<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.simplejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Peppermint-Hot-Chocolate-Pin-2-150x150.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Pinterest graphic for Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe. Top image shows mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate garnished with whipped cream and candy canes. Bottom image shows overhead view of saucepan of Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe with candy canes beside. Text says, “Peppermint Hot Chocolate simplejoy.com.” - 1”>

Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the perfect holiday twist on traditional hot chocolate. You will love this simple-to-make cozy recipe.

Mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate garnished with whipped cream and candy canes, marshmallows and candy canes beside. - 2

Recently, we’ve started doing a hot chocolate bar as part of our Christmas tradition. It is so fun and everyone loves it. We use my crockpot hot chocolate for that because it’s so simple and perfect for a group, but this recipe would make such a great addition to that during the holiday season.

Whether you are adding this to your holiday party or you are making it just to snuggle by the fire, you are going to love this simple recipe. It is the perfect amount of sweet, exactly as chocolatey as you want it to be, and with a dash of peppermint that pairs with the chocolate in the best way.

How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate

Here is a brief overview of how this homemade hot chocolate recipe comes together. For the full recipe, including all ingredients and their measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Heat the Milk and Cream

Heat the milk and cream in a small saucepan for a few minutes without bringing it to a boil.

Overhead view of saucepan of ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe, candy canes beside - 3

Add The Chocolate and Sugar

Whisk in the chopped chocolate and sugar until well combined. Continue stirring until the chocolate has fully melted.

Overhead view of a saucepan of ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe with candy canes beside - 4

Add the Rest of The Ingredients

Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt to the chocolate mixture. Serve in cups or mugs with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Enjoy your peppermint hot cocoa warm.

Overhead view of a saucepan of Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe with candy canes beside - 5

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tips and Tricks

  • Make it in the crockpot. If you want to make homemade hot cocoa in a slow cooker instead of on the stove, make my Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate and swap half of the vanilla extract with peppermint extract to give it the perfect peppermint flavor.
  • Use a good-quality chocolate. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips would all work in this recipe.
  • Make a hot chocolate bar. You can see all of my tips, tricks, and ideas in this post: Hot Chocolate Bar .
  • Add some alcohol: If you want to make a boozy hot chocolate, add a splash of Creme de Cocoa or peppermint schnapps.
Mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate garnished with whipped cream and candy canes, marshmallows and candy canes beside. - 6
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 ounces chocolate chips chopped fine, 1/2 a cup (85 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • pinch of table salt
  • whipped cream optional, for serving
  • candy canes crushed, optional, for serving

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and cream for 3 to 4 minutes, without bringing it to a boil. 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Add in the chocolate and sugar and stir to combine. Continue stirring intermittently until the chocolate is fully melted, about 8 minutes. 3 ounces chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Serve in cups with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, pinch of table salt, whipped cream, candy canes
Mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate garnished with whipped cream and candy canes, marshmallows and candy canes beside. - 7

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Mug of Peppermint Hot Chocolate garnished with whipped cream and candy canes, marshmallows and candy canes beside. - 8

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 ounces chocolate chips chopped fine, 1/2 a cup (85 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • pinch of table salt
  • whipped cream optional, for serving
  • candy canes crushed, optional, for serving

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and cream for 3 to 4 minutes, without bringing it to a boil. 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • Add in the chocolate and sugar and stir to combine. Continue stirring intermittently until the chocolate is fully melted, about 8 minutes. 3 ounces chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • Stir in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Serve in cups with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, pinch of table salt, whipped cream, candy canes

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