Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate (Printable)
Creamy hot chocolate blended with espresso and peppermint for a comforting winter drink.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming without reaching a boil.
02 - Add semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar to the warmed dairy. Whisk continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
03 - Stir in freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Continue heating for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until hot.
04 - Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like a fancy coffee shop drink but takes less time than waiting in line.
- The peppermint and chocolate combination hits that sweet spot between cozy and sophisticated, making you feel like you're treating yourself.
- You probably have most of these ingredients already, so it becomes your go-to when you want something special without much fuss.
02 -
- If your mixture gets grainy or the chocolate separates, you probably got the heat too high; next time, let it warm slower and it'll stay creamy.
- The peppermint extract is powerful enough that more isn't better, and you can always add a drop more after tasting, but you can't take it back.
03 -
- Make a batch of the chocolate mixture minus the espresso on a quiet afternoon, then all you have to do is reheat and add coffee whenever you want one.
- If you find yourself making this often, scale it up and keep the chocolate base in a jar in the fridge for up to a week, which transforms this from a 15-minute drink into a 5-minute one.