I am completely and utterly in love with mint hot chocolate. For as long as I can remember, my favorite ice cream flavor has been mint chocolate chip, and I nearly keeled over with joy the first time I tasted a peppermint mocha at my local coffee shop. It was only a matter of time, then, until I developed my own mint hot chocolate recipe at home. Sure, I could buy peppermint hot cocoa mix from the store, but cocoa tastes a thousand times better when I make it myself. Plus, it’s so easy to make from scratch that I could do it with my eyes closed.

If you’re making hot cocoa for adults, feel free to substitute peppermint schnapps for the mint extract — or drop in a shot of espresso for an extra jolt. Now that I think of it, this might be the perfect drink for when Santa finds himself up in the wee hours, hurriedly wrapping last minute gifts and stuffing them under the tree right before the kids wake up at 6am.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Author: Stephanie Stiavetti

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Nutrition Facts

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 261 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14g 22%

Saturated Fat 9g 45%

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 12mg 4%

Sodium 85mg 4%

Potassium 389mg 11%

Total Carbohydrates 32g 11%

Protein 7g 14%

Vitamin A 7%

Vitamin C 3%

Calcium 21%

Iron 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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This super thick, rich, and sweetly satisfying mint hot chocolate recipe is the perfect after dinner sipper. If you're making hot cocoa for adults, feel free to substitute peppermint schnapps for the mint extract or drop in a shot of espresso for an extra jolt. Now that I think of it, this might be the perfect drink for when Santa finds himself up in the wee hours, hurriedly wrapping last minute gifts and stuffing them under the tree right before the kids wake up at 6am.

Ingredients

• 4 cups 2% milk, divided
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, (or 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps for you adults)
• Sugar to taste
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Crushed candy canes, for topping

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 cup of milk until it reaches 180°F (82°C), or when it starts to steam and bubble around the edges. Do not scald or boil the milk, as this will change the flavor.
2. Once the milk is at temperature, turn heat to low and slowly pour the chopped chocolate into the milk, whipping quickly with a wire whisk. Keep whisking until all cocoa is melted.
3. Once chocolate is completely melted into the milk, turn heat up to medium and add the remaining milk. Keep whisking quickly until well mixed. Stir in mint extract or peppermint schnapps. Taste the hot chocolate and add sugar a teaspoon at a time until the drink is as sweet as you prefer.
4. Ladle hot chocolate into small mugs and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed candy cane.
5. Variation: Add a shot of espresso to each mug of hot cocoa for the perfect peppermint mocha.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional analysis is based on using mint extract and does not include your choice of sweetener or garnishes.

If you like this mint hot chocolate, check out these other recipes:

• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
• Tea-infused Hot Cocoa
• Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

This content was originally posted on FearlessFresh.com.