Name: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Chocolate
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 cups 2% milk (or oat milk); 3 tablespoons sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract*; ¼ cup (1 ½ ounces) semisweet or dark chocolate chips**

This delicious peppermint hot chocolate is rich and creamy with a minty finish! It’s quick and easy to make homemade.

Hot chocolate is one thing. But Peppermint Hot Chocolate? Well, it’s like a whole different drink! Chocolate and mint go hand in hand, and here they make magic. The dark richness of the chocolate melds seamlessly with the brightness of the mint finish. Even better: it’s incredibly easy to make this drink homemade. You need just a handful of ingredients and before you know it, you’ll be cupping your hands around a steaming mug. (You’re welcome.)

What’s in peppermint hot chocolate?

Homemade hot chocolate is easier to whip up than you think: no need for those packaged mixes! In fact, you might even have many of these ingredients in your fridge and pantry. The key? Peppermint extract is what lends the minty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cocoa powder
2% milk (or oat milk)
Sugar
Vanilla extract
Peppermint extract
Semi sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional but recommended)

How to make peppermint hot chocolate: a few tips

The main method for peppermint hot chocolate? Whisk all the ingredients together and heat until dissolved. That’s it! But we have a few tips to note before you scroll down to the recipe:

Don’t measure the peppermint extract over the pan! Peppermint extract is very strong stuff, so if you accidentally over-pour you’ll ruin your batch. Always measure over a countertop so extra doesn’t spill in!
Real chocolate adds richness, body, and depth in flavor. You can make it with just cocoa powder if you don’t have chocolate chips on hand. But the real chocolate takes it to a whole new level. Trust us.
Use oat milk for a dairy-free version. Oat milk is the best non-dairy milk here: it’s creamy enough and the flavor is fantastic! Or head over to this Vegan Hot Chocolate recipe.

Does it taste like Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate? Yes…only way better! The richness and intensity in flavor is truly remarkable. If you’re ready to make it, jump to the recipe and let’s get started.

Best toppings for serving

Sure, you can just dump in some marshmallows and call it a day. But you can also dress up this peppermint hot chocolate for the season! If you’re feeling fancy, here are some ideas:

Homemade whipped cream or vegan whipped cream
Peppermint candies, crushed or a peppermint stir stick
Shaved chocolate
Cocoa powder
Marshmallows (homemade or purchased)
Chocolate sauce

Variation: spiked peppermint hot chocolate!

Want to make a spiked version of peppermint hot chocolate? Use peppermint schnapps or Creme de Menthe! Either of these mint liqueurs taste incredible and add just the right warming nuance to the flavor. Here’s what to do:

Substitute 1.5 ounces Creme de Menthe for the peppermint extract.
Or, use 2 ounces Peppermint Schnapps! Go to Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate.
Adjust the quantity to taste, but this is what tasted great to us!

And that’s it! Let us know what you think of this recipe in the comments below.

More hot chocolate recipes

Love hot chocolate? Here are a few more variations on theme! Try each one:

Go for classic Homemade Hot Chocolate
Try Spiked Hot Chocolate with bourbon or rum
Make it boozy with Baileys Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate or Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Go dairy-free with Vegan Hot Chocolate or Healthy Hot Chocolate
Make it frosty with Frozen Hot Chocolate

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Baileys Hot Chocolate

Kahlua Hot Chocolate