Introduction
Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink to warm your heart and hands during the holiday season. This refreshing peppermint flavored drink is a great way to get into the festive spirit. With its rich, chocolatey flavor and invigorating peppermint twist, it’s no wonder why Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a holiday favorite.
As the weather gets colder, there’s nothing like a warm cup of Peppermint Hot Chocolate to cozy up with. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a match made in heaven, and it’s a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make holiday drink, look no further than this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe. With its simple ingredients and customizable toppings, you can make it your own and enjoy it all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is a unique and delicious twist on the classic hot chocolate. With its easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, it’s a great recipe for anyone to try. The customizable toppings also make it a fun and interactive drink to enjoy.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to prepare and can be made in just a few minutes. The peppermint extract gives it a refreshing and invigorating flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for a crowd, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is sure to be a hit.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make holiday drink, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect choice. With its rich, chocolatey flavor and invigorating peppermint twist, it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4-6 peppermint candies or 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to milk, you can use any type you prefer. Almond milk, soy milk, and dairy milk all work well in this recipe. If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, you can also use coconut milk or oat milk.
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream. These will give your Peppermint Hot Chocolate a rich and creamy texture that’s perfect for the holiday season.
When it comes to sweetener, you can use sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste, as some sweeteners are stronger than others.
Equipment Needed
To make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. These include:
- A medium-sized saucepan
- A whisk
- A measuring cup
- A spoon
- Mugs for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), however, this step is irrelevant for hot chocolate.
- Combine milk, peppermint extract, and sugar in a saucepan, but since the ingredients list is empty, we cannot proceed.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Add cocoa powder to the mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the hot chocolate is hot and frothy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract, if available.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, if desired.
- Serve immediately and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, if available.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you’re making your Peppermint Hot Chocolate, be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. You can also add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors of the peppermint and chocolate.
When it comes to topping your Peppermint Hot Chocolate, the possibilities are endless. You can use whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate shavings to make it look festive and delicious.
Pro Tips & Tricks
To achieve the perfect temperature for your Peppermint Hot Chocolate, be sure to heat it over medium heat and whisk constantly. This will help to prevent the mixture from boiling over and will give you a smooth and creamy texture.
If you prefer your Peppermint Hot Chocolate to be less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1 tablespoon or even less. You can also adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste, depending on how strong you like your peppermint flavor. Research has shown that peppermint extract contains beneficial compounds that may provide various health benefits.
When it comes to topping and garnishing your Peppermint Hot Chocolate, the key is to have fun and be creative. You can use whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate shavings to make it look festive and delicious.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
There are many ways to serve and enjoy your Peppermint Hot Chocolate. You can top it with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate shavings. You can also add a shot of espresso to make it a mocha-flavored drink.
If you want to store your Peppermint Hot Chocolate, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste, and you can also add other ingredients like nutmeg or cinnamon to give it a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe contains:
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
The USDA FoodData Central provides comprehensive nutritional information about cocoa and other ingredients, showing that cocoa powder contains beneficial antioxidants and flavonoids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use dairy-free milk in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free milk like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
Q: How can I make this recipe less sweet?
A: You can reduce the amount of sugar to 1 tablespoon or even less, depending on your taste preferences. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients like nutmeg, cinnamon, or espresso to give your Peppermint Hot Chocolate a unique flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste.
Q: How can I store this recipe?
A: You can refrigerate this recipe for up to 3 days and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the mixture is hot and frothy.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a large batch?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a large batch. Just multiply the ingredients and cook in a large saucepan or slow cooker.
Conclusion
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make holiday drink that’s perfect for the festive season. With its rich, chocolatey flavor and invigorating peppermint twist, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy time with family and friends.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make holiday drink, be sure to try this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe. With its simple ingredients and customizable toppings, you can make it your own and enjoy it all season long. You can also check out our DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe for a fun and creative twist on hot chocolate. Additionally, you can visit our Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe page for more hot chocolate ideas and inspiration. And if you want to make it a complete holiday treat, you can pair it with our Soft Gingerbread Cookies recipe.
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experiences with this recipe.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Method
- Combine milk, peppermint extract, and sugar in a saucepan
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling
- Add cocoa powder to the mixture and whisk until well combined
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the hot chocolate is hot and frothy
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract, if available
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, if desired
- Serve immediately and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, if available