There’s just something about a snowy night that makes you crave something warm and decadent, right? On one of those perfect, quiet Boston evenings, I whipped up what has become my absolute go-to: this incredibly creamy and festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream. It feels so luxurious and special, but trust me, it’s surprisingly easy to make! It’s that perfect hug in a mug, packed with rich chocolate and a delightful hint of mint. This is more than just a drink; it’s a little ritual, a moment of cozy joy that makes winter feel utterly magical.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
This isn’t just any hot chocolate; it’s a little cup of pure holiday cheer! Here’s why you’ll be making this Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream again and again:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, you can whip this up in under 20 minutes. Perfect for when a craving strikes!
- Festive Flavor Bomb: The rich chocolate and cool peppermint are a match made in winter heaven. It just *tastes* like the holidays!
- Indulgent Without the Fuss: It feels so decadent and creamy, but it uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Cozy it up by the fire, serve it at a Christmas brunch, or just enjoy it as your favorite afternoon pick-me-up.
Gather Your Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Alright, let’s get this cozy concoction ready! You won’t need much, and the results are just *chef’s kiss*. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
You’ll need 1 cup of whole milk for that lovely creamy base. Then, add in 1 cup of heavy cream – this is where the real indulgence comes from! For that perfect minty zing, we’re using ½ cup of peppermint schnapps. Now, if you’re keeping this kid-friendly or just prefer a non-alcoholic treat, just swap that out for another cup of milk. Easy peasy!
We’ll also add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness, and 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract to really boost that mint flavor. The star of the show? That would be 4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped. Make sure it’s chopped up small so it melts beautifully. And of course, for that gorgeous finishing touch, have some whipped cream and maybe a few marshmallows ready to go!
Easy Steps to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
Alright, let’s get this cozy concoction ready! You won’t need much, and the results are just *chef’s kiss*. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- First things first, let’s get that creamy base warming up. Combine your milk, heavy cream, that peppermint schnapps (or extra milk if you’re going non-alcoholic!), and the powdered sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Pop that saucepan over medium heat. You just want it to come to a gentle simmer – keep an eye on it and give it a stir now and then so nothing sticks or boils over. Maybe check out some fun new chicken recipes while you wait!
- While that’s heating, let’s get our chocolate ready. Pop your finely chopped bittersweet chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, remembering to stir really well between each interval. You want it super smooth and glossy!
- Once your milk mixture is just starting to simmer – you’ll see those tiny bubbles around the edges – take it right off the heat.
- Now for the magic! Pour that beautifully melted chocolate into the warm milk mixture. Whisk it all together until it’s perfectly combined and you have this luscious, smooth Peppermint Hot Chocolate.
- Pour yourself a big mugful and top it extravagantly with fluffy whipped cream and maybe a few mini marshmallows. Ah, pure bliss!
Melting the Chocolate for Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Melting chocolate is my favorite part – it just smells so good! I always melt mine in the microwave. Just pop your chopped chocolate into a bowl and zap it for 30 seconds, stir, then another 30 seconds, stir again. Keep going until it’s all smooth and glossy. No grainy chocolate allowed in this Peppermint Hot Chocolate!
Combining and Finishing Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Once your milk is warm and your chocolate is a silky puddle, it’s time to bring them together. Whisk that glorious melted chocolate into the warm milk mixture until everything is blended into a perfectly smooth, rich drink. Pour your gorgeous Peppermint Hot Chocolate into mugs and pile on that whipped cream. Sometimes I even add a little crushed candy cane on top for extra flair!
Tips for the Best Peppermint Hot Chocolate Experience
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about making this Peppermint Hot Chocolate *extra* special. It’s all in the little things, you know? Using good quality ingredients really makes a difference here. And don’t be afraid to play around with it! Whether you’re tweaking the mintiness or swapping out the chocolate, getting it just right for *you* is the goal. It’s kind of like how I love to experiment with different delicious chicken recipes – you find what works and make it your own.
Ingredient Substitutions for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
The beauty of this Peppermint Hot Chocolate is how adaptable it is! If whole milk isn’t your jam, no worries! Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk work beautifully, though they might change the creaminess just a smidge. And for the chocolate? Bittersweet is fantastic, but you could totally go with semi-sweet, or even try milk chocolate if you like it a little sweeter. Just be sure to taste as you go!
Achieving Perfect Whipped Cream for Your Hot Chocolate
Oh, the whipped cream! For the fluffiest topping, make sure your heavy cream is super cold. Beat it with a whisk or an electric mixer until soft peaks form, then stop! Over-whipping leads to buttery goodness, which is delicious, but not quite what we’re going for here. And if you don’t have whipped cream, a handful of mini marshmallows or some crushed candy canes are *super* festive alternatives!
Serving and Storing Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Okay, so how do you serve this glorious mug of joy? I swear by a really nice, sturdy mug – something that feels good in your hands. Pour your Peppermint Hot Chocolate while it’s still warm and top it generously with that fluffy whipped cream and any other fun toppings. If, by some miracle, you have any leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, a gentle simmer on the stovetop or a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. Just give it a good stir!
Frequently Asked Questions about Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Is this Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe suitable for Christmas Morning Brunch?
Oh, absolutely! This Peppermint Hot Chocolate is perfect for Christmas Morning Brunch! It’s so festive and cozy, a wonderful way to start the holiday. It screams Christmas breakfast ideas and makes everyone feel extra cheerful.
Can I make this Peppermint Hot Chocolate ahead of time?
You can totally prep components ahead! Melt your chocolate and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The milk mixture can also be warmed and kept separate. Then, just heat gently and whisk everything together right before serving to get that fresh, lovely taste!
How can I make this a healthier Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
To make a healthier version, try swapping the whole milk and heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. You could also reduce the amount of powdered sugar and use a good quality dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. For more insights, feel free to get in touch or check out some healthy recipes!
Nutritional Information for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can swing a bit depending on exactly what you use, especially the whipped cream! But as an estimate, one serving of this divine Peppermint Hot Chocolate is around 600 calories, with about 45g of fat, 40g of carbs, and 50g of sugar. It also packs in roughly 8g of protein. Enjoy the cozy indulgence!
Share Your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Creations!
I just *adore* hearing from you! If you make this incredible Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream, please drop a comment below and let me know what you think! Did you add an extra kick of mint? Try a different kind of milk? I’d love to hear all about your twists and turns. And if you snap a pic, tag us online – seeing your cozy creations makes my day! For more about me, check out my about page, and remember to review the terms of use!
