Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2 large mugs or 3–4 small cups
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Christmas Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and festive cocoa drink perfect for warming up during the holiday season. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and vanilla, it’s elegantly garnished with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and optional cinnamon sticks or mini candy canes for a delightful festive touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Hot Chocolate Base

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Garnishes

  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed peppermint candies
  • Cinnamon sticks (optional)
  • Peppermint candy or mini candy canes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm the mixture until it is steaming but not boiling to create a creamy base for the hot chocolate.
  2. Add the Chocolate Goodness: Whisk in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Flavor: Stir in the ground cinnamon, salt, and pure vanilla extract. Let the hot chocolate simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking occasionally to blend the flavors and prevent scorching.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Sample the hot chocolate and modify sweetness or spice as desired. Add more sugar for a sweeter taste or an additional pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and depth.
  5. Serve it Up: Pour the finished hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, and optionally add a cinnamon stick. Garnish with peppermint candy or mini candy canes for a festive and inviting presentation.

Notes

  • You can substitute milk alternatives such as oat or almond milk; however, the drink will be less rich and creamy.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate chips to maintain flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large mug (approximately 1 cup)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Find it online: https://grannyeats.com/festive-peppermint-hot-chocolate-recipe/