My mum made me hot chocolate whenever I was down or had a bad day in school.
I’m in my 30s and I still love hot chocolate. I have a beautiful vegan version here.
I often experiment with hot chocolate and I will include more recipes as I make them.
Today, we’re making peppermint hot cocoa! It’s super easy to amke.
The scent of chocolate melting into warm milk, the gentle swirl of whipped cream, and that tiny candy cane on the side, it’s pure holiday comfort.
This is the kind of drink you make when snow is falling, your favorite movie is playing, and you want a little magic in your cup.
I’m adding variations and substitutes at the bottom of the recipe.
Tips to Make It Even More Delicious
- For a super silky texture, I use this milk frother to blend everything together — it makes the hot chocolate extra foamy and café-style.
- For a richer texture, try melting a few squares of Belgian dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder alone.
- Add a dash of sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness—it makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Want a little holiday drama? Rim the mugs with melted chocolate and crushed candy cane bits before pouring.
- For adults, add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s for a cozy evening version.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes10
minutesIngredients
2 cups milk (whole milk or almond milk for creaminess)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup)
1 ounce chopped dark chocolate
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream for topping
Crushed candy canes for garnish
2 small candy canes for serving
Directions
- Pour milk into a saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until completely dissolved. Let it heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add chopped dark chocolate and continue whisking until smooth and glossy. Once everything melts together into that velvety, rich consistency, remove the pan from heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract (a little goes a long way, taste before adding more). Pour the hot cocoa into your favorite mugs. Top generously with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Hook a small candy cane on the rim for that Christmas touch.
Notes
- This is one of my favorite beverages during Christmas
Variations and Substitutes
- Vegan version: Swap regular milk for oat milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free whipped cream.
- White chocolate peppermint cocoa: Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate and top with red sprinkles.
- Mocha version: Add a shot of espresso for a peppermint mocha twist.
- Less sweet: Skip the sugar and rely only on the chocolate for a darker, more intense flavor.
Conclusion
This peppermint hot cocoa is everything Christmas should be—sweet, comforting, and a little nostalgic.
Make a big pot on Christmas Eve, share it with someone you love, and let the cozy scent fill your kitchen. It’s the perfect reminder that the simplest moments are often the most magical.
If you’re building a holiday drink bar this season, you can also use this set of Christmas mugs to make your cocoa table extra festive.
