Description
Warm, rich, and delightfully festive, this Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream is the perfect cozy drink for chilly days. Creamy homemade hot cocoa gets topped with fluffy mint-kissed whipped cream for a comforting holiday treat that you can easily customize with dairy-free options or festive toppings.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup to taste)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Peppermint Whipped Cream:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ⅛ tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed candy canes
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Make the Hot Chocolate: In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Warm the mixture until it is steaming but not boiling, whisking occasionally to combine all the ingredients smoothly. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Make the Peppermint Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the peppermint extract and continue beating just until combined and the whipped cream holds a fluffy consistency.
- Assemble the Drink: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and generously top each with the peppermint whipped cream. Garnish with optional crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- For extra chocolate richness, add 1–2 tbsp chocolate chips to the hot cocoa before heating.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or oat milk for the cocoa and coconut cream for the whipped topping.
- Make it festive: Add a peppermint stick as a stirrer!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Holiday
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
