Kat's Kitchen

There’s nothing better than a mug of rich, cozy hot chocolate on a chilly day — especially when it has a festive peppermint twist! This Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate is creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with a hint of coffee to bring out the cocoa flavor. It’s like your favorite holiday café drink, but made right at home with simple ingredients.

The combination of sweetened condensed milk and two types of milk gives this recipe a luxurious texture, while peppermint extract adds that refreshing touch that makes it feel like winter in a cup.

Festive Finds

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

• 6 ounces whole milk
• 6 ounces 2% milk
• 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, adjust based on your sweetness preference
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
• ¼ teaspoon instant espresso or instant coffee powder (or substitute 1 tablespoon brewed coffee or cold brew)– this helps enhance the chocolate flavor
• Tiny pinch of salt (about ⅛ teaspoon)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, McCormick Candy Cane Finishing Sugar, etc

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, 2% milk, sweetened condensed milk, cacao powder, instant espresso, and salt.
2. Bring to medium-high heat and whisk constantly until smooth, fully combined, and just starting to steam (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. Pour into a heatproof mug and top with your desired toppings.

Peppermint Mocha Chocolate Milk (Cold Version)

For a refreshing spin, this cold version tastes like a winter-themed chocolate milk with a hint of peppermint — perfect for afternoons or for those who prefer iced drinks!

To make:

1. In a blender, blend together:
   • 6 ounces whole milk
   • 6 ounces 2% milk
   • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
   • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
   • ¼ teaspoon instant espresso or instant coffee powder (or substitute 1 tablespoon brewed coffee or cold brew)
   • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
   • ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
   • Tiny pinch of salt
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour over ice in a tall glass and top with your desired toppings.

Large-Batch Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate for Gatherings

Makes about 6 servings

Perfect for holiday parties, cozy movie nights, or after-dinner drinks with friends — just multiply the ingredients, whisk together, and let it warm slowly on the stove or in a slow cooker!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 cups 2% milk
• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso or coffee extract
  (or 1/3 cup brewed coffee or cold brew)
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan or slow cooker, whisk together the milks, condensed milk, cacao powder, espresso, and salt.
2. Warm on medium-low heat (or slow cooker on low) until steaming and well combined, whisking occasionally.
3. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts just before serving.
4. Ladle into mugs and top with your favorite toppings.

Optional: Keep it warm in the slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2 hours — perfect for serving guests!

Tips & Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use oat milk or almond milk and substitute coconut cream or maple syrup for the condensed milk.
• Extra Chocolatey: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips while heating for a silkier, richer texture.
• Lower Sugar Option: Use a sugar free sweetened condensed milk or your favorite sugar substitute like monk fruit, stevia, or splenda.

This Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate is the easiest, any time treat that you’ll want to make all season long. It’s sweet, festive, and guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.

More Holiday Recipes To Try

• Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer
• Peppermint Mocha Puppy Chow
• White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Popcorn
• Homemade Peppermint Syrup
• Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte
• Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Latte