If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, festive treat that wraps you in the warmest holiday hug, look no further than this Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe. Silky, sweet white chocolate mingles effortlessly with rich cream and a cool hint of peppermint, creating a velvety drink that feels like a winter celebration in every sip. It’s the perfect concoction to brighten chilly nights or impress guests at your next gathering, offering a playful twist on classic hot cocoa that’s both indulgent and wonderfully refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step on this delicious journey, and the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy texture to the peppermint zing, ensuring every mug is a dreamy delight.
- 6 cups whole milk: The base of our hot chocolate, providing a rich and creamy foundation.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Adds decadence and velvety smoothness that really elevates the drink.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips: High-quality white chocolate works wonders for that luscious sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Brings the refreshing, crisp flavor that defines this recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes: Infuses a festive crunch and extra peppermint punch, plus a lovely speckled look in the brew.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes beautifully.
- Whipped cream (optional): The classic topping that adds an airy finish to your mug.
- White chocolate shavings (optional): For a whimsical and elegant garnish that’s as tasty as it looks.
How to Make Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Base
Start by gently warming the whole milk and heavy cream together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. The key here is to stir gently and keep the mixture warm without letting it boil, creating the perfect cozy canvas for the rest of the flavors.
Step 2: Add the White Chocolate and Candy Canes
Once your milk and cream are warmed, slowly stir in the white chocolate chips along with the crushed candy canes. Keep stirring until the white chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth, with just the faintest hint of peppermint from the candy cane bits.
Step 3: Flavor with Peppermint, Vanilla, and Salt
Now comes the magic moment: add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly, and let it heat through for a few more minutes to marry those flavors into a perfectly balanced, festive cup.
Step 4: Pour and Dress It Up
Pour your heavenly peppermint white hot chocolate into mugs, ready to be enjoyed! This step is all about making it your own with toppings and little touches that make the experience extra special.
Step 5: Keep Warm for Sharing
If you’re making a crowd happy, pour the mixture into a slow cooker set to “warm” so everyone can help themselves to a fresh, steamy mug whenever they like during your gathering.
How to Serve Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings really bring your Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe to life. Whipped cream adds a fluffy cloud of luxury, white chocolate shavings lend an elegant touch, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes gives a festive crunch and sparkle. These simple garnishes turn each cup into a little work of art that tastes even better than it looks.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy drink pairs beautifully with buttery cookies, peppermint bark, or even delicate biscotti. Offering these alongside your hot chocolate creates a perfectly balanced snack that feels like a mini celebration for your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe in clear mugs to showcase its creamy white color studded with red flecks from the candy canes. You can also rim your mugs with crushed candy canes or drizzle white chocolate sauce inside the cup for an extra touch of elegance and indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to ensure everything stays smooth and delicious.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy concoction isn’t ideal because the dairy can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge and consumed within a few days for peak flavor and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftover white hot chocolate on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave using short bursts to prevent scorching. Stir frequently so all that lovely white chocolate and peppermint melt back perfectly into a silky drink.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk can be a lovely dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind that it might change the richness slightly. You might want to add a bit more white chocolate or cream to maintain the luscious texture.
Is it possible to use peppermint candy instead of extract?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies or candy canes add a great touch, but the extract provides a more consistent and potent peppermint flavor. Using both, as in this recipe, creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
Feel free to reduce the peppermint extract slightly or leave it out if you have little ones who are sensitive to strong flavors. The crushed candy canes alone give plenty of mild peppermint enjoyment without the extract’s intensity.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a sealed bag and gently hit with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. This method gives you nice, uneven pieces that melt slowly and add wonderful texture to your drink.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe, swap the dairy milk and cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut or oat milk and use a good-quality vegan white chocolate. The flavor will be slightly different but still decadently delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a mug of peppermint white hot chocolate that just feels like winter magic in a cup. This Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe is not only simple to whip up but guaranteed to warm hearts and bring smiles around any table. Whether you’re treating yourself after a chilly day or hosting a festive get-together, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your seasonal favorites forever. Go ahead, make a batch, and share the joy!
Print
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mugs
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a festive and creamy Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, a cozy winter treat combining rich white chocolate, fresh peppermint, and creamy milk and heavy cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe yields 6 to 8 mugs of velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and white chocolate shavings.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
Chocolate and Flavorings
- 3 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped high-quality white chocolate)
- 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus more for topping)
- Pinch of sea salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Heat the base: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir gently and heat until warm but not boiling, ensuring the dairy mixture is evenly heated without scorching.
- Add chocolate: Stir in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes into the warm milk and cream. Continue stirring gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Flavor it up: Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture. Stir well to combine all flavors, then allow to heat gently for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the peppermint white hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream, additional crushed candy canes, and white chocolate shavings if desired for a festive presentation.
- Keep warm: If serving a group over time, transfer the hot chocolate to a slow cooker set on the ‘warm’ mode. This keeps the beverage at the perfect serving temperature while guests help themselves.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smoother texture.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your preference; start with less if unsure, as it can be strong.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with your preferred non-dairy alternatives and use dairy-free white chocolate.
- Crushed candy canes add both sweetness and peppermint flavor but can be replaced with peppermint syrup if desired.
- Keeping the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker is ideal for parties and gatherings.
