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Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Cozy, Sweet, and Perfect for Winter Nights

When the temperature drops and the world outside is a frosty wonderland, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of homemade peppermint hot chocolate. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hot cocoa from a packet. Nope—this is the real deal: creamy, chocolaty, pepperminty perfection that fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes you sigh in pure contentment.

Making peppermint hot chocolate from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are oh-so-worth it. With just a handful of ingredients—good quality cocoa powder, milk (or your favorite plant-based alternative), sugar, and peppermint extract—you can have a cozy mug of happiness in minutes. For an extra indulgent twist, add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a candy cane to stir.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Customizable sweetness: Unlike pre-packaged mixes, you control exactly how sweet or chocolatey it is.
Rich, creamy texture: Using real milk and a bit of chocolate gives it that café-quality mouthfeel.
Festive peppermint flavor: Just a touch of peppermint extract transforms a simple drink into a holiday treat, perfect for chilly nights or cozy mornings.
Kid-friendly (and adult-approved!): Skip the peppermint extract if serving little ones and you’ll still get a heavenly chocolate drink.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or marshmallows, optional
Chocolate shavings or candy cane, optional

Instructions:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until fully combined.
Heat until steaming, but don’t let it boil.
Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a candy cane stirrer for that extra festive touch.

Pro tip: For a richer flavor, melt a small handful of semi-sweet chocolate into the milk before adding peppermint extract. It turns this hot chocolate into an indulgent treat you’ll crave all winter long.

Cozy Serving Ideas

Gift idea: Make a batch and pour into mason jars with a candy cane tied on top—a simple, heartwarming homemade gift.

Movie night: Serve in large mugs with a blanket and your favorite holiday movie.

Holiday brunch: Pair with cinnamon rolls or cookies for a sweet, pepperminty start to the morning.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Nothing says Christmas quite like peppermint and chocolate 🍫🎄 This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mocktail is cozy, festive, and perfect for chilly nights, family movie marathons, or a sweet alcohol-free treat.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Serving Size 4

Ingredients

4 cups milk dairy or non-dairy
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup granulated sugar or to taste
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4 drops peppermint extract 1 drop per serving — very important!
Whipped cream for topping
Crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces for garnish

Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until steaming (do not boil).
Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Divide hot chocolate evenly between 4 mugs.
Add 1 drop peppermint extract to each mug and stir.
Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Tips:
Peppermint extract is very strong — 1 drop per mug is perfect.
For extra richness, replace 1 cup of milk with heavy cream or coconut milk.
Make it dairy-free with almond, oat, or coconut milk.

FAQ’s: Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully. Keep in mind that thicker milks like oat or cashew give a creamier texture.

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you want to prepare in advance, make the chocolate base without the peppermint extract and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add peppermint just before serving.

Definitely! A splash of peppermint schnapps or creme de cacao transforms this into a festive adult treat.

Use whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream. You can also add a piece of chocolate while heating to make it richer and smoother.

Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup make it extra special.

Don’t forget the extra cozy mugs!

Homemade peppermint hot chocolate is more than just a drink—it’s a cozy little ritual. Whether you’re sipping it by yourself on a quiet evening, serving it to friends and family, or using it to make holiday mornings feel magical, this simple recipe is your go-to comfort in a mug.

So grab your favorite mug, a soft blanket, and a candy cane, and let yourself enjoy a moment of warmth. You deserve it.

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