Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate (Printable Version)

Creamy hot chocolate with chocolate, espresso, and peppermint flavors, ideal for chilly days.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Chocolate & Coffee

03 - 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee

→ Flavorings

07 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Toppings (optional)

09 - Whipped cream
10 - Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
11 - Chocolate shavings

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Warm until steaming, avoiding boiling.
02 - Add semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
03 - Stir in freshly brewed espresso, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Continue heating for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until hot.
04 - Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a café treat without the price tag or the wait.
  • The espresso makes the chocolate taste more like chocolate, not like you're drinking bitter coffee.
  • You can make it in less time than it takes to get dressed on a cold morning.
02 -
  • If you add the espresso to milk that's too hot, sometimes the extraction can turn bitter—medium heat keeps the espresso tasting bright instead of acrid.
  • Peppermint extract is concentrated and assertive; if you dump in a full teaspoon thinking "more flavor," you'll end up with something that tastes like a candy cane exploded in your mouth.
03 -
  • Whisking is non-negotiable; a spoon stirs but a whisk breaks up lumps and brings air into the drink, making it taste fluffier.
  • Add the cream-based toppings last, right before serving, so the whipped cream doesn't melt into a puddle before the first sip.

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