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Quick Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Best 5-Minute Mint Recipe

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This quick peppermint hot chocolate with mint whipped cream comes together in under 5 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for weeknight cravings or holiday parties, it’s silky smooth, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you prefer; oat milk works great too)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Ghirardelli or Droste)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (at least 36% milk fat, cold)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for whipped cream)
  • Optional: Crushed candy canes for garnish (about 2-3 small candy canes)

Instructions

  1. Start with the whipped cream. Pour the cold heavy cream into a cold mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Whip on medium-high speed with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously by hand) until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes with a mixer or 4 minutes by hand. Set the bowl in the fridge while you make the hot chocolate.
  2. Make the cocoa paste. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add about 2 tablespoons of the milk and whisk until you have a smooth, thick paste.
  3. Add the remaining milk. Pour in the rest of the milk and whisk to combine. Turn the heat to medium. Whisk occasionally as it heats up.
  4. Heat until steaming. You want the milk hot but not boiling. Small bubbles will form around the edges, and steam will rise. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  5. Add the extracts and chocolate. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and the dark chocolate chips if using. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or mint flavor as desired.
  6. Pour and top. Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with a generous dollop of the mint whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make the whipped cream first and refrigerate it while you prepare the hot chocolate. The cocoa paste trick prevents lumps. Do not let the milk boil. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and full-fat coconut cream for the whipped cream. The hot chocolate base can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently. The whipped cream is best made fresh but can be stored for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint hot chocolate, quick hot chocolate, mint hot chocolate, 5-minute recipe, holiday drink, hot cocoa, mint whipped cream

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/quick-peppermint-hot-chocolate-best-5-minute-mint-recipe/