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How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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How to make peppermint hot chocolate that tastes just like Starbucks’—only better! Made with cocoa powder, real milk chocolate, peppermint extract, and your choice of milk. Add a shot of espresso to make it a peppermint mocha!
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Keyword copycat starbucks, DIY starbucks, holiday drinks, holiday hot chocolate, homemade hot chocolate, homemade hot cocoa, homemade starbucks, hot chocolate, hot chocolate with peppermint, hot cocoa, peppermint hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate with cocoa powder, peppermint hot cocoa, starbucks, starbucks hot chocolate, starbucks peppermint hot chocolate
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 hot chocolate
Calories 196

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • small pinch of salt
  • 1 Tbsp milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
  • ¼ tsp peppermint extract
  • tsp vanilla extract

Optional: For a Peppermint Mocha

  • 1 oz espresso
  • 1 Tbsp additional chopped chocolate

Topping Ideas

  • whipped cream
  • mini marshmallows
  • chocolate shavings or sprinkles
  • starlight mints crushed

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, heat milk over medium-high heat, whisking vigorously to help froth the milk. (Whisking with a back-and-forth motion works better than a circular motion.)
  • Once simmering, add cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, whisking until dissolved.
  • Reduce heat to low and add chopped chocolate, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. (Option: If desired, add espresso and additional chocolate to make a peppermint mocha.) Whisk until melted and glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Serve in a mug with marshmallows, whipped cream & sprinkles, or your favorite toppings!

Video

Notes

Nutrition Notes:

The nutrition for your peppermint hot cocoa will vary based on the type of milk you use.
Nutrition for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix only, without milk:
126 calories | 4.2g fat | 21g carbs | 0.6g fiber | 20g sugars | 1.1g protein
157mg sodium | 2mg cholesterol
Nutrition for Peppermint Hot Chocolate made with 2% milk & topped with whipped cream:
286 calories | 11.2g fat | 36g carbs | 0.6g fiber | 33g sugars | 9.1g protein
292mg sodium | 22mg cholesterol
Nutrition provided below for peppermint hot chocolate made with unsweetened almond milk & topped with whipped cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3.1g | Fat: 9.2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 297mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 21g