Creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Kiss those packets goodbye and make some EASY and lusciously creamy hot chocolate! Add some peppermint, or even some alcohol for an adult version!
Is there anything better than curling up with a mug of steaming, thick and creamy hot chocolate? This is the ultimate, the KING of hot chocolates… no watery flavor here! Just plenty of luscious chocolate flavor, kissed with optional peppermint, and ready in 5 minutes!
I’ll admit, in the past, I’ve been a hot chocolate mix kind of gal. I mean, it’s so easy to make and keep on hand right? Once you try this homemade version… you’ll go straight to your pantry and throw away those mixes, or at least give them away to someone lol.
Making this amazing drink takes literally 5 minutes, probably 10 minutes if you wanted to make your own whipped cream topping. So sure, it’s a little more time than opening a packet and adding hot water or milk, but not much! And the flavor is tremendously better!
I added a splash of peppermint extract for a light kiss of peppermint flavor in my hot chocolate, but this recipe is fully customizable… add in whichever flavor you’d like. Maybe add in splash of alcohol for a delectable adult treat 😉
Ever the impatient one, I didn’t feel like waiting the few extra minutes to make homemade whipped cream, so I used a spray whipped cream and it definitely hit the spot with some crushed candy canes sprinkled over the top and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Ahhhhhh can you even stand how tempting that looks!? I literally stopped mid-photoshoot to drink some lol.
Not only is this the perfect drink to make to treat yourself or your family, but just imagine serving this to some guests at a holiday party, or even on Christmas day! I guarantee you’ll be getting a lot of big smiles and people coming back for a refill 😉
CHEERS!!
** Post has been updated with newer photos and republished
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- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 1 cup chocolate chips I used milk chocolate, but use your favorite variety
- 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 - 1 tsp peppermint extract optional
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Add milk and half and half to a medium pan and heat over MED heat until simmering around the edges, but not boiling.
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Lower the heat slightly, and add in chocolate. Whisk continuously until chocolate is melted.
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Add in cornstarch and peppermint extract (if using) and continue whisking until smooth and velvety.
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Serve with whipped cream, drizzle of chocolate syrup, marshmallows, peppermint sticks or crushed candy canes.
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FOR HOT WHITE CHOCOLATE:
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Replace regular chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and continue with the recipe
What does it mean by half and half?
Half and half is a dairy product that’s part heavy cream, and part whole milk. It’s found in the refrigerated section by the milk in most grocery stores.
Good thing this is a 5-minute-fix, b/c I’m ready for a cup, like, now! I have everything I need, too! YUM!
Ooooooo… this sounds & looks amazing! I just may have to whip up a few of these while we are decorating our Christmas tree this weekend. 😉
There is nothing like homemade hot chocolate!! Looks incredible!!
Ummm, yes for peppermint hot chocolate and an extra yes for 5 minute hot chocolate!!! Looks so good!
Tis the season! Hot chocolate season, I mean. Seriously, there isn’t a day between now and spring that I won’t want a cup of this stuff before bed! Love this recipe!
This looks so incredibly good! I would totally take the extra time to enjoy something so decadent.
Peppermint Cocoa is my absolutely favorite – and this looks over-the-top, absolutely amazing!
My mouth is watering looking at this! I know kids will go crazy over this!
Mmmm…nothing beats thick and creamy homemade hot chocolate. Love the kiss of peppermint!
YUP, so ever since I saw this picture on Facebook, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it!!! Peppermint is the way to my SOULLLLLL….. and hot chocolate melts my heart. So this combo pretty much kills me. (And this comment makes me realize that I am WAY too obsessed with food. And drinks.)
LOL I think us food bloggers are all wayyyyy obsessed with food and drinks 😉 Wish I could bring you a big mug of this 🙂
You are severely tempting me with that white chocolate drink!
Thank you Dorothy! 🙂
There’s nothing quite like the combination of chocolate and peppermint!
Definitely a match made in heaven!
Sounds so like such a cozy drink!
Thank you Megan! It’s definitely great on those cold nights 🙂
I love the idea of a white hot chocolate! That sounds so indulgent.
Thank you Lauren!! 🙂
Wow, this looks and sounds amazing! Love that it takes just 5 minutes to make 🙂
Thank you Sharon!! I love those quick and easy recipes 🙂
Oh my, such mouthwatering photos, I actually can NOT stand how tempting they look! Especially the white hot chocolate, please hand me that mug through the screen, Amanda, I must have it!
Thank you so much Nicole!! I have to say, I actually had to make another cup of the white chocolate, because I drank one mid-shoot lol 🙂
What is it about peppermint that is so perfectly comforting?! This is calling my name!
Thank you Annie!! I’ve never understood how people can not love peppermint… it’s so good!
Love!!! I started making homemade hot cocoa a couple of years ago and cannot go back (though I will admit I sometimes cheat when my daughter wants one as a treat!) I love your creation here and since I have to stop at the store on the way home, I am so getting me some white chocolate!
Thank you Kacey!! I keep some Swiss Miss k-cups on hand for when just one person wants a cup too lol.
Wow! This drink was made for me! I always order white hot chocolates when we go out but a peppermint one sounds divine!
Thank you Jessica!! I hope you give it a try 😀
Beautiful cup of hot chocolate! Mine might even have a little libation in it. 🙂
Thank you Julie!! I made mine minus the peppermint and added some Bailey’s the other night… sooooo good 😉