This peppermint hot chocolate recipe is an easy, tasty beverage that your family will enjoy all season long!

Sitting around the Christmas tree in my favorite pajamas while curled up with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate is what I look forward to all year long. 

I am a huge consumer of hot chocolate and it’s only natural that my son takes after me. Together, we like to whip up different flavors when we aren’t in the mood for regular hot cocoa.

Honestly, it wouldn’t be Christmas season without lots and lots of hot chocolate. I mean, it is the season to consume tons of calories…just kidding. Sort of.

Another must have for Christmas is peppermints. It’s a requirement according to my son. So I was like, why not combine two of his favorite winter time treats! Adding these peppermint spoons are the perfect way to add a little fun to the drink!

Over thanksgiving break Carson and I visited my brother in Chicago. We spent one afternoon walking around the city and stopped for shopping at the Christkindle market. They served hot chocolate in the most adorable boot mugs, so naturally we had to buy some.

After taking one sip, Carson and his cousins all agreed that it was the best hot chocolate. Then Carson said, well almost as good as my moms. Yep, I trained him right!

I don’t know what it is about the Christmas season, shopping in the big city with all its glorious window displays and being bundled up makes overpriced drinks at an overcrowded outdoor market taste so magical.

But right then and there, I accepted the challenge! Ok, it was a challenge only for me, but I was determined to bring that same magical taste to my living room.

This peppermint flavored hot chocolate tastes amazing and costs a fraction of the price. 

How to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk – Almond milk if you want a low calorie option or whole milk for a richer hot chocolate.
• 1/2 cup half & half
• 1 cup chocolate chips – milk or dark
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Directions:

• In a medium pot, heat the milk and half & half until simmering.
• Add the chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and well combined. 
• Pour in coffee mug.
• Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes and peppermint stick. 

What I like about this hot chocolate is that you can make it with almond milk if you want a lighter version. I guess the low calorie milk offsets the chocolate. And the peppermint. And the whipped cream. Look, I don’t make the rules – it’s just how life works!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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This peppermint hot chocolate recipe is an easy, tasty beverage that your family will enjoy all season long!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk - Almond milk if you want a low calorie option or whole milk for a richer hot chocolate.
• 1/2 cup half & half
• 1 cup chocolate chips - milk or dark
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions

1. Heat the milk and half & half until simmering.
2. Add the chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and well combined. 
3. Pour in coffee mug.
4. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes and peppermint stick. 

Hot Chocolate Tips:

Hot Chocolate vs Cocoa

Hot chocolate is a richer drink because it is made with actual chocolate. While hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder. 

Can hot chocolate be reheated?

Absolutely! It’s easy to make a big batch of this amazing drink and store in the refrigerator for later. It’s best to reheat on the stovetop until it’s hot but not boiling. 

How to store leftover hot chocolate

Let the drink cool to room temperature and store in air tight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

More hot drink recipes to keep you warm

• Chocolate Hazelnut Latte
• Keto Salted Caramel Coffee
• White Hot Chocolate