Peppermint Hot Cocoa is one of our favorite warm drinks this time of year.
Hot tea has its place forever in my heart, along with Chai Lattes, Cafe con Leche, London Fogs, and Hot Buttered Rum. But there is something special about a cup of cocoa that just beckons me to sit down in front of the Christmas tree and savor the moment.
Mix together a batch of this peppermint hot cocoa mix today and have it ready for easy hot chocolate through the holiday season.
Ever since I made homemade hot chocolate for the first time a few years ago, and subsequently laughed at myself for thinking it was going to be difficult, I haven’t bought another store-bought hot cocoa mix.
Simple Homemade Cocoa requires nothing but unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. You can add chocolate chips, vanilla, whipped cream, miniature marshmallows, fluffy homemade marshmallows, just about anything fun or fancy will make it extra special.
Like at least half the people I know, I frequently stir my hot cocoa with a candy cane or drop a peppermint candy into the bottom of the mug.
On the opposite end of the chocolate milk spectrum is a tasty Frozen Mint Chocolate Milk.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
As I was stirring my cocoa with a candy cane the other day, while watching Sean and the boys set up our Christmas tree, I decided to see if I could grind up some peppermint candies and make a ready-to-use hot cocoa mix to enjoy all through the holidays.
As I was hoping it would, the blender turned the peppermint candies into powder, and everything dissolved beautifully. This is the smoothest, creamiest, peppermint hot cocoa I could have imagined.
Pulsing the candy in a food processor or powerful blender will finely crush it and reduce it into candy dust in just a few seconds. You can also drop the candy into a sturdy ziploc bag and smash it with a rolling pin until it’s all crushed.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- dark cocoa powder
- granulated sugar
- finely crushed candy canes or peppermints
For a present that truly won’t be forgotten, wrap up a jar of this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix along with a package of these Almond Bars, Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups, or these Chocolate S’mores Cookies.
A package of Homemade Marshmallows tied with a ribbon and a candy cane also makes a great gift along with some cocoa mix.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Directions
- Combine ¼ cup of the hot chocolate mix and 1 cup of milk in a saucepan for each serving of hot chocolate. Whisk to combine.
- Warm over medium heat until steaming, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup finely crushed candy canes I used (40) peppermint starlight mints
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients and transfer to an airtight container.
To Make Hot Chocolate:
- Combine ¼ cup of the hot chocolate mix and 1 cup of milk in a saucepan for each serving of hot chocolate. Whisk to combine. Warm over medium heat until steaming, stirring occasionally. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 12/5/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/10/21}
Sue/the view from great island says
This is my daughter Clare's favorite, and every year I buy her a new gourmet version from some expensive little shop — this year I can surprise her with your version!
Pam Greer says
What a great idea!
Magnolia Verandah says
What a wonderful idea! This would make a lovely homemade gift too!
Keith says
What alternative mints could I use please ??
Mary Younkin says
I have no idea what else you might want to use, Keith. I typically use star peppermint candies or classic candy canes.
tina pinho says
love your recipes!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes, Tina.
Helena Guzman says
do you HAVE to have dark cocoa powder? My mom looked for some online and tried to get it shipped but it showed there was no coca powder
Mary Younkin says
Helena – Hershey has a special dark cocoa powder that you should be able to find at your local grocery. I am loving seeing your name popping up with questions. You are really cooking up a storm. That is awesome!
Helena Guzman says
well, i DO REALLY love baking and something i want for christmas is baking supplies 🙂 i love your recipes too! I made the cocoa and it tasted more like dark cocoa then anything, what do you recomend i should do?
Mary Younkin says
If the dark cocoa powder is too strong for you, you could always do less of the dark cocoa powder and a bit more of the regular cocoa powder to get the flavor you prefer.
Helena Guzman says
ok, thank you for the advice,Mary! Anyway, so i came up with a fever and a bad cough yesterday, and i was wondering if you have a recipe that would help me feel a bit better. My sisters are a bit worried and i really dont want to keep sleeping on my mom’s floor every night lol. I hope you do! Thanks again!
Mary Younkin says
This homemade cough syrup has always helped soothe a sore throat for me: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/homemade-cough-remedy/. I hope you feel better soon, Helena. Take care.
Helena Guzman says
ok thank you,Mary! Thats at lot of help! Ill print it out and show it to my mom for the next time any of us has a bad cough.She’ll consider it, probably.
Wu Yanni says
What is the difference between cocoa powder and dark cocoa powder?
Mary Younkin says
For this recipe, you can use either. I just prefer the dark. The flavors are a bit different and dark is said to be a bit less bitter because of how it is processed.
L Foster says
The recipe seems like it will be a good one. I’m making a comment because I’m annoyed with trying to follow the recipe post with all of the dang ads. They are incredibly distracting.
Mary Younkin says
Well, hello there. Feel free to use that handy “Jump to Recipe” button located at the top of every page. It will take you directly to the printable recipe. Seeing how the advertising pays all business expenses and maintenance costs for this free-to-use website as well as the expenses related to the recipes that I develop and share at no cost whatsoever to you, most people tend to be okay with scrolling a bit and seeing the ads. Have a terrific rest of the day, friend.
Happy Elf says
Why not use powdered milk in the mix? Then just mix with water in a cup and zap in the microwave! So much quicker and easier! I have used crushed candy canes in regular hot cocoa mix too when I couldn’t find peppermint hot cocoa mix in the store. Works great!
Mary Younkin says
While I have made plenty of cocoa mixes with powdered milk in the past, I actually prefer to make it with fresh milk. (I’ve always been able to taste the difference.) Feel free to add powdered milk and make it your own.