Peppermint Hot Chocolate: The Best Creamy Winter Treat 2025

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When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate. This classic seasonal beverage combines rich, velvety cocoa with the cool, refreshing hint of peppermint—a flavor pairing that instantly evokes cozy holiday memories and snow-filled afternoons. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the creamiest, most indulgent peppermint cocoa from scratch. We’ll walk you through ingredient choices, step-by-step instructions, tasty variations, and even how to set up a hot chocolate bar for festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving kids, adults, or both, this homemade version is far better than any packet mix—and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for the perfect treat to pair with this drink.

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The Allure of Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Why This Flavor Combo is a Holiday Favorite

There’s a reason peppermint and chocolate show up together in everything from desserts to lattes during the colder months—they’re a match made in holiday heaven. The natural coolness of peppermint balances the rich warmth of cocoa, creating a vibrant yet comforting contrast in each sip. Peppermint is nostalgic, reminiscent of candy canes and festive treats, while chocolate satisfies your deepest winter cravings. Together, they create a beverage that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Health Benefits of Real Cocoa and Peppermint

While this drink is undoubtedly a treat, it comes with some surprising upsides when made with quality ingredients. Cocoa is loaded with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can help lower inflammation and improve heart health. Meanwhile, peppermint has natural digestive benefits and can help clear sinuses—perfect for those seasonal colds. Using pure peppermint extract (rather than artificial flavoring) ensures a cleaner taste and added wellness benefits. Just keep it balanced—too much mint and you’ll overpower the chocolatey base.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate vs. Classic Hot Chocolate

What sets Peppermint Hot Chocolate apart from its traditional counterpart is the elevated sensory experience. While regular hot chocolate is undeniably comforting, the peppermint-infused version brings an exciting twist—cool, crisp, and layered. Classic recipes lean on a straightforward milk, sugar, and cocoa combo. Peppermint hot chocolate adds a layer of complexity and elegance, ideal for entertaining or treating yourself to something special on a quiet night in.

Don’t miss our Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups for a savory-sweet appetizer that pairs beautifully with peppermint cocoa.

Ingredients That Make a Rich & Creamy Mug

Choosing the Right Chocolate: Semisweet, Dark, or White

The soul of any hot chocolate lies in the chocolate itself. For a rich and smooth texture, semisweet chocolate strikes the perfect balance—deep enough in flavor without being too bitter. Dark chocolate lovers can go up to 70% cocoa content for a more intense experience, while white chocolate offers a milder, sweeter twist. Avoid cocoa powder-only versions for this recipe. Melted chocolate chips or chopped bars create a luxurious texture that feels almost like sipping a chocolate truffle.

Discover great ideas like our Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies if you love baking with chocolate.

Peppermint Extract vs. Peppermint Schnapps

The signature flavor in peppermint hot chocolate comes from—you guessed it—peppermint. But not all peppermint flavorings are created equal. Pure peppermint extract is alcohol-based and concentrated, offering a crisp, clean flavor with just a few drops. It’s the go-to for kid-friendly versions.
For adults, peppermint schnapps adds both flavor and a warming kick. Typically, a shot per mug is enough, but it can be adjusted to taste. Whichever you choose, avoid artificial mint flavors—they often leave a medicinal aftertaste.

Check out our Melting Snowman Mocktail Recipe for another festive non-alcoholic holiday drink!

The Ideal Milk and Cream Ratios

Getting the texture right is essential. This recipe uses a combination of whole milk and heavy cream to achieve that perfect velvety consistency. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can skip the cream and use 2% or even oat milk. However, full-fat dairy delivers a richness that can’t be beat. For a European-style drinking chocolate, use less milk and more chocolate—it’s thick, bold, and deeply satisfying.

For dairy-free alternatives, learn more about our Oatmilk Pumpkin Spice Creamer, a perfect plant-based swap.

Optional Garnishes: Marshmallows, Whipped Cream, Candy Canes

Toppings aren’t just for show—they complete the experience. Lightly-sweetened whipped cream adds a soft, airy contrast to the dense cocoa, while marshmallows melt into the drink, creating that nostalgic, gooey texture. For an extra festive finish, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top or stir with a peppermint stick. Hosting a party? Set up a toppings bar with options like chocolate shavings, cinnamon sprinkles, and snowflake-shaped marshmallows.

Don’t miss our Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe for another sweet way to enhance your cocoa night.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Full Ingredient List and Measurements

To make one decadent serving of peppermint hot chocolate, you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Whole milk	1 cup
Heavy cream	1/4 cup
Granulated sugar	1–2 tablespoons (to taste)
Kosher salt	Pinch
Semisweet chocolate chips	3 oz (about ½ cup)
Vanilla extract	1/4 teaspoon
Peppermint extract	1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)
Garnishes (optional)	Whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes

Optional for adults: Substitute the peppermint extract with 2–3 tablespoons peppermint schnapps.

Cooking Instructions (Stovetop Method)

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and pinch of salt.
Heat over medium-low until bubbles begin to form around the edge—don’t let it boil.
Reduce heat to low and stir in chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
Whisk until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes).
Pour into a mug and top with your favorite garnish: whipped cream, marshmallows, or crushed candy canes.

Want another cozy drink? Check out our Pumpkin Chai Iced Latte Recipe.

Adjusting Sweetness and Peppermint Intensity

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Like it sweeter? Add more sugar. Want a stronger minty kick? Go slow with peppermint extract—it’s potent. Start with 1/8 teaspoon and increase by drops, tasting as you go. If using schnapps, the alcohol adds sweetness on its own, so you may need less sugar.

Discover great ideas like our Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies if you’re craving more peppermint flavor in your dessert spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re prepping ahead for a party, this hot chocolate base stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just don’t add the peppermint extract or schnapps until you reheat—it tastes fresher when added last.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally. It will thicken slightly when chilled, but will return to a drinkable consistency when warm.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Homemade Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls to pair with your make-ahead cocoa brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, you can! Crushing and melting candy canes into your milk mixture can provide a similar peppermint flavor, though it’s less precise than using extract. Keep in mind that candy canes are sweet, so reduce your sugar accordingly to avoid over-sweetening the drink.

How do I make it less sweet or richer?

To make it less sweet, reduce the sugar or use darker chocolate. For a richer version, increase the ratio of cream to milk and stick to semisweet or dark chocolate for that deep, indulgent flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker for a crowd?

Absolutely. Multiply the recipe ingredients by your desired number of servings and add everything (except the peppermint extract or schnapps) to a slow cooker on low for 2 hours. Stir occasionally. Add peppermint flavor just before serving for the best taste.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover hot chocolate (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and stir well. Add peppermint extract or schnapps after reheating for optimal flavor.

Conclusion

Why settle for powdered mix when you can make a mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet café? With real chocolate, creamy milk, and the invigorating touch of peppermint, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights in, festive parties, or simply treating yourself. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to spread cheer. Whether you top it with marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or spiked spirits, every sip is a celebration of the season.

Don’t miss our Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for a comforting savory dish to enjoy alongside your winter treats.