Cocoa Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Printable)

A creamy hot chocolate blend with peppermint for a warm, festive experience.

# What You Need:

01 - 2 cups whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)

02 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

03 - 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

05 - 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

08 - Pinch of salt

09 - Whipped cream (optional)

10 - Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional)

11 - Chocolate shavings (optional)

01 - Combine milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until steaming, avoiding boiling.

02 - Whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until completely dissolved.

03 - Add semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.

04 - Remove from heat and blend in peppermint and vanilla extracts.

05 - Taste and modify sweetness or peppermint intensity according to preference.

06 - Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately.

01 -

Ready in 15 minutes but tastes like you've been simmering it for hours.
The peppermint cuts through the richness so it never feels heavy, even with the cream.
Ridiculously easy to customize depending on your mood or what's in your pantry.

02 -

If your cocoa powder clumps, you can whisk it with a tablespoon of cold milk first before adding it to the hot milk—it dissolves like magic.
The peppermint extract is the secret weapon here, but too much tastes like toothpaste; start conservative and taste your way to perfect.

03 -

Use a whisk, not a spoon—it actually incorporates the cocoa powder without lumps and makes you feel like you know what you're doing.
Taste the milk while it's heating; if it's steaming and starting to smell rich, you're at the perfect temperature to add everything else.