Description
A rich and velvety peppermint hot chocolate, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for richness or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted to prevent lumps)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (cane sugar preferred, adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (start small, add more if desired)
- whipped cream (for topping)
- crushed peppermint candies (for garnish and crunch)
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and place over low to medium-low heat, warming until it begins to steam gently with small bubbles around the edges, without boiling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar to combine evenly.
- Add a few tablespoons of the warm milk to the cocoa mixture and whisk until smooth and paste-like, helping to prevent lumps.
- Pour the cocoa paste back into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk, stirring constantly with a whisk until the mixture is dark, smooth, and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the peppermint extract to the hot chocolate, stirring well, then let it steep for about 2 minutes to infuse the flavor. Remove any fresh peppermint leaves if used.
- Once the flavor is to your liking, remove the saucepan from heat and give it a quick stir to ensure everything is well combined.
- Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, then top generously with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the velvety texture and invigorating peppermint aroma.
Notes
- This hot chocolate can be adjusted to taste by varying the sugar and peppermint extract.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg