Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
This Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Christmas Recipe came about years ago when I was totally addicted to Starbucks (like seriously addicted — I’d go at least once a day, sometimes twice). One of my favorite drinks that they made was their Peppermint White Hot Chocolate — so rich, creamy, sweet, and decadent.
And not at all good for me, especially with the number of drinks I consumed during that period of my life!
I decided that I needed to try making it at home, not only for my health but for my budget. Not only was it very simple to recreate, but now I don’t feel so guilty about indulging in the sweet beverage once in a while. Lots of healthy fats and you can adjust the sweetener to suit your own preferences.
This delicious drink can be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled if you’re making it for a big group of people. It’s rich and satisfying and absolutely perfect on a cold winter day after being outside in the snow.
Why I love this Christmas Recipe
The holiday season is the perfect time to take a moment to enjoy a sweet and delicious treat. Whether entertaining guests or just enjoying a night in, this creamy and delicious peppermint white hot chocolate is the perfect warm treat for a chilly winter evening.
Hot chocolate is my favorite drink to have when I am relaxing by the fire or watching a Christmas movie. Sometimes doing both! I love Christmas movies. I try to watch as many as possible during the holiday season. I’ll sometimes even watch them during the year. One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is relax by the fire.
When I make my peppermint hot chocolate recipe, I also tend to make either peppermint bark or sugar cookies. The rich peppermint goes really well with these, sugar cookies.
Did you know the modern sugar cookie was originally called the Nazareth Sugar Cookie, after German Protestants who settled in Nazareth, Pennsylvania and improved the recipe? When forming the dough, they made the cookies resemble the state’s keystone emblem.
During the holiday season, I always try to keep a few packages of sugar cookies on hand for when guests stop by. It takes just a few seconds for me to sneak into the kitchen, open the package, and place them on a tray to offer to my guests.
How to make Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Start by gathering your ingredients.
You will need:
- 5 1/2 cups of 2% milk
- 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons of crushed peppermint candies, divided
- 12 ounces of white baking chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- mini marshmallows, optional
Then, heat the milk until bubbles form in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile in a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in 1 teaspoon of the crushed candies. Whisk chocolate into the milk until it’s smooth. Remove it from the heat and stir in the extract. Then, pour into a mug and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Add in the crushed candies. Serve immediately.