Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This copycat Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate is rich and decadent. Milk, semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract make up this easy recipe. 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!

Making hot cocoa at home can be a fun and easy tradition. Make a big pot for the family while putting up decorations or make a triple batch and 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!

Highlights of The Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 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!
• Simple ingredients: made with milk, chocolate chips, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, peppermint and vanilla extract. This cocoa is too simple not to make at home, and better yet it’s not full of additives and preservatives like the store-bought version.
• 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.

A large mug full of warm peppermint hot cocoa is sure to warm you up in the cool winter months. Whip this up after shoveling, as an after dinner treat, or for a gathering and everyone will love it. Make a big batch and keep warm in the crockpot for a fun hot cocoa bar – for adults, serve with baileys, peppermint shnapps or kahlua for a boozy hot cocoa.

Kids will love a hot cocoa bar loaded with all the fun toppings and cool holiday mugs. It can be tricky to exactly replicate a restaurant recipe since we are not using commercial ingredients or equipment, but this copycat hot cocoa comes pretty dang close to the original.

Ingredient List & Substitutions

This Starbucks hot cocoa recipe is made with some simple ingredients, several you probably already have on hand or in your pantry. If there is a substitute for an ingredient, you’ll find it below.

• 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.
• Vanilla extract: use homemade or store-bought vanilla extract, I recommend pure vanilla extract. Or use vanilla bean paste.
• 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 Starbucks 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Thirdly, serve immediately topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes!

More Drool-Worthy Holiday Recipes

• Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies – classic brownie cookies with peppermint extract topped with crushed peppermints.
• Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows – from scratch marshmallows with a peppermint swirl.
• Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies – soft and chewy peanut butte cookies topped with chocolate kisses.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe – rich and creamy homemade fudge.
• Roll Out Sugar Cookies – soft sugar cookies cut into shapes and decorated with frosting.

The classic Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate is made with syrup to give it the signature peppermint flavor, while this homemade version is sweetened with sugar and made with peppermint extract.

Try some of my other copycat recipes like these Starbucks Marshmallow Dream Rice Krispies, Panera Cranberry Orange Muffins, or Panera Bread Pumpkin Streusel Muffins! All easy and delicious to make at home.

Tools I Use For This Starbucks Recipe

• 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

Hot chocolate is great on its own, but it’s even better with the toppings! Marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream make this rich hot cocoa even creamier, get creative with other toppings like:

• Peppermints or candy canes
• Large or mini marshmallows (could even toast the marshmallows)
• Chocolate shavings
• Homemade whipped cream
• White chocolate chips

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

What does peppermint hot cocoa taste like?

Peppermint hot cocoa is rich, creamy, and decadent. The perfect mixture of melted semi-sweet chocolate and a tingle of peppermint extract.

What is peppermint hot chocolate made of?

Make peppermint hot chocolate with milk, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Just 6 simple ingredients.

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