There’s just something magical about taking a break with a warm cup of chocolate that comforts you deep down. This Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is exactly that—a creamy, chocolatey hug with a fresh peppermint twist that makes chilly days instantly better.

A clear glass mug stands on a wooden board with dark chocolate pieces scattered around it on a white marbled surface. The glass is filled halfway with thick, rich dark brown hot chocolate being poured from a gray pot with chocolate stains inside. In the background, another clear glass mug sits full of the same dark brown hot chocolate topped with a large swirl of white whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The texture of the hot chocolate looks smooth and creamy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I get excited every time I make this recipe because it feels decadent without being complicated. It’s that perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, balanced with a luxuriously creamy texture that I never tire of.

Deeply decadent flavor: The combination of bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder creates a rich, full-bodied hot chocolate that feels indulgent.
Fresh peppermint twist: The peppermint whipped cream brightens the drink with just the right hint of coolness to brighten your mood.
Easy to make at home: Despite tasting like something you'd get at a fancy café, this recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Customizable texture: You can whip the cream to soft or stiff peaks depending on whether you want it to melt quickly or hold its shape.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon holding smooth, dark brown liquid above a white speckled pot filled with the same liquid. The liquid has tiny bubbles on the surface, giving it a light foam texture. The spoon is positioned horizontally in the middle of the image, while the pot’s edge frames the bottom and left sides. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe has a role in creating that luscious, balanced drink. I always recommend picking good quality chocolate and fresh cream because you’ll taste the difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of Dutch-processed cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, two ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate chunks, a few drops of vanilla bean paste in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few drops of peppermint extract in a small white ceramic bowl placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Offers creaminess without being too heavy, letting the chocolate and peppermint shine.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and gives the hot chocolate its silky, luxurious mouthfeel.
Cocoa powder: I like Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor, but unsweetened works too; it deepens the chocolate profile.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the hot chocolate perfectly without overpowering the chocolate’s natural bitterness.
Bittersweet chocolate: Chopped finely so it melts evenly; at least 70% cocoa brings chocolate complexity.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds warm, aromatic depth—vanilla extract can work in a pinch, but the paste feels more gourmet.
Powdered sugar: For the whipped cream, it sweetens smoothly without grit.
Peppermint extract: Just a little goes a long way to brighten and freshen the whipped cream topping perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe just a bit depending on my mood or the occasion—it’s enough of a classic that it welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: When I want an extra indulgent treat, I use half-and-half instead of milk for the base—makes it ultra creamy without needing more chocolate.
Dairy-free option: Try swapping the milk and cream for full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream, it’s surprisingly delicious and keeps that richness.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the cocoa powder gives a cozy warmth, perfect for colder days.
Minty stronger or milder: Adjust the peppermint extract in the whipped cream to suit your tastes; for kids, I drop it down a bit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream

Start by combining the whole milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm it gently until steam rises but before it reaches a full simmer—you want it hot enough to dissolve cocoa and melt chocolate smoothly without scorching.

Step 2: Stir in Cocoa and Sugar

Sift the cocoa powder into the warm milk mixture and whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps. Add granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves completely—this creates a smooth chocolate base that’s neither grainy nor overly sweet.

Step 3: Melt the Bittersweet Chocolate

Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate in two batches, stirring until fully melted each time. This step guarantees a silky texture and an intense chocolate flavor that cocoa powder alone can’t deliver.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Heat Briefly

Stir in the vanilla bean paste and continue cooking for about 2 minutes, careful not to boil. This deepens the flavor beautifully. Then, take the pot off the heat and set it aside while you prepare the pepprmint whipped cream.

Step 5: Whip the Peppermint Cream

In a chilled bowl, whisk the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Whip it to your desired peaks—soft if you want it to melt quickly into your hot chocolate, or stiff if you want to pipe decorative swirls on top that hold their shape.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and crown each with a generous dollop or swirl of the peppermint whipped cream. If you want, add some chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive look and flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few tricks make the difference between good hot chocolate and spectacular. Paying attention to temperature and ingredient quality really pays off.

Don’t boil the milk: Heating gently prevents a skin from forming and keeps the chocolate smooth and creamy.
Chop chocolate finely: Small pieces melt faster and more evenly, preventing clumps in your final drink.
Fresh peppermint extract: Adds the best bright flavor; avoid peppermint oil as it can be overpowering.
Whip cream last minute: For the freshest topping that holds texture and height on your cup, whip just before serving.

How to Serve Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Peppermint Hot Chocolate - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my peppermint hot chocolate with a swirl of the mint whipped cream, then sprinkling crushed candy canes right on top for a crunch and festive sparkle. Sometimes I add a few dark chocolate shavings, which melts slightly into the whipped cream, making each sip extra special.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs wonderfully with soft ginger cookies or buttery shortbread. If you’re feeling indulgent, a couple of chocolate truffles on the side bring out the best in every sip.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve the hot chocolate in clear glass mugs so the layers of chocolate and whipped cream really show. Adding a festive striped paper straw and a little candy cane hooked on the side always gets compliments and adds a joyful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover hot chocolate (it does happen!), pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate. I find it's best consumed within 2 days to keep that fresh chocolate flavor, and you can gently reheat it on the stove.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the hot chocolate base before, and while the texture is slightly different after thawing, it still tastes delicious. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low-medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain that silky texture. Add a splash of fresh milk if it feels too thick after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk alternatives in this Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe?

Absolutely! Whole milk and heavy cream deliver the best creaminess, but you can use coconut, almond, or oat milk along with coconut cream to keep the richness intact.

How much peppermint extract should I add?

Start with a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract for the whipped cream and adjust to your taste. It’s easy to add more but impossible to take away, so go slow for a balanced mint flavor.

Can I make the whipped cream in advance?

Yes, you can whip the peppermint cream a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before serving to freshen it up if needed.

What chocolate is best for this recipe?

I recommend bittersweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. It offers rich chocolate flavor without being too sweet, balancing perfectly with the cocoa powder and peppermint.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about this Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe that I end up making it all winter long. It’s my go-to when I want to feel cozy and indulged, yet simple enough that you can whip it up anytime. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you deserve a cup of this delicious warmth today.