This festive hot chocolate with peppermint is rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. Make it in less than 10 minutes for a comforting hot winter drink.
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Enjoy this homemade peppermint chocolate drink as a lovely festive treat in December. Made with dark chocolate, it's rich and delicious, and the mint is a fantastic complimentary flavor.
If you love this peppermint hot chocolate recipe, you will also love my Sugar Free Hot Chocolate.
Why you'll love it
- Easy to make in less than 10 minutes
- Only requires 4 ingredients
- Delicious hot chocolate
- Perfect if you love peppermint
- Serve the hot chocolate with candy canes for a festive look
- Both kids and adults will love it
Ingredients
Dark chocolate: Use dark chocolate squares or dark chocolate chips. You can use milk chocolate as well, or a combination of the two.
Milk: Use any milk that you like. I prefer to use oat milk or whole milk, as it has a thicker consistency compared to for example almond milk or skim milk.
Peppermint extract: Adds a fantastic flavor to the hot chocolate. You can substitute this by adding one or two candy canes broken into pieces, or use food grade peppermint oil.
Sugar: Makes the hot chocolate a little sweeter. You can use white sugar or brown sugar, or substitute it with a different sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also omit it if you prefer.
Instructions
You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page
One: Add milk, peppermint extract, dark chocolate squares and sugar to a pot. Gently warm it up over medium heat while stirring.
Two: The chocolate will melt as the milk heats up. You can adjust the consistency and flavor of the hot chocolate to taste. Adding more milk will make it milder, while dark chocolate makes it more bitter. Sugar adds sweetness. When you're happy with the flavor, and the chocolate has melted, remove the pot from the stove.
Three: Serve the hot chocolate in cups, and optionally top with whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, or chocolate shavings.
Top tips
- Make sure that the milk does not boil on the stove. Milk can easily boil over, and this can cause the hot cocoa to burn.
- Cut or break the chocolate into small squares before you add it to the pot. This will make it melt faster.
- Serve the peppermint cocoa immediately, while it's hot.
Serving suggestions
Peppermint hot cocoa is best served as a comforting beverage during the Christmas season. Serve it as a special treat, as a soothing evening drink, or with your breakfast.
If you want to pair it with a seasonal snack, I recommend Puff Pastry Mince Pies or Eggnog Bread Pudding.
Variations
Extra creamy: Use whole milk or oat milk. You can also add a little heavy cream or half and half to make it more creamy.
Dairy free + vegan: Make sure to use vegan dark chocolate, and a dairy free milk alternative like oat milk.
No added sugar: Omit the sugar, or substitute with a sweetener you like.
Slow cooker: Add the ingredients to a Crockpot, and slow cook for 1 hour on LOW until the chocolate has melted.
Equipment
All you need to make this easy stove top hot chocolate is a medium saucepan or pot and a whisk or wooden spoon.
You might also need a chopping board and a sharp knife if you want to break up your chocolate or candy canes.
Storage
Store any leftover peppermint hot chocolate in a sealed container in a refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pot on the stove, or in a microwave, and serve it warm.
The leftover hot chocolate might develop a solid layer on top. Scrape this off with a spoon before you reheat the hot cocoa.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Break up candy canes, and allow them to melt in the warm milk. This gives the hot chocolate a lovely peppermint flavor.
Absolutely. Substitute the dark chocolate with a few spoons of cocoa powder if you prefer. You can adjust the amount of cacao powder used to suit your preferences.
You might also like these recipes
- Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
- Hot Chocolate with Orange
- Instant Pot Mulled Wine
- Instant Pot Apple Cider
- Spiced Hot Orange Juice
- Vegan Eggnog
- Peppermint Coffee
If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!
Recipe
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (1 cup)
Instructions
- Add milk, peppermint extract, dark chocolate squares and sugar to a pot. Gently warm it up on the stove over medium heat while stirring.
- The chocolate will melt as the milk heats up. You can adjust the consistency and flavor of the hot chocolate to taste. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the chocolate melts.
- Serve the hot chocolate in cups, and optionally top with whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, or chocolate shavings.
Video
Notes
- Refrigerate any leftover hot chocolate for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove top, or in a microwave.
- Serve your hot chocolate with candy canes, chocolate shavings, whipped cream or marshmallows on top.
- Use any milk that you like. I prefer oat milk or whole milk, as they are more thick and creamy than for example almond milk or skim milk.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate, milk, sugar and peppermint to suit your preferences.
Nutrition
Food safety tips
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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