This Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is a festive treat that’s perfect for chilly days! It’s rich, creamy chocolate with a peppermint twist. Who can resist that?
It’s like a warm hug in a cup! I love to top mine with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for extra fun. Don’t worry if it gets a bit messy—it’s worth every drop! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich and creamy texture, but you can use any milk you prefer. Almond, oat, or soy milk also work great. Coconut milk adds a delicious hint of coconut flavor too!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute it with chocolate syrup, just reduce the sugar since it’s already sweetened.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips create a delightful chocolatey base. If you want a darker chocolate flavor, try dark chocolate chips. For a sweeter variation, milk chocolate chips work well too.
Peppermint Extract: This gives that refreshing candy cane taste. If you don’t have it, try using crushed peppermint candies as a substitute, but be aware they will add some sweetness.
How Do I Make Sure My Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to silky hot chocolate is in how you mix your ingredients. Start by whisking the cocoa powder and sugar with your milk over medium heat. This prevents clumps of cocoa powder from forming.
- Gradually heat, stirring constantly until hot but never boiling to avoid scalding the milk.
- Add chocolate chips once the mixture is warm, and keep whisking until fully melted and blended.
This technique will leave you with a rich and creamy drink every time!
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream, for topping
- 2 candy canes (one for stirring, one crushed for garnish)
- Optional: red and green sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing your ingredients, heating the milk, and whisking until it’s all perfectly blended. The hardest part? Waiting for it to cool down just enough to take that first sip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Turn the heat to medium and whisk these together frequently, keeping an eye on the mixture as it heats up. You want it hot, but not boiling—this should take about 3–5 minutes.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Once your milk mixture is hot, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Keep whisking until the chocolate is completely melted and everything is smooth. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will start to smell wonderful!
3. Flavor it Up:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Give it a taste to see if you want more minty goodness—if so, feel free to add a little more!
4. Serve it Up:
Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Don’t be shy with the portions; you deserve a hearty serving!
5. Add the Toppings:
Top your hot chocolate generously with whipped cream. Then, sprinkle some crushed candy cane pieces on top for that lovely festive crunch. If you want to really make it special, add some red and green sprinkles!
6. Decorate and Enjoy:
Finish off by placing a whole candy cane in the cup—this makes a great stirrer and adds even more peppermint flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your warm and cozy Candy Cane Hot Chocolate!
Happy sipping! 🎄☕️
Can I Use Dairy Alternatives for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out whole milk for almond, oat, coconut, or any other milk alternative you prefer. Just keep in mind that different milks might slightly alter the flavor and creaminess of your hot chocolate.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon. You can always taste it as you mix and add more sugar if needed. Remember, the candy cane garnish will also contribute sweetness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any hot chocolate left over, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and add your toppings right before you enjoy it for the best freshness!
