Cozy Peppermint Hot Cocoa Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 85  C
Servings: 2
Best Season: Winter
Description

Warm up your winter days with this Cozy Peppermint Hot Cocoa — a rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced holiday drink that combines smooth melted chocolate, velvety milk, and a refreshing hint of peppermint. This comforting beverage captures the spirit of the season in every sip and is ideal for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or simply indulging yourself with a cup of chocolate bliss.

Ingredients
    For the Hot Cocoa Base:
  • 2 cups whole milk (or any preferred milk such as almond or oat milk)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for richness and depth)
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp peppermint extract (add more if you prefer a stronger flavor)
  • A small pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
    • For the Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
  • Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
  • Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa dust for garnish
Instructions
    Warm the Milk and Cream
  1. 1
    In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the milk and heavy cream. Set the heat to medium and warm gently until the mixture is hot but not boiling — around 85°C. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
    2. Add the Cocoa and Sugar
  2. 2
    Once the milk mixture is hot, whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps. This will create the chocolate base for your cocoa.
    3. Melt the Chocolate
  3. 3
    Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the cocoa becomes smooth and glossy. This step gives your drink that irresistible, luxurious texture.
    4. Add Flavorings
  4. 4
    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a small pinch of salt. Mix well and taste — you can adjust the sweetness or peppermint intensity if needed.
    5. Serve Hot
  5. 5
    Pour the hot cocoa into two mugs. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, mini marshmallows, or even chocolate shavings for a festive finish.
    6. Enjoy Warm
  6. 6
    Serve immediately while hot. Sip slowly and enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate richness and cool peppermint freshness.
Note

Sweetness Control: Adjust sugar according to your taste or chocolate type. Dark chocolate chips will make it richer, while milk chocolate adds sweetness.

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Storage Tip: You can refrigerate leftover cocoa in a sealed jar for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Extra Peppermint Kick: Add a mini candy cane as a stirrer for an extra minty flavor infusion.

Keywords: hot chocolate, peppermint cocoa, winter drink, easy holiday recipe, cozy beverage
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cozy-peppermint-hot-cocoa-recipe/