Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

As soon as the weather gets chilly, it's goodbye to icy frappuccinos and hello to pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint hot chocolate. There's just something about cupping your hands around a hot and steamy drink infused with seasonal ingredients that creates a festive and sensory experience. If you love taking part in holiday festivities with cozy drinks but want to skip the drive-through line, this recipe for peppermint hot chocolate is for you.

Recipe developer Miriam Hahn brings us this recipe and says, "One of the best reasons for making your own seasonal drinks is the fact that you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the hot chocolate to your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of sweetness, peppermint flavor, and the type of chocolate used. Plus, it's simple to throw together in just a few minutes."

Learn how to ring in the season with this homemade peppermint hot chocolate. Crank up the fire because you'll be sipping on some chocolatey, peppermint goodness in less than 10 minutes.

To make this recipe, you only need six ingredients. Pick up some milk and cream from the dairy aisle, then make your way over to the baking aisle and grab some sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla, and peppermint extract. "If you are into essential oils and have peppermint oil, you may be wondering if you can use that instead. If it is food-grade peppermint essential oil, you can use it, but you will need much less since it is a lot stronger. One tiny drop will do the trick," Hahn says. If you want to add some toppings to your hot chocolate, pick up some mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes.

Add the milk, cream, and sugar to a medium pot and bring the heat to medium low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Lower heat to low and add the chocolate chips, vanilla, and peppermint extract.

Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are melted.

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes, if desired.

Serve the peppermint hot chocolate.

There are many ways to customize this peppermint hot chocolate. Use different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, to create variations in flavor and sweetness. "If you have cocoa powder or raw cacao powder, you can use about ½ cup of that instead of the chocolate chips," Hahn says.

Change the flavor profile with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. Instead of sugar, you can swap in other sweeteners like date sugar, monk fruit, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut nectar. Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less sweetener.

If you have dietary restrictions and want to make this delicious drink vegan, you have many alternatives. Use dairy-free milk like soy, almond, cashew, or oat milk. For the heavy cream, substitute more dairy-free milk or full-fat coconut milk. Then, you'll want to choose dairy-free chocolate chips or use cacao powder. For whipped cream topping, use coconut whipped cream that comes in a tub. If you plan to use marshmallows, make sure you buy the vegan variety.

Your cozy hot chocolate will, of course, pair nicely with many sweet treat options. "It's fun to set up a toppings bar with candy canes, marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, and other holiday candies," says Hahn. Serve it with a plate of cookies, such as sugar cookies (plain or decorated), gingerbread cookies, or shortbread. Miniature cakes, pastries, or cupcakes make for a delightful and sweet pairing. A fruit platter with strawberries, apples, orange slices, or raspberries can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich hot chocolate.

If you're enjoying the hot chocolate as a mid-morning or after-school snack, a cheese and cracker platter can offer a little more substance as a pairing. Options like brie, cheddar, and gouda with a variety of crackers can balance the sweetness of the hot chocolate. A bowl of mixed nuts with additions such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans can provide a satisfying crunch to nibble on during the festivities.