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
Scale
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.
