Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups: A Festive Delight!

why make this recipe

Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups are a perfect treat for the festive season. They combine the rich, comforting taste of hot cocoa with the refreshing kick of peppermint. These delightful cups not only warm you up but also add a fun and festive touch to any holiday gathering. The decorations, like sprinkles and candy canes, make them appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy drink while celebrating the holidays?

how to make Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups

Ingredients:

• 150 g melted dark chocolate (for mug decoration)
• Christmas sprinkles (red, white, green nonpareils)
• 3 cups (720 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (optional for richness)
• 150 g semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract (or more to taste)
• Pinch of salt
• Mini marshmallows (for topping)
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Crushed candy canes (for topping)
• Whole mini candy canes (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Gather all your ingredients beforehand for a streamlined process.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip the top rim of each mug into the melted dark chocolate and then into the Christmas sprinkles. Let the chocolate set in the fridge for about 5 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, combine the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
5. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until dissolved.
6. Stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate until fully melted and smooth over low heat.
7. Turn off the heat and mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts to adjust flavor.
8. Pour the rich peppermint hot cocoa into each decorated mug.
9. Top with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and whole mini candy canes.

how to serve Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups

Serve these delightful hot cocoa cups warm and enjoy them with friends and family. You can set up a hot cocoa bar with extra toppings like more mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes. Let your guests customize their drinks to make it even more fun!

how to store Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups

If you have leftover hot cocoa, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm!

tips to make Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups

• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste.
• For a richer cocoa, definitely add the heavy cream.
• Experiment with the amount of peppermint extract for your desired minty flavor.
• If you don’t have Christmas sprinkles, use any other festive or colorful sprinkles.

variation

You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter version or use white chocolate for a unique twist. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cocoa mixture.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot cocoa in advance and warm it up before serving. Just store it covered in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute it with peppermint syrup or leave it out and just enjoy a regular hot cocoa.

Peppermint Holiday Hot Cocoa Cups

Delightful hot cocoa cups infused with peppermint, topped with festive decorations for a cozy holiday treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert, Drink

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the mug decoration

• 150 g melted dark chocolate For mug decoration
• Christmas sprinkles (red, white, green nonpareils) For coating the mugs

For the hot cocoa

• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream Optional for richness
• 150 g semi-sweet chocolate Chopped
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsp sugar Adjust to taste
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract Or more to taste
• Pinch of salt

For topping

• Mini marshmallows For topping
• Whipped cream For topping
• Crushed candy canes For topping
• Whole mini candy canes For garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Gather all your ingredients beforehand for a streamlined process.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip the top rim of each mug into the melted dark chocolate and then into the Christmas sprinkles. Let the chocolate set in the fridge for about 5 minutes.

Cooking

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until dissolved.
3. Stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate until fully melted and smooth over low heat.
4. Turn off the heat and mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts to adjust flavor.

Serving

1. Pour the rich peppermint hot cocoa into each decorated mug.
2. Top with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and whole mini candy canes.

Notes

You can set up a hot cocoa bar with extra toppings to let guests customize their drinks. Adjust the sweetness and richness based on your preference. Store any leftover cocoa in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently.