Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Warm up a winter evening with a mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Featuring real chocolate, this easy, minty hot cocoa drink is made on the stove with real chocolate.

Course Non-Alcoholic Drink

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings cups

Calories 613kcal

Ingredients

For the hot chocolate

6 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate chopped
4 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
5 candy canes divided

For the whipped cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 drops peppermint essential oil or ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the chopped chocolate and milk until melted, about 10 minutes.
For 20 minutes more, whisk frequently and vigorously to prevent burning and to let air into the mixture to make it creamy.
Reduce heat to low. Before serving, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extract.
Meanwhile, make the whipped cream. Combine whipping cream and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (fitted with the whisk attachment) or in a large bowl with a hand-mixer. Mix on low speed until thickened.
Add the essential oil and continue whipping until stiff. Peaks should form when you lift the beater(s) from the whipped cream.
Place one of the candy canes in a ziptop bag. Seal. Hammer it with the back of a spoon to crush it.
Ladle the hot chocolate into four mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of candy canes. Garnish with the remaining candy canes.

Notes

How to store leftover hot chocolate

Place leftover hot chocolate into an airtight container and allow it to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour into a microwave-safe mug and heat in the microwave, or place it into a saucepan and warm to desired temperature.

You can also freeze homemade hot cocoa! Pour into ice cubes molds, popsicles molds, or airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and drink warm or throw them into a blender with milk for the easiest frozen hot chocolate.

Nutrition

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