This easy copycat Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate recipe is rich and decadent. Milk, semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract are combined until smooth. Done in just minutes, this hot cocoa is sure to warm you up in the winter months. With the perfect addition of peppermint flavor this will get you into the holiday spirit! Serve with marshmallows, crushed peppermints, and shaved chocolate to wow.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
Recipe: Starbucks Peppermint Hot Cocoa (from Scratch)
Ready In: 12 minutes
Serves: 2 servings
Staple Ingredients: Milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, peppermint extract
What Makes It Special: get the creamy flavor of Starbucks seasonal hot cocoa at home whenever you want! With 6 simple ingredients and no additives or fillers, this recipe is to simple not to make at home. Plus you can customize the peppermint flavor to your liking.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick recipe: what’s not to love about a simple recipe that comes together in minutes. Simply combine everything in a saucepan on the stove and heat until everything is combined!
- Great in batches: this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for large groups or get togethers. Keep warm in a large Dutch oven on the stove or in a crockpot on the warm setting.
- Copycat at home: it’s great to have copycat recipes so you can make your coffee shop favorites in the comfort of your own kitchen for a fraction of the price! Plus you can customize as desired.
Making hot cocoa at home can be a fun and easy tradition. Make a big pot for the family while putting up decorations or to keep warm in the crockpot for holiday gatherings! Serve this hot cocoa alongside Frosted Sugar Cookies or Egg Nog Coffee Cake for more seasonal fun.
Find all of my Holiday Recipes here for endless recipe inspiration! If you’re a peppermint fan, try my fudgy peppermint brownie cookies or my homemade peppermint marshmallows.
Key Hot Cocoa Ingredients
- Milk: I recommend whole milk for a rich, creamy texture. You can substitute 2% milk or a mix of half & half and milk. Non-dairy milk like oat milk or almond milk will also work.
- Granulated white sugar: I don’t recommend a different type of sugar, granulated white sugar is the best as it dissolves well.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: make sure you have unsweetened cocoa powder, not sweetened cocoa powder. This adds extra chocolate flavor and gives the cocoa a rich chocolate color without adding additional sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: any kind of chocolate will work, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or chocolate chunks. Chopped chocolate bars work great as well.
- Peppermint extract: find this near the vanilla extract, most grocery stores will carry pure peppermint extract for a reasonable price.
- Toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermints, shaved chocolate, etc.
How to Make The Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Let’s talk a little about how to make this Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Quick overview:
- Combine milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat until dissolved.
- Mix in chocolate, peppermint, and vanilla extract. Stir until chocolate is melted.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
- Firstly, In a large saucepan combine milk, sugar, and cocoa. Heat over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until sugar is dissolved.
- Secondly, once sugar is dissolved, add in chocolate, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Heat again over medium-high heat until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Thirdly, serve immediately topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes!
Tools I Recommend
- Small Saucepan – the perfect size saucepan to combine the ingredients for this hot cocoa. I love this brand and the pans stay like-new for years!
- Stainless steel whisk: I have two good whisks on hand and I use them all the time! I like a whisk that won’t retain water in the handle and one that has large, sturdy wires!
Topping Ideas
- Peppermints or candy canes
- Large or mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Homemade whipped cream
- White chocolate chips
Easy Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Whole milk
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Peppermint extract
- Marshmallows, candy canes, or whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- In a large saucepan combine milk, sugar, and cocoa. Heat over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until sugar is dissolved.2 1/2 cups Whole milk, 1/4 cup Granulated sugar , 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Once sugar is dissolved, add in chocolate, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Heat again over medium-high heat until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.6 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate chips , 1 tsp Vanilla extract , 1/2 tsp Peppermint extract
- Serve immediately topped with desired toppings!Marshmallows, candy canes, or whipped cream
Notes
- Use high-quality Semisweet chocolate or Bittersweet chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Add Peppermint extract slowly, it’s strong and can easily overpower the chocolate!
- Whisk constantly while heating to prevent scorching or separating.
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk or stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed Peppermint candy just before serving for a festive finish.
Nutrition
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Storage & Reheating
This peppermint hot chocolate can be stored in the fridge for a few days after making. To store, allow hot cocoa to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat add desired hot cocoa to a saucepan and heat over medium heat on the stove until warm or heat in the microwave.
Tips For Perfect Hot Cocoa
- Don’t scold milk, heat over medium/medium-high heat and stir often.
- Whisk well to ensure sugar and cocoa dissolve into a smooth mixture.
- Use small chocolate chips or chunks to ensure chocolate melts smoothly into the milk.
- Serve immediately while warm for best results.
Recipe FAQ’s
Peppermint hot cocoa is rich, creamy, and decadent. The perfect mixture of melted semi-sweet chocolate and a tingle of peppermint extract.
Make peppermint hot chocolate with milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Just 6 simple ingredients.
Use high-quality Semisweet chocolate or Bittersweet chocolate for a rich, smooth drink. Chocolate chips work fine, but chopped bars melt more evenly.
Absolutely. Use your favorite dairy-free milk (Almond milk, Oat milk, or Coconut milk all work well).
You can make the base up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, then top with whipped cream and crushed Peppermint candy just before serving.
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing your final dish on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Cheers!
-Rachel
