Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the perfect holiday twist on traditional hot chocolate. You will love this simple-to-make cozy recipe.
Recently, we’ve started doing a hot chocolate bar as part of our Christmas tradition. It is so fun and everyone loves it. We use my crockpot hot chocolate for that because it’s so simple and perfect for a group, but this recipe would make such a great addition to that during the holiday season.
Whether you are adding this to your holiday party or you are making it just to snuggle by the fire, you are going to love this simple recipe. It is the perfect amount of sweet, exactly as chocolatey as you want it to be, and with a dash of peppermint that pairs with the chocolate in the best way.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
Here is a brief overview of how this homemade hot chocolate recipe comes together. For the full recipe, including all ingredients and their measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Heat the Milk and Cream
Heat the milk and cream in a small saucepan for a few minutes without bringing it to a boil.
Add The Chocolate and Sugar
Whisk in the chopped chocolate and sugar until well combined. Continue stirring until the chocolate has fully melted.
Add the Rest of The Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt to the chocolate mixture. Serve in cups or mugs with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Enjoy your peppermint hot cocoa warm.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tips and Tricks
- Make it in the crockpot. If you want to make homemade hot cocoa in a slow cooker instead of on the stove, make my Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate and swap half of the vanilla extract with peppermint extract to give it the perfect peppermint flavor.
- Use a good-quality chocolate. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips would all work in this recipe.
- Make a hot chocolate bar. You can see all of my tips, tricks, and ideas in this post: Hot Chocolate Bar.
- Add some alcohol: If you want to make a boozy hot chocolate, add a splash of Creme de Cocoa or peppermint schnapps.
If you make this peppermint hot chocolate recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces chocolate chips chopped fine, 1/2 a cup (85 grams)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- pinch of table salt
- whipped cream optional, for serving
- candy canes crushed, optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and cream for 3 to 4 minutes, without bringing it to a boil.1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Add in the chocolate and sugar and stir to combine. Continue stirring intermittently until the chocolate is fully melted, about 8 minutes.3 ounces chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Serve in cups with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, pinch of table salt, whipped cream, candy canes
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I am all about cozy drinks! Loving the photos! Pinned.
Roxana says
This looks wonderful Lisa – totally my kinda hot chocolate!
Karly says
My kiddos love Horizon milk, too! And they would FLIP for this peppermint hot chocolate!
Rachel Cooks says
I could use a cup of this right now! It looks amazing and we are a Horizon family too! :)
PS: Gorgeous photos! ;)
shelly (cookies and cups) says
I could absolutely drink a warm mug of this… and bring on all the traditions :)
Carolyn says
Who doesn’t love a big mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate???
Deborah says
I’m the same – I go all out for my kids and I feel like we are doing something “holiday” every night. LOVE this hot chocolate – I need a mugfull right now!
naomi says
My kids love Horizon, naturally, these would send them over the moon!
AnnMarie says
I’m going to make this for Christmas ,I’m a Peppermint aholic ! Any and Everything
that is peppermint it love , I have yet to find a peppermint that I didn’t like. And now that I think about nor a Hot Chocolate.
I hope you like it AnnMarie!
Cat says
I’d use baking cocoa instead of chocolate chips next time. Gave it an artificial taste. Less Peppermint extract too…
Terry says
Cocoa, you have a warm mug of hot cocoa. Using chocolate, chips or chop your own, you have a warm cup of hot chocolate. I would find a recipe for hot cocoa and adapt with peppermint to your tastes. I wouldn’t adapt this recipe by changing cocoa for chocolate. They’re not the same recipe. Best of luck!
I’m really surprised to hear you say that the chocolate chips gave it an artificial taste. I think this would speak to the brand of chocolate that you bought and not the recipe. If you use baking cocoa to make it, you are going to want to increase the sugar. I love the peppermint flavor in this, but it is a peppermint forward hot chocolate for sure.