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This rich and creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is easy to make with just 3 ingredients and ready in ten minutes! It’s the perfect treat for a cold winter day.

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I love homemade hot chocolate, it’s so much better than those powdered mixes! We enjoy it least once a week during the cooler months at our house, which gives me plenty of time to experiment with different flavors and variations.

Today’s recipe is definitely a favorite that gets made multiple times a year, but especially around the holiday season.

Why I love this recipe

I love this simple hot chocolate recipe! It’s is fast to make and only takes 3 ingredients. It uses real chocolate so you get a rich, creamy hot cocoa in just minutes.

Ingredients

milk
chocolate chips
peppermint extract

Step by step

Simply combine 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the chocolate is melted, stirring constantly.
Add in some peppermint extract, stir, and pour into mugs to serve.

See, I told you it was easy! See the video below to watch it in action!

Tips for Best Results

You can choose what type of milk to use. I generally use 2% because that’s what I have on hand but if you want a thicker, richer result use whole milk or half milk and half heavy cream.
Stirring often is crucial to avoid burning the milk and chocolate, don’t skip that step!
Do not try to speed this up by making on high temperature as you may scorch it. Slow and steady wins in this recipe!

peppermint hot chocolate in glass mug with cookies in background

FAQs

You can use food-grade essential oil instead of extract but the oil is more concentrated so add a drop at a time and taste-test until you get your desired level of minty-ness.

For the over-21 crowd you can add peppermint schnapps instead of the extract for the same peppermint flavor. I usually add an ounce at a time until you get the taste you want.

You can make it ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until ready to drink. You can reheat on the stovetop.

Easily double or triple this recipe. When serving at large gatherings, keep warm in a crockpot set on low.

Serving suggestions

Some popular toppings are:

whipped cream
marshmallows
crushed candy canes
sprinkles
crushed candy cane
mini chocolate chips
white chocolate chips
chocolate shavings

Storage

Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often.

If you try this recipe please comment and give it a 5-star rating below, I love hearing from you!