Description
Indulge in this Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate, a creamy and decadent holiday beverage made with melted semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for cozy winter evenings, it’s topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Chocolate Mixture
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
Flavorings
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- whipped cream for topping
- crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Dairy Base: In a medium saucepan, warm the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until the mixture is hot but has not yet reached boiling point, preparing the base for the chocolate to melt smoothly.
- Mix Cocoa and Sugar: Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until all are fully dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth with an even chocolate flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, continuing to whisk until they completely melt, creating a rich and creamy hot chocolate mixture.
- Flavor Infusion: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or peppermint flavor as desired to suit your palate.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, then top each serving with a generous amount of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies to add a festive crunch and burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2 percent milk and omit the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- To make this dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Be cautious when adding peppermint extract since too much can overpower the drink’s flavor; start with the recommended amount and adjust gradually.
