Peppermint Hot Chocolate {vegan + gluten free}

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

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)
• Gluten free
• Super chocolatey
• Made with just the right amount of peppermint
• Festive + fun
• Easy to make
• SO delicious!

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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.
• Cacao powder – Cacao powder or cocoa powder both work for this recipe. Cocoa powder is more readily available and more affordable, but cacao powder may contain more antioxidants and minerals. The difference between the two is in how they are processed.
• 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 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. Peppermint oil on the other hand is much more concentrated and should be used sparingly.

Can you use peppermint essential oil to make hot chocolate?

You can use peppermint oil to make peppermint hot chocolate, as long as it is high quality and safe for internal use.

I recommend either Doterra peppermint oil or Young Living peppermint oil for cooking.

Peppermint essential oil is much more concentrated than peppermint extract. One drop of essential oil should be plenty for 2 servings.

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! Keep in mind that the higher the fat content the creamier your hot chocolate will be.

Is there caffeine in hot chocolate?

There is naturally occurring caffeine in chocolate, so yes there will be a small amount of caffeine in any hot chocolate or hot cocoa recipe.

The amount is small – somewhere between 5-8 mg per cup, compared to coffee which is close to 100 mg per cup.

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How to make peppermint hot chocolate

• 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 coconut 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 keto friendly version

To make this hot chocolate keto friendly there’s a few easy swaps you’ll want to make.

• Choose a low carb milk. Make sure the milk you choose to use has no added sugar and is low in carbs.
• Use stevia sweetened dark chocolate chips or a dark chocolate bar. We love this brand of sugar free chocolate.
• Opt for a sugar free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract in place of the maple syrup.

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.

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

• Pumpkin Spice Bulletproof Latte
• Bulletproof Peppermint Mocha Latte
• Dairy Free Collagen Hot Chocolate

If you enjoyed this recipe we’d love it if you take 5 seconds to rate and review it below. It’s also super helpful to me and other readers if you share any changes you made to the recipe. Thank you for sharing your kitchen with NK 🙏🏼 We are so grateful you’re here!

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