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.
Quick Look: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
⏱ Prep Time: 2 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 7 minutes
☕ Yield: 4 cups
🧰 Equipment Needed: Medium saucepan
🌟 Top Tip: Add the peppermint extract and vanilla toward the end to preserve flavors
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.
Why you will love this recipe
This is one of my favorite traditions to make each year at Christmastime! It is:
Rich, creamy, & chocolatey
A fun winter drink
Better than a storebought packet
There’s something special about slowing down and making hot chocolate from scratch – it’s simple, cozy, and full of nostalgia.
☕ Want to know more about the heart behind my recipes? Read about my inspiration here.
Ingredients and substitutions
- 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: Can swap for pure maple syrup
- Candy cane or peppermint stick: You want 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
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.
Tasty toppings
- 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
FAQ
Peppermint extract is a combination of peppermint oil and alcohol. I recommend getting a pure peppermint extract instead of a peppermint flavor. With pure peppermint extract, a little bit goes a long way. You can also use peppermint extract with peppermint cookies or a peppermint milkshake!
I recommend whole milk or 2% milk as it has a higher fat content which makes it creamier.
Equipment needed
3-quart saucepan
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
More winter treats
- Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees
- Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
- Christmas Pretzel Rod Recipe
- Cookie Butter Puppy Chow (without Peanut Butter)
- Peanut Free No Bake Cookies
- Easy Homemade Chocolate Milk
If you made this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you left a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a quick comment sharing how it turned out. And if you haven’t already, follow along here:
– Lexi with Our Slice of Home
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Equipment
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.
A family favorite!
Delicious and perfect for a snow day!