Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

There’s nothing like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate to make the entire holiday season feel a little more magical. This recipe blends rich, creamy cocoa with cool peppermint for the perfect cozy treat.

There’s just something about a steaming mug of hot chocolate that instantly lifts your spirits—especially when it’s peppermint hot chocolate! That first sip of rich, creamy cocoa blended with cool, refreshing peppermint feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of holiday cheer.

It’s comforting, nostalgic, and festive all at once… the kind of drink that makes winter nights feel special.

This peppermint hot chocolate recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s super easy to make but tastes like a special treat from your favorite café.

If you love fun, festive drinks, make sure to check out some of my other cozy winter recipes such as Easy Homemade Gingerbread Latte or my Vegan Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte. They’re all easy, delicious, and perfect for keeping the whole family warm and happy all winter!

Whether you’re sipping this peppermint hot chocolate during a Christmas movie marathon, serving it at a holiday party, or surprising the kids after playing in the snow, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. And trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all season long.

Ingredients Needed For Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Good news! You just need a few simple ingredients to make this amazing hot cocoa. 

• Milk – 1%, 2%, Whole or a Dairy-Free option
• Cocoa Powder – unsweetened…I love using high quality Viva Naturals brand, which is available on Amazon.
• Brown Sugar – adds sweetness to the hot chocolate
• Peppermint Extract – pure extract is my preference
• Whipped Cream – totally optional, but amazing, especially if you use homemade whipped cream!
• Marshmallows – garnish, optional
• Crushed Peppermint Candy – garnish, optional
• Candy Canes – garnish, optional

How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

1. Heat Milk – Pour milk into a small pot and warm over medium heat until it begins to steam. Do NOT boil.
2. Whisk and Combine – Gently whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth and thoroughly combined.
3. Add Extract – Add in peppermint extract and stir.
4. Stir and Heat – Continue stirring the mixture until hot.
5. Pour into Mug – Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug and add a dollop of whipped cream.
6. Garnish and serve – Garnish with a candy cane, red and green sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candy. Enjoy!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Notes And Expert Tips

• Stir continuously! This will prevent the milk mixture from getting too hot and scorching. I will also keep the cocoa from settling to the bottom and create a creamier, chocolatey drink.

• Allow the hot chocolate to cool for just a couple of minutes, especially if you are serving it to a younger audience.

• Use a food processor to crush the peppermint candies or candy canes. Pulse to get a mixture of powder and small chunks.

• I like to combine the sugar and cocoa and whisk them together before adding to the milk. I feel like it helps combine the ingredients more easily once added to the milk.

How To Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Platter of Cookies – Place cookies on a platter of several different varieties of cookies.

Toppings – Set out an assortment of toppings for your guests to choose and add their own garnishes. Some additional suggestions might include white chocolate chips, peppermint straws, cinnamon, marshmallows, crushed chocolate chip cookies, and/or holiday sprinkles.

Variations Of Peppermint Hot Chocolate To Try

• Drop in some marshmallows for some texture. Mini marshmallows are fun, too.

• For a creamier, richer hot chocolate, use half heavy cream and half milk.

• Sprinkle some shaved dark chocolate on top of the whipped cream just before serving. YUM!

• Add a toasted marshmallow on top just before serving. Mmmmmmmm!!!

• Colored sprinkles add a nice festive look to your mug of hot chocolate.

Make It Gluten-Free 

Pure cocoa powder is naturally gluten-free because it’s made from cacao beans. However, you must be cautious with pre-mixed or sweetened cocoa products, as they may contain other ingredients like wheat or be subject to cross-contamination during processing.

As for the remaining ingredients, they are all naturally gluten-free; however, it is always important to double-check to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Make It Dairy-Free

The milk and whipped cream are the two ingredients that need to be switched out in order to make this recipe dairy-free. There are plenty of great options to substitute including oat, almond, or coconut milk.

Reddi Wip, So Delicious, or Truwhip are dairy-free whipped cream options that can normally be found in most grocery stores.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Storage

This hot chocolate can be refrigerated and reheated at a later time. Store in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 5 days.

Reheat on the stove in a small to medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring continuously.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate FAQs

Is pure peppermint extract or peppermint oil better to use in this recipe?

That depends strictly upon your preference. Peppermint extract is specifically made for baking and cooking purposes because it is less potent. Peppermint oil is stronger in flavor and potency. Experiment with the recipe and see which one you like better.

Can I make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate ahead of time?

YES! You can make as much as you need for your party or event and keep warm in a crockpot until ready to serve. Add garnishes after adding hot chocolate to the mug.

Can I freeze the Peppermint Hot Chocolate?

Yes, you can! Keep in mind that when thawed, it may create an icy, grainy texture. Allow to thaw completely and add a splash or two of milk or cream if necessary!

Can you explain the difference between unsweetened cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder?

Unsweetened cocoa powder refers to natural cocoa powder, which is light brown in color and has a strong chocolate flavor. Regular cocoa powder is also referred to as Dutch-processed. It is darker in color and tastes milder and smoother.

More Easy and Unique Beverages To Try

• Starbucks Butterbeer Latte
• Easy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
• 3-Ingredient Grinch Punch Mocktail Recipe
• How To Make The Best Classic Homemade Eggnog
• The BEST Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice Recipe

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