Nothing says Christmas like candy canes and homemade hot chocolate, so why not combine them for maximum festive flavor? Peppermint hot chocolate is truly holiday spirit…in a mug! We combine two types of chocolate, whole milk, nutmeg, vanilla, brown sugar, and pop a festive candy cane into the mug for peppermint flavor, along with marshmallows for a perfectly sweet, chocolaty, warm and cozy treat.
Making spirits bright
Bring on the booze! To convert this kid-friendly hot chocolate recipe into a cocktail, try adding a little creme de menthe, peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s Original Irish Cream.
When I’m serving peppermint hot chocolate at a holiday party or to a group of both adults and children, I combine the ingredients in my slow cooker, stir with a whisk and simmer on the sauté setting until the chocolate chips have melted, the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the peppermint hot chocolate has reached the perfect sipping temperature. Switch your crock pot to the to the warm setting and place a bottle of liquor next to the crock pot so that adults can add alcohol to their mug if they choose.
If you own an expresso machine, try setting it up near the crock pot of peppermint hot chocolate so that your guests can create a peppermint mocha by adding a shot of expresso to their cup of hot chocolate.
I also provide a fun topping bar with a few different flavors of candy canes, marshmallows and seasonal sprinkles to top the marshmallows.
What’s in peppermint hot chocolate?
- 4 cups whole milk. If you’d prefer to use a plant based milk, I’d recommend unsweetened extra creamy almond milk or unsweetened extra creamy oat milk
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips. I prefer to use mini chocolate chips because they melt quicker.
- A pinch of nutmeg. A small amount of nutmeg goes a long way. If you’re looking for the exact measurement, I’d measure just under 1/8 teaspoon.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 candy canes
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. If you prefer whipped cream, skip the marshmallows and top your mug with a dollop.
How to make peppermint hot chocolate
- Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir with a whisk and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate chips have melted and all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Give the mixture a stir with your whisk every 2-3 minutes while it simmers.
- Serve each mug with a candy cane and top with a handful of mini marshmallows.
Looking for more festive recipes?
- Brie Cheese Trees
- Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Ball
- Chocolate Dipped Holiday Sprinkle Butter Cookies
- Make Ahead Christmas Morning Casserole
- Orange Chocolate Macadamia Nut Fudge
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
- A pinch of nutmeg A little less than 1/8 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 candy canes
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- creme de menthe, peppermint schnapps or Bailey's Original Irish Cream (optional for the adult variation)
Instructions
- Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat. Stir with a whisk and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate chips have melted and all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Give the mixture a stir with your whisk every 2-3 minutes while it simmers.
- Serve each mug with a candy cane and top with a handful of mini marshmallows.
Totally making these this Christmas with my kids. We love homemade hot chocolate but have never made it with peppermint!
It’s my kids’ favorite over the holiday season! I hope your family enjoyed it.