Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Creamy, rich, peppermint hot chocolate made with only 8 ingredients. It's easy to make and SO GOOD. See below for gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions. I think you'll find this hot chocolate so much better than a powdered mix!
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP cocoa powder (substitute cacao powder if you desire.)
- 3 TBSP sugar
- 1 TBSP cornstarch (substitute tapioca starch or gluten-free cornstarch).
- 1/4 cup chocolate, chopped ( milk chocolate or semi-sweet works great in this recipe).
- 2 cups milk (substitute dairy-free milk. I like coconut milk.)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (substitute dairy-free milk. I like coconut milk.)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
- whipped cream, marshmallows, candy cane to serve.
Instructions
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In a small pot, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until incorporated.On medium-low heat on the stove, cook the hot cocoa mixture whisking constantly.Add the heavy cream, chocolate and continue cooking, stirring constantly for 2 more minutes. The chocolate should be glossy.Turn off the heat, add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract and stir well to combine.Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.Garnish with a candy cane if you like.
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In a small pot, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and cornstarch.
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Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until incorporated.
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On medium-low heat on the stove, cook the hot cocoa mixture whisking constantly.
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Add the heavy cream, chocolate and continue cooking, stirring constantly for 2 more minutes. The chocolate should be glossy.
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Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
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Garnish with a candy cane if you like.
Recipe Notes
Recipe Tips and Substitutions:
- For dairy-free substitution dairy-free milk for milk and cream. I like to use coconut milk.
- Substitute tapioca starch for the cornstarch or use gluten-free cornstarch if need be.
- Substitute cacao powder for cocoa powder if you desire.
- Garnishes: whipped cream, candy canes, marshmallows, shaved chocolate.
Notes:
- The hot chocolate drink is thick thanks to the cornstarch. You'll love this decadent drink on cold days.
- Every peppermint extract is a bit different so you may wish to add more or less to your tastes.
- Add a bit more chocolate if you desire.