Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane Stirrer
Picture a mug of steaming cocoa topped with a swirl of whipped cream, a handful of mini marshmallows and a candy cane hooked over the rim. That is peppermint hot chocolate, and it takes only a few minutes to put together.
The secret is a small amount of peppermint extract stirred into hot cocoa. It gives the drink a cool, minty finish without any extra cooking. It is an easy after-school treat, a cozy snack on a cold evening, and a fun drink to serve at a holiday party.
Ingredients
- 1 mug of prepared hot chocolate (a ready-to-heat liquid hot chocolate or a mix made with milk or water, following the package directions)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract per mug
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Mini marshmallows
- 1 candy cane per mug
Directions
- Heat the hot chocolate as the package directs. A microwave-safe mug works well for a single serving. On the stove, warm it gently over medium-low heat and stir now and then so it does not scorch.
- Pour the cocoa into a mug and stir in the peppermint extract. Use the candy cane as your stirrer if you like. It saves a spoon and begins to melt into the drink.
- Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then scatter on mini marshmallows.
- Hook the candy cane over the edge of the mug, or leave it standing in the drink, and serve right away.
Tips and variations
Peppermint extract is strong, so measure it rather than pouring from the bottle. Start with the 1/2 teaspoon and taste before adding more. If you are making a big batch, stir the extract into the pot and not into each mug.
Pick whichever toppings you like. You can use all three, or keep it simple with just whipped cream or just marshmallows. Crushed candy canes sprinkled over the whipped cream add crunch and color. Chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup also look pretty.
For a party, set up a hot chocolate bar. Keep the cocoa warm in a slow cooker on its low setting, and set out small bowls of whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint and whole candy canes. Guests can build their own mugs. Disposable cups with sleeves make cleanup easy, and the candy canes double as stirrers so you need fewer spoons.
For a creamier drink, make the cocoa with milk rather than water. Check the label of your mix, because some are made to be prepared with water and others with milk. Marshmallows and candy canes can contain allergens depending on the brand, so check labels if you are serving guests with food allergies.
FAQ
Can I make peppermint hot chocolate ahead of time?
Yes. Heat the cocoa with the peppermint extract stirred in, then keep it warm in a slow cooker on low. Add the whipped cream and marshmallows only when you serve each mug so they stay fluffy.
Can I use peppermint candy instead of extract?
You can. Stir the cocoa with a candy cane until it dissolves for a gentler mint flavor, or sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. The taste will be milder than with extract, and the candy will not fully dissolve in the whipped cream.
