There's something about a rich, creamy cup of peppermint-infused chocolate that revives the soul on chilly days. This Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, chocolatey goodness with a refreshing minty twist.

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 Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe never fails to impress when I'm looking to cozy up with something indulgent. It’s so simple but feels like a special treat — perfect for unwinding or sharing with friends during the holidays or anytime you need a little boost.

Ultra Creamy Texture: The blend of whole milk and heavy cream creates an irresistibly smooth and rich base.
Deep Chocolate Flavor: Using both cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate gives this drink serious depth and complexity.
Refreshing Peppermint Whipped Cream: That hint of mint in the whipped topping makes every sip feel festive and fresh.
Customizable & Easy: Whether you want it lighter or more indulgent, piping the whipped cream or spooning it on is totally up to you!

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 here has a role in building layers of flavor and texture, balancing richness and brightness. I recommend using quality bittersweet chocolate and fresh extracts for the most vibrant results — these little details make a huge 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: Adds body and creaminess without overpowering the cocoa flavor.
Heavy cream: Essential for that luscious smooth mouthfeel, both in the hot chocolate base and whipped cream.
Cocoa powder: Dutch-processed works beautifully for smoothness; unsweetened works too if you prefer a sharper chocolate punch.
Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa and chocolate with just the right amount of sweetness.
Bittersweet chocolate: Adds silkiness and intense chocolate flavor depth beyond cocoa powder alone.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Enhances the overall warmth and sweetness with natural aromatic notes.
Peppermint extract: Delivers that unmistakable cool and festive mint flavor to the whipped cream topping.
Powdered sugar: Keeps the whipped cream smooth and stable while adding sweetness.

📝

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 love experimenting with this recipe based on the occasion or my mood. Sometimes I add a splash of espresso for an extra kick, other times I swap in almond milk for a dairy-free twist. You can totally adjust sweetness or peppermint strength—make it exactly how you like.

Variation: When I want a richer treat, I mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream in place of heavy cream and use almond or oat milk for a luscious vegan hot chocolate.
Spice It Up: Occasionally, a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder adds a surprising warmth that pairs beautifully with peppermint.

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

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream

Start by pouring 1½ cups of whole milk and ½ cup of heavy cream into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium until you see steam rising but before it reaches a simmer — this gentle warming helps dissolve the cocoa and sugar evenly without scorching the milk. Patience here pays off with silky texture.

Step 2: Whisk in Cocoa and Sugar

Sift 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder right into the hot milk mixture while whisking continuously. This helps avoid lumps and blends the chocolate flavor evenly throughout. Next, stir in 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar until it’s fully dissolved — no grainy bits!

Step 3: Melt in the Bittersweet Chocolate

Add 2 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate in two stages. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted before adding the next bit, ensuring a smooth, glossy drink. This step is where that luscious mouthfeel really kicks in — take your time!

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Finish Heating

Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract, continuing to heat for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then remove from the heat and set it aside while you whip up the peppermint cream.

Step 5: Make the Peppermint Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Whisk vigorously by hand or use a mixer until soft or stiff peaks form depending on how you want to serve it. I love soft peaks when I’m in a hurry — it melts into the hot chocolate beautifully. Stiff peaks are perfect for fancy piping and longer-lasting presentation.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy!

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and dollop or pipe the peppermint whipped cream on top. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or colorful sprinkles over everything. Then sit back and savor the magic.

Top Tip

After making this Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little things that truly elevate the final cup. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get the perfect creamy texture every time.

Don’t Boil the Milk: Heating to just before simmering keeps the dairy from scalding, maintaining smooth flavor without bitterness.
Whisk Continuously: When adding cocoa and chocolate, constant whisking prevents clumps and ensures a velvety result.
Chill Your Mixing Bowl: For whipped cream that whips up quickly and holds its shape, pop your bowl and beaters in the fridge beforehand.
Add Peppermint Gradually: The extract can overpower if you add too much—start small and adjust to taste!

How to Serve Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

peppermint hot chocolate - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for simple chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes as my favorite garnishes—they add texture and festive flair without overpowering the drink. Occasionally, I toss in a mini chocolate stick for stirring, which feels so luxe.

Side Dishes

Cookie pairing is a must—especially classic ginger snaps or chocolate biscotti that complement the peppermint and chocolate flavors. If you want something heartier, a slice of banana bread or cinnamon swirl coffee cake pairs beautifully, especially for weekend mornings.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special gatherings, I love serving this hot chocolate in clear glass mugs so you can see the layers of whipped cream and chocolate. Add a striped paper straw or a fresh peppermint sprig stuck into the whipped cream—it makes the presentation pop and feels so fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just gently reheat on the stove with stirring — avoid microwaving to keep the cream from separating.

Freezing

I haven’t had the best luck freezing the whipped cream topping, but the hot chocolate itself freezes surprisingly well. Pour it into ice cube trays to make chocolate cubes for future drinks or desserts.

Reheating

Slow and low is key when reheating—warm the leftover hot chocolate gently on the stovetop with some stirring to keep it silky. After reheating, freshen it up with a new dollop of peppermint whipped cream and you’re good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use skim milk or a milk alternative?

You can substitute skim milk or plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, but the texture will be lighter and less creamy. For best results, use full-fat versions or add a bit of cream or coconut cream to mimic richness.

How do I prevent the hot chocolate from being grainy?

Make sure to sift cocoa powder before adding it to the warm milk and whisk constantly. Also, add the chocolate in small pieces and melt completely before stirring in more to keep everything smooth.

Can I make the peppermint whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the whipped cream a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. For best texture, re-whip briefly before serving if it has softened too much.

What chocolate is best for this recipe?

Look for bittersweet or dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the richest flavor. Avoid overly sweet or milk chocolates as they can make the drink cloying and less balanced.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe has become my go-to treat whenever I need something comforting yet uplifting. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels fancy but is so simple to make at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms a cold day into something cozy and magical!