This Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is the perfect treat for chilly days! It’s rich and creamy, blended with delightful bits of peppermint to give you that festive feel.
Every sip tastes like Christmas in a mug! I love adding extra whipped cream on top—who can resist a little more sweetness, right? It’s my winter favorite! ☕🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk for a lighter option. I find that oat milk adds a nice creaminess too!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but if you want to lighten it up, try using half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Both work surprisingly well!
Semi-sweet Chocolate: Chocolate chips are convenient, but you can use dark chocolate or white chocolate if you prefer. Remember that white chocolate will make it sweeter!
Peppermint Extract: If you can’t find peppermint extract, you can use crushed peppermint candies or even a drop of vanilla extract for a different flavor twist.
How Can I Make My Hot Chocolate Extra Creamy?
To achieve the best creamy texture, it’s essential to properly combine your milk and heavy cream. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat; don’t rush it to prevent the milk from scalding.
- Whisk the cocoa powder and sugar in once the mixture is steaming—this helps blend everything smoothly.
- Be patient while melting the chocolate; take it off the heat when it’s just melted to avoid graininess.
- Stir well to ensure everything is incorporated evenly, especially before serving.
These steps will give you a deliciously smooth hot chocolate every time!
How to Make Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- 2 candy canes, crushed (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 whole candy cane for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate will take about 10 minutes of your time. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a creamy drink ready to enjoy, making it perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk and Cream:
Start by pouring the whole milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Set the heat to medium and warm the mixture until it’s steaming but not boiling. This should take just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it!
2. Mix in the Chocolate:
Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the warm milk mixture. Whisk everything together until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is nice and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
3. Add the Peppermint Flavor:
Once it’s all mixed and creamy, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the peppermint extract for that festive burst of flavor. The aroma will make you feel all warm and cozy!
4. Serve the Hot Chocolate:
Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. This is the fun part—watch the chocolate swirl as you fill them up!
5. Top it Off:
Now for the best part! Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top of each mug. Be creative—make it nice and fluffy!
6. Garnish for Extra Flavor:
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the whipped cream for a delightful crunch and peppermint kick. It looks lovely too!
7. Final Touch:
If you like, add a whole candy cane on the side of the mug for a charming garnish. Not only does it look festive, but you can stir it into the hot chocolate to give it an extra minty flavor!
Now sip back and enjoy your rich, creamy Candy Cane Hot Chocolate filled with yummy peppermint flavor—a delightful treat for the holidays!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can all work well in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly, but they will still create a delicious hot chocolate!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, you can reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon or simply omit it altogether; the chocolate and candy canes will still add flavor. You can always taste and adjust to your liking as you go!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can make the hot chocolate mix ahead of time! Simply heat and combine the ingredients, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir well and add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
