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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A Cozy Winter Favorite

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This rich and creamy peppermint hot chocolate combines cocoa powder and melted chocolate for a smooth, full-bodied drink with a refreshing candy-cane finish. It makes 4 servings in approximately 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups Whole milk
  • 1/2 cup Half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 4 ounces or 2/3 ounces or cup Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped, or chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon Fine salt
Toppings
  • As needed Whipped cream
  • Optional Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Whisk the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt together in a medium saucepan.
  2. Add the whole milk and half-and-half or heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture is steaming and hot, but do not let it boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, then whisk until completely melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Taste carefully and adjust the peppermint flavor only if needed, since peppermint extract becomes strong quickly.
  5. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Finish with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Heat the dairy gently and never boil it. Finely chopped bar chocolate melts especially smoothly, while chocolate chips are a convenient alternative. For a lighter drink, use all milk instead of milk plus cream.