Get ready for a warm hug in a cup with this Peppermint White Hot Chocolate! It’s creamy, sweet, and has a delightful minty touch that makes it perfect for cozy days.
Honestly, what’s better than sipping on hot chocolate while it snows outside? Add a sprinkle of crushed candies on top for that extra festive flair—yum! I can’t get enough of this treat during the holidays.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This gives your hot chocolate a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk. Just keep in mind the flavor might change a little!
Heavy Cream: It adds a luxurious creaminess. You could substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
White Chocolate Chips: These are key for sweetness and creaminess. If you can’t find white chocolate, try using vanilla-flavored chocolate or melting down white chocolate bars instead.
Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way! If you’re not a big fan of mint, you can skip it or replace it with vanilla extract for a different twist.
How Can I Make Sure My White Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a silky, smooth White Hot Chocolate is in how you combine your ingredients. Start by gently heating the milk and cream together. Don’t let it boil—just simmer until you see steam. This helps prevent the milk from curdling.
- After removing it from the heat, add your white chocolate and stir until it melts completely. If the chocolate doesn’t melt right away, you can return it to low heat while stirring.
- Adding peppermint extract after combines the flavor without cooking it out. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Peppermint White Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. With no long waits, it’s perfect for a quick treat on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Milk and Cream:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick or scorch. Remove it from the heat just as it starts to simmer.
2. Melt the White Chocolate:
Once your milk mixture is simmering, take the pan off the heat and add the white chocolate chips. Stir the mixture continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
3. Add the Peppermint Flavor:
Next, stir in the peppermint extract. You can adjust this amount depending on how strong you like the mint flavor. A little goes a long way!
4. Pour and Serve:
Carefully pour the hot white chocolate into mugs. Make it look pretty!
5. Top It Off:
Generously add whipped cream on top of each mug—who doesn’t love a lot of whipped cream?
6. Garnish for That Extra Special Touch:
Finish off with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a festive crunch and extra flavor.
7. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy every creamy, minty sip!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk with any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety if you want to control the sweetness level, and keep in mind the flavor may slightly change!
How Do I Store Leftover Peppermint White Hot Chocolate?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure an even temperature.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the base (milk, cream, and white chocolate) a few hours ahead, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it gently, stir in the peppermint extract, and serve with whipped cream and crushed candies.
What Other Flavors Can I Add?
If you want to mix things up, try adding a dash of vanilla extract or even some chocolate syrup for an extra chocolatey twist. You could also sprinkle in some cinnamon for a cozy, spiced flavor.
