Peppermint Schnapps-Free Hot Cocoa (Printable)

A creamy hot cocoa with peppermint flavor, ideal for cozy and festive moments.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 4 cups whole milk or dairy-free alternative such as oat or almond milk

02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

05 - 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

06 - 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

08 - Whipped cream

09 - Mini marshmallows

10 - Crushed peppermint candies

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally.

02 - Whisk in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until fully dissolved and smooth.

03 - Add the chocolate chips and whisk until melted and the mixture is creamy.

04 - Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.

05 - Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies if desired. Serve immediately.

01 -

It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for when unexpected guests arrive and you want to feel like you've done something special
The peppermint extract gives you that holiday flavor without any bitterness, just a clean, refreshing finish
Whether you use dairy or plant-based milk, this cocoa adapts beautifully to whatever's in your fridge

02 -

Temperature matters more than you'd think—steaming milk creates a better texture than boiling. Boiling can make cocoa separate, and nobody wants grainy cocoa
Whisk like you mean it. Those 2 minutes of constant whisking dissolve the cocoa powder so completely that you get silky cocoa instead of gritty cocoa. It's the difference between mediocre and amazing
Pure extracts are worth the investment. The imitation versions can taste sharp and chemical, but pure peppermint and vanilla extracts are smooth and warm

03 -

Make a cocoa base in the morning and reheat it gently over low heat when you want a mug in the evening. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you just add fresh milk and cream when you warm it up
Sift your cocoa powder and sugar together first if you have a sifter—it prevents lumps from forming and makes whisking faster
Keep a small whisk dedicated to cocoa. A good whisk is the difference between smooth and lumpy, and you'll use it for this again and again