Name: Stove Top Peppermint Hot Chocolate - Dairy Free!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: holiday
Ingredients: 2 cups dairy free milk – almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk are all good options (regular milk can also be used); 2 tablespoons cacao powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, depending on how peppermint-y you want your hot chocolate; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar; 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste; To serve: coconut whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and shaved chocolate

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‘Tis the season for cozy drinks like this stove top peppermint hot chocolate! A delicious homemade hot cocoa that’s easy to make and so much better than most coffee shop hot chocolates. Naturally sweetened and made with your dairy free milk of choice (we love almond and cashew), TWO kinds of chocolate (yes), and peppermint extract. A rich and creamy holiday treat that’s perfect for snowy days inside!

Close up shot of creamy peppermint hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane, and shaved chocolate. In a speckled mug on a light brown background.

The best peppermint hot chocolate

How perfect is hot cocoa on a snowy day? Growing up it was the ultimate snow day treat and as I’ve gotten older I still enjoy it just as much now as I did then.

And there is something even more special about cozying up with a warm mug of hot chocolate over the holiday season!

This peppermint hot chocolate recipe is the yummiest treat to share with your friends and family while tucked inside playing games, baking cookies, or opening presents on Christmas morning. Top it with some whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and shaved chocolate to make it extra special!

Why you’ll love this peppermint hot chocolate

It is:

Cozy
Rich & creamy
Naturally sweetened
Vegan (dairy free)
Super chocolatey
Made with just the right amount of peppermint
Festive + fun
Easy to make
SO delicious!

Side view of creamy peppermint hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane, and shaved chocolate. In a speckled mug on a light brown background.

Ingredients for peppermint hot chocolate. Chocolate chips in a small ceramic bowl.

Ingredients for peppermint hot chocolate. Chocolate chips, almond milk, maple syrup, kosher salt, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract all in various sized ceramics.

Ingredients and substitutions

Dairy free milk – We love almond milk and cashew milk for this recipe, but you can use any type of non dairy milk that you like or have on hand. Regular milk can also be used.
Cacao powder – Cacao powder or cocoa powder both work for this recipe. Cocoa powder is more readily available and more affordable.
Vanilla extract – Vanilla extracts adds a lovely warm aroma to the peppermint hot cocoa.
Peppermint extract – Peppermint extract is added for the peppermint flavor.
Salt – Just a pinch of salt brings all the other flavors together.
Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate are melted in the hot chocolate to add extra chocolate flavor and richness.
Natural sweetener – Maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are all great options. We usually use maple syrup for the subtle warm flavor it adds.

How much peppermint extract should you use to make peppermint hot chocolate?

I suggest anywhere between 1/8 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for 2 servings of hot chocolate.

We like to use 1/4 teaspoon for a fairly peppermint forward flavor, but you can reduce that amount for more of a *hint* of peppermint in your hot cocoa if that’s your preference.

Peppermint extract vs peppermint flavor

Both Peppermint flavor and peppermint extract have relatively the same flavor profile and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

What milk should you use to make hot chocolate?

We love using almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk for this hot chocolate recipe. Those options keep it dairy free but you could also substitute another type of milk!

How to make peppermint hot chocolate. Milk, extracts, and cacao powder in small sauce pan.

Close up shot of creamy peppermint hot chocolate in a speckled mug on a light brown background.

How to make

Warm milk and whisk in cocoa powder. Add all ingredients except chocolate chips and sweetener of choice to a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking constantly, until milk is steaming but not simmering / boiling.
Add dark chocolate. When milk is warmed add the chocolate chips and continue to whisk until melted and incorporated.
Sweeten to taste. Sweeten to taste with maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey.
Top with whipped cream and serve. Divide between two mugs and serve topped with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and shaved chocolate if desired.

How to serve

This simple hot chocolate recipe can be served as is, or topped with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and shaved dark chocolate for a special touch!

Can you spike this peppermint hot chocolate?

Yep! You can totally make an adult version of this hot chocolate by adding alcohol.

Here’s some ideas:

Vodka
Dark rum
Bourbon
Kahlua
Amaretto

If using a sweetened liqueur make sure to taste the hot chocolate before adding any additional sweetener.

Can you make this hot chocolate in advance?

This peppermint hot chocolate recipe is super easy to make ahead of time.

Follow the recipe as written but instead of serving immediately allow it to cool and then store in the refrigerator until ready to warm and serve.

I’d recommend warming on the stove and whisking until frothy for the best texture.

Can you make this hot chocolate recipe for a crowd?

Totally! Simply double or triple the recipe to make it for more people. Just make sure you choose a big enough sauce pan to fit all of the ingredients.

How to make a paleo friendly version

To make this hot chocolate paleo friendly all you need to do is find a naturally sweetened dark chocolate like this one.

Creamy peppermint hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, crushed candy cane, and shaved chocolate. In a speckled mug on a light brown background.

Pinterest Pin for Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Love this festive hot chocolate? Try these other delicious warm drinks!

If you enjoyed this recipe, we’d love it if you would take 5 seconds to rate and review it below! It’s also super helpful for other readers if you share any modifications you made to the recipe.

Thank you for sharing your kitchen with NK. We’re so grateful you’re here!