Peppermint Stick Hot Cocoa (Printable Version)
A creamy hot chocolate infused with refreshing peppermint for cozy, chilly days.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy & Liquids
01 - 4 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Chocolates & Sweeteners
03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
→ Flavorings
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
→ Garnishes
08 - 4 peppermint sticks
09 - Whipped cream (optional)
10 - Crushed peppermint candies (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat until well blended and steaming without boiling.
02 - Add semisweet chocolate chips if using and whisk continuously until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts thoroughly.
04 - Pour the hot chocolate into mugs prepared for serving.
05 - Top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies if desired, then garnish each mug with a peppermint stick.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The peppermint wakes up your senses without overpowering the deep chocolate richness.
- It comes together in 15 minutes, so you can have something restaurant-quality without the fuss.
- It works for both a quiet moment alone and for impressing guests at a winter gathering.
02 -
- Don't let the milk boil; high heat will make it scald and taste faintly burnt, which no amount of peppermint can fix.
- Sift or whisk your cocoa powder before adding it to the milk, or you'll end up with little chocolate specks that never fully dissolve.
03 -
- Use a whisk, not a spoon; it breaks up cocoa lumps faster and gives you a smoother final drink.
- Don't skip the vanilla extract; it makes the peppermint taste more like peppermint and less like medicine.