Cocoa Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Printable)
A creamy cocoa beverage blended with peppermint for a comforting and festive treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
→ Chocolate & Sweeteners
03 - 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
→ Flavorings
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnish (optional)
09 - Whipped cream
10 - Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
11 - Chocolate shavings
# How To Make:
01 - Combine milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan and heat over medium until steaming, avoiding boiling.
02 - Whisk cocoa powder, sugar, and salt into the hot milk mixture until fully dissolved.
03 - Add semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in peppermint and vanilla extracts thoroughly.
05 - Taste the beverage; adjust sweetness or peppermint intensity as desired.
06 - Pour into serving mugs and top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings if preferred; serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It takes less time than waiting in line at a cafe and tastes twice as good.
- The peppermint hits just right without tasting like toothpaste, which honestly shocked me the first time.
- You can make it as creamy or as light as you want depending on your mood.
02 -
- If you add the peppermint extract while the mixture is still boiling, the flavor will cook off and youll wonder where it went.
- Cheap cocoa powder tastes flat and chalky, and no amount of sugar or cream will fix that.
03 -
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan so the heat spreads evenly and nothing scorches while youre whisking.
- If youre making this for a crowd, double the recipe but use a bigger pot and give yourself an extra few minutes for the chocolate to melt.