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5.0 from 15 votes

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This indulgent, festive, minty hot chocolate recipe is perfect for sipping on a cold day or during the holiday season. Don't miss the recipe notes for options and variations.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 1 large or 2 small mugs
Calories: 831 kcal
Course: Dessert , Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% are best)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 3 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes , for garnish (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a pot, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla and peppermint extracts, and salt. Heat on the stove on medium-low until bubbles start to form around the side of the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to low, add chocolate and extracts, and whisk until melted, glossy, and thickened slightly, 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour into a mug and top with lightly-sweetened whipped cream or marshmallows and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes.

Notes

  • This hot chocolate is a very rich treat, much like a European drinking chocolate. A small serving is usually perfect for me. If you prefer your hot chocolate a little lighter, decrease chocolate to 2 ounces (about 1/3 cup). You can also omit the heavy cream and use 1-1/4 cups milk. 
  • Omit the sugar and substitute 2 ounces (1/3 cup) finely chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips for the semisweet chocolate.
  • Omit the peppermint extract and substitute 2-3 tablespoons peppermint schnapps.

Nutrition Information

Calories 831kcal (42%) Carbohydrates 83g (28%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 49g (75%) Saturated Fat 30g (150%) Cholesterol 118mg (39%) Sodium 185mg (8%) Potassium 366mg (10%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 77g (154%) Vitamin A 1460IU (29%) Calcium 413mg (41%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1large or 2 small mugs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 831

% Daily Value*

Calories 831kcal 42%
Carbohydrates 83g 28%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 49g 75%
Saturated Fat 30g 150%
Cholesterol 118mg 39%
Sodium 185mg 8%
Potassium 366mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 77g 154%
Vitamin A 1460IU 29%
Calcium 413mg 41%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.