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe has become my go-to treat every holiday season. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy evening yet special enough to savor slowly by the fire. I love sharing it with guests because it instantly brings smiles and warms everyone up from the inside out. You’ll enjoy how versatile it is—perfect for tweaking to your own taste or dietary needs. So grab your favorite mug and give this recipe a try; it’s like a cozy holiday hug in a cup that yours will thank you for!
Print
Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 large mugs or 3–4 small cups
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Hot Chocolate recipe is a rich and creamy beverage perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, and melted semi-sweet chocolate, it’s infused with cinnamon and vanilla for extra warmth and flavor. Topped with whipped cream and festive peppermint garnishes, this drink is a holiday favorite for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)
- Peppermint candy or mini candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Warm the mixture until it is steaming but not boiling, ensuring it doesn’t scorch on the bottom.
- Add the Chocolate Goodness: Whisk in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Let the hot chocolate simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking occasionally to blend the flavors well.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking by adding more sugar or cinnamon if needed.
- Serve It Up: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and a cinnamon stick if desired. Garnish with peppermint candy or a mini candy cane for a festive holiday touch.
Notes
- You can substitute milk alternatives such as oat or almond milk, but the drink will be less rich.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- To avoid burning the milk, heat slowly and stir frequently.
- The recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on serving size needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large mug (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
