Quick Stovetop Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Quick stovetop peppermint hot chocolate is the best winter treat! It is prepared on the stovetop by melting simple ingredients together. The result is a piping hot cupful of the perfect peppermint hot chocolate.
As an Amazon Associate, Our Slice of Home earns from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me continue to fund this blog!
Peppermint hot chocolate is one of our favorite warm winter drinks to indulge in. I mean who doesn’t love the rich, creamy, chocolatey flavor? One of my favorite ways to make hot chocolate is by adding peppermint. The easy addition of peppermint extract and a peppermint stick is truly the best.
One tradition my family loves to do each year is to make hot chocolate and sip on it while driving around and looking at Christmas lights. This recipe is perfect for this tradition. Whether you want to know all the ingredients going into your hot chocolate or you simply don’t have a packet on hand, give this recipe a try.
Ingredients needed
- Milk: I recommend whole milk or 2% milk. You can also use a plant based milk. I would recommend oat milk as it has a creamier texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: to add the concentrated “hot cocoa” flavor
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: This provides a rich flavor with the right amount of sweetness. Some may also prefer a dark chocolate instead.
- White granulated sugar: For added sweetness
- Candy cane or peppermint stick: This recipe calls for 1 crushed peppermint stick that melts inside the hot chocolate. I also love to top the hot chocolate with a bit of crushed peppermint.
- Pure peppermint extract: I little bit goes a LONG way with peppermint extract. It adds the best peppermint flavor
- Vanilla: Adds wonderful flavor
How to make peppermint hot chocolate
- In a medium saucepan mix together milk, sugar and cocoa powder.
- Heat over medium heat until milk begins to steam.
- Once milk is warmed through, add in chocolate chips, vanilla, peppermint extract, and crushed peppermint.
- Continue to warm on medium heat. stirring frequently to prevent burning until chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
- Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or additional crushed peppermint.
Why you will love this recipe
Rich, creamy, & chocolatey: These are a few of my favorite things!
Fun winter drink: Add this drink to your favorite holiday traditions. The peppermint adds a fun twist.
Better than the packet: This homemade version is creamier and has much more flavor than the store bought packets.
FAQ
Toppings to add
- Marshmallows or mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy cane or peppermint sticks
- Mini chocolate chips
- Whipped cream (heavy whipping cream or half and half can also be used)
- Cinnamon sticks
Substitutions
White granulated sugar: You can substitute pure maple syrup instead. This is a great way to reduce refined sugar!
Milk: You can substitute for a plant-based milk of your choosing such as oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk. The creamier the milk is, the creamier your hot chocolate will be.
Crushed candy cane: If you do not have a candy cane on hand, use an additional 1/8 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract instead.
Equipment needed
To smash the peppermint candy cane: I typically place it in a Ziplock bag and use a meat tenderizer to crush the peppermint.
How to store and reheat
Allow the peppermint hot chocolate to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve again, place in a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat. Do not bring it to a boil!
Tips for Success
Once you add the chocolate chips, stir frequently to prevent them from sticking and burning on the bottom of the saucepan
Add the peppermint extract and vanilla at the end for optimal flavor
Quick Stovetop Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- 3 quart saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (sub for 2% or a dairy free version such as oat milk)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 candy cane or peppermint stick crushed
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan mix together milk, sugar and cocoa powder.
- Heat over medium heat until milk begins to steam.
- Once milk is warmed through, add in chocolate chips, vanilla, peppermint extract, and crushed peppermint.
- Continue to warm on medium heat. stirring frequently to prevent burning until chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
- Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or additional crushed peppermint.
