Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint

There's nothing like cozying up with a warm, rich drink after a chilly day. This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe is special because it transforms your usual hot chocolate into a velvety, flavor-packed treat with a refreshing peppermint twist that'll make you want to sip slowly and savor every drop.

A clear glass mug stands on a wooden board with dark chocolate pieces scattered around it on a white marbled surface. The glass is filled halfway with thick, rich dark brown hot chocolate being poured from a gray pot with chocolate stains inside. In the background, another clear glass mug sits full of the same dark brown hot chocolate topped with a large swirl of white whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The texture of the hot chocolate looks smooth and creamy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became one of my go-to indulgences, especially around the holidays. It's not just hot chocolate; it's that creamy, bittersweet, and minty magic that makes any day feel festive and comforting.

Rich and Creamy Base: Using both whole milk and heavy cream gives the hot chocolate a luscious texture you won’t want to share.
Deep Chocolate Flavor: The mix of cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate adds layers of chocolate goodness that are anything but boring.
Refreshing Peppermint Whipped Cream: That peppermint punch on top cuts through the sweetness perfectly, creating a balance of flavors.
Quick and Easy to Make: Even if you think hot chocolate is simple, this recipe’s little extras make it feel special without taking forever.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon holding smooth, dark brown liquid above a white speckled pot filled with the same liquid. The liquid has tiny bubbles on the surface, giving it a light foam texture. The spoon is positioned horizontally in the middle of the image, while the pot’s edge frames the bottom and left sides. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role here—from bringing richness and smoothness to brightening up the flavor. Plus, the careful touches like vanilla bean paste and peppermint extract really lift this beyond your average hot drink. Below, I’ll explain what makes these ingredients shine.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of Dutch-processed cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, two ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate chunks, a few drops of vanilla bean paste in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few drops of peppermint extract in a small white ceramic bowl placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole Milk: Provides creaminess without overpowering heaviness—perfect for balancing richness.
Heavy Cream (for hot chocolate): Adds luxurious texture and a velvety mouthfeel.
Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed or unsweetened): The foundation of chocolate flavor with a smooth, deep profile.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance cocoa’s natural bitterness.
Bittersweet Chocolate (at least 70% cocoa): Melts into the mix adding complexity, richness, and that extra chocolate punch.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Heavy Cream (for whipped cream): Whips up into airy clouds that beautifully top the drink.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream with a smooth texture.
Peppermint Extract: The star of the show for that cool, minty freshness that’s festive and bright.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve learned that a little tweak here or there can make this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe feel personalized and just right for every mood or guest. Feel free to adjust the peppermint amount or play with toppings — you’ll find what feels like 'your' version in no time.

Variation: I like to add a splash of espresso for a mocha twist when I need a bit of a caffeine kick with my comfort.
Dairy-Free: Try swapping in coconut or oat milk and coconut cream for the whipped topping—the peppermint still shines!
Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugar, reduce granulated sugar slightly and go easy on the powdered sugar in the whipped cream.
Extra Peppermint: For a bolder mint flavor, add finely crushed candy canes on top — it adds crunch and festive flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Gently Warm Your Milk and Cream

Start by pouring whole milk and heavy cream into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until you see steam rising but before it actually simmers. This gentle warming helps prevent scorching and sets the stage for smooth chocolate integration. I like to keep a close eye here to avoid any burnt milk flavor—patience really pays off!

Step 2: Blend in Cocoa and Sugar

Next, sift your cocoa powder right into the warm milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The sifting step is a game-changer—I've done it without, but you get much smoother results with it. Stir in granulated sugar until completely dissolved, tasting periodically to make sure it’s just right for you.

Step 3: Melt in the Bittersweet Chocolate

Add your chopped bittersweet chocolate in two batches, giving each time to fully melt. Stirring consistently helps it blend into a silky, rich sauce. I promise, this is where your hot chocolate deepens into something irresistible—you'll want to pause here just to enjoy the aroma.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Continue Heating

Pour in vanilla bean paste or extract for that warm, inviting note. Keep the mixture over heat for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Once done, take it off the heat and set aside. Personally, I find letting it rest for a few moments lets the flavors fully meld before serving.

Step 5: Whip Up Your Peppermint Whipped Cream

Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and peppermint extract in a bowl. Whisk or beat until you reach the peak consistency that suits your style: soft peaks for spooning or stiff peaks if you're piping the cream. I like a stiffer whip at holiday parties for that beautiful height on each mug.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and pile on your peppermint whipped cream. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candy, or even colorful sprinkles. These little extras always impress guests and add textural interest.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found that a few small adjustments make all the difference when making this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe. These insights will help you get consistently delicious results and impress anyone you serve it to.

Use Quality Chocolate: Splurging on bittersweet chocolate with a good cocoa percentage makes the flavor complex and rich—trust me, it’s worth it.
Whisk Thoroughly: Whisking the cocoa powder into the warm milk immediately avoids clumping and keeps the texture silky smooth.
Chill Your Whipping Bowl: For perfectly whipped peppermint cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand—it whips up faster and fluffier.
Don’t Overheat the Milk: Keep the heat moderate so the milk doesn’t scorch or boil over, preserving that fresh creamy flavor.

How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

hot chocolate with peppermint - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my cups with some freshly grated dark chocolate or a few crushed peppermint candies that add both crunch and a pop of holiday spirit. Sometimes I use a light dusting of cocoa powder or even a cinnamon stick stirrer for extra aroma and flair.

Side Dishes

This hot chocolate pairs beautifully with buttery shortbread cookies or ginger snaps. You could also serve it alongside a slice of peppermint bark or even biscotti for a delightful crunch and added texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve poured the hot chocolate into clear glass mugs so the layers show, then piped the peppermint whipped cream in swirls on top. Add edible glitter or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch that impresses every time. It’s such a showstopper and makes your guests feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make more hot chocolate than you can drink, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, just gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring to keep it smooth.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the hot chocolate itself because the texture can change slightly, but you can freeze the peppermint whipped cream dollops on a parchment-lined tray and then transfer them to a container for up to a month. They're great for topping other winter drinks or desserts later!

Reheating

To bring your hot chocolate back to life, reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid the microwave to prevent uneven warmth or curdling. Freshly whipped cream should always be prepared right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk in this recipe?

While you technically can, I don’t recommend it for this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe because skim milk lacks the fat needed to give the drink that rich, creamy mouthfeel. Whole milk and heavy cream together create the velvety texture that makes this hot chocolate so special.

What’s the best way to get stiff peaks in the peppermint whipped cream?

For the stiffest peaks, make sure your heavy cream, bowl, and beaters are well chilled before whipping. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and start on medium-high speed, watching closely to avoid overwhipping. Add the peppermint extract and powdered sugar as you whip to help stabilize the cream.

Can I prepare the hot chocolate base in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and store the hot chocolate base in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat it gently before serving and whip fresh peppermint cream on top at serving time for best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract isn’t available, you can substitute with a tiny drop of spearmint or wintergreen extract, but start with very little as these are stronger and different in flavor. Alternatively, you can skip it and garnish with crushed candy canes for that peppermint crunch and aroma.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect cozy hug in a mug that I come back to every winter. Sharing it feels like sharing a little moment of joy, whether it’s for yourself or friends. I hope you’ll find as much comfort and delight in each sip as I do. So go ahead, brew it, top it, and savor it—you deserve this.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way