Description
This Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a decadent and creamy winter treat, combining the deep flavors of dark chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings, it’s topped with optional whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or essence
- ½ tsp peppermint extract or essence
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tbsps cocoa powder (natural cocoa powder)
- 2 tbsps soft light brown sugar (or white granulated sugar)
- 1 small pinch salt
Chocolate
- ½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped (about a heaping cup if measured by volume)
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until well combined to form a smooth mixture.
- Heat and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while whisking continuously. This will help dissolve the cocoa powder and sugar, creating a smooth base for the hot chocolate.
- Add Chocolate and Peppermint: Reduce the heat to low and add the roughly chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate along with the peppermint extract. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate evenly into two mugs. If desired, taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar. Let the drink cool slightly before topping with whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint flavor and festive touch.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar if preferred.
- Use natural cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor but adjust sweetness accordingly if you use a sweeter variety.
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for a deep chocolate taste; milk chocolate will make it sweeter and creamier.
- Adjust peppermint extract carefully; it’s potent and can easily overpower the drink.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
- Garnishes are optional but add festive flair and texture.
