Warm up your winter with this easy peppermint hot chocolate recipe - a cozy, creamy holiday drink that's ready in just a few minutes. Made with simple ingredients like milk, hot chocolate mix, and peppermint extract, it's perfect for chilly evenings, Christmas morning, or after holiday activities.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the perfect cozy drink for cold winter nights or Christmas morning while opening presents. Pair it with a festive treat like chocolate covered pretzel rods, crockpot pretzel candy, snowman cupcakes or Christmas tree brownies for extra holiday fun.
This easy recipe uses store-bought hot chocolate packets flavored with peppermint extract, crushed candy canes, and whipped cream. Add chocolate chips for a richer, creamier drink.
Ready in under 5 minutes - or make ahead to enjoy whenever the holiday craving hits!
Ingredients
To make 1 serving, or 1 cup, you need:
- 1 hot chocolate packet
- 1 cup of milk: any kind works (dairy or plant-based).
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 peppermint candy cane: or peppermint stir stick.
- Whipped cream: plain or peppermint flavored.
- Festive Christmas sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint candy
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Swap heavy cream for milk for a richer hot chocolate.
- Add marshmallows: Mini marshmallows make it even more festive.
- Extra chocolatey: Stir in chocolate chips for a thicker, deeper flavor.
- Plant-based option: Use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free twist.
How To Make It
- Pour the milk and peppermint extract into a microwave-safe mug. Heat on high for about 2 minutes, until hot.
- Add the hot chocolate mix and stir well until completely dissolved and smooth.
- Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and sprinkles. Serve with a candy cane or peppermint stir stick for a festive touch.
Enjoy!
Make Ahead & Serving Suggestions
This peppermint hot chocolate can be made ahead! Mix the milk, peppermint extract, and hot chocolate packets in a pitcher and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat before serving and add toppings just before enjoying.
Try with holiday cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, or cozy cupcakes for the perfect winter treat.
Topping Ideas
This recipe is delicious garnished whipped cream with crushed peppermint candy canes, broken pieces of chocolate and festive holiday sprinkles in green, red, and white colors.
FAQs
Yes! Melt a peppermint candy into the hot milk while heating to infuse flavor naturally. You can do this with about 1 tablespoon of crushed peppermint candy canes too.
Yes. Mix the milk, peppermint extract, and hot chocolate mix, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add toppings before serving.
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and heat the mixture on the stovetop or in a large microwave-safe container.
Recipe
Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 hot chocolate packet
- whipped cream, plain or peppermint flavored
- crushed peppermint candy
- festive Christmas sprinkles
- 1 peppermint candy cane, or peppermint stir stick
Instructions
- Pour the milk and peppermint extract into a microwave-safe mug. Heat on high for about 2 minutes, until hot.
- Add the hot chocolate mix and stir well until completely dissolved and smooth.
- Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and sprinkles. Serve with a candy cane or peppermint stir stick for a festive touch.
Notes
Nutrition
Rupali says
This is the perfect hygge drink a=for a cold winter evening. Thank you for such a delightful recipe!
Amy Liu Dong says
This is one of my favorite holiday drinks. It is so easy and delicious!
Nancy says
Great recipe for an easy peppermint hot coco