Peppermint French Hot Chocolate

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Thick, rich, and completely decadent, this Peppermint French Hot Chocolate is sure to hit the spot this Christmas.

This year, why not take your hot chocolate game up a notch with a truly indulgent twist? Enter Peppermint French Hot Chocolate—a luxurious, velvety drink that combines rich semisweet chocolate with creamy milk and a hint of peppermint. It’s the ultimate indulgence for chilly winter nights and a perfect treat for gatherings with family and friends. The creamy texture and the refreshing burst of peppermint will have you coming back for more, making it a standout holiday drink

Why Peppermint French Hot Chocolate?

While a standard cup of hot chocolate is always a winner, Peppermint French Hot Chocolate offers a few unique advantages that make it especially indulgent. For starters, the combination of semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder creates a depth of flavor that’s far richer than regular hot chocolate. The whole milk and heavy cream make it wonderfully creamy, turning every sip into a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth experience. But it’s the peppermint extract that really sets this drink apart, adding a fresh, festive note that’s perfect for the holidays.

This recipe is super simple to make, yet it feels like an over-the-top treat that would be served in an upscale café. The best part? You can whip it up in the comfort of your own kitchen without the hassle of any fancy equipment. With just a few ingredients, you'll have a holiday drink that's perfect for cozy nights at home or serving up to guests at a holiday gathering. Let's make it.

The Recipe: Peppermint French Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

For the Peppermint French Hot Chocolate:

• 7 ounces Semisweet Chocolate (200 g)
• 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (14 g)
• 1 ¼ cups Whole Milk (300 ml)
• ¾ cup Heavy Cream (180 ml)
• 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (36 g)
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (5 ml)
• ½ teaspoon Pure Peppermint Extract (2.5 ml)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate: Chop the semisweet chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. This will help the chocolate melt evenly and quickly when combined with the warm milk and cream.
2. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot but not boiling. Be careful not to let it reach a full boil, as this can cause the milk to curdle.
3. Melt the Chocolate: Once the milk and cream are hot, pour the chopped chocolate into the pan, and turn the heat off. Let it sit for a minute to soften, then stir until smooth. Gradually add the rest of the hot milk and cream mixture to the chocolate, stirring continuously to combine. This will create a smooth, creamy base for your hot chocolate.
4. Add Cocoa and Sugar: Turn the heat to low. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until fully incorporated and the hot chocolate is smooth. The cocoa powder adds an extra layer of chocolatey depth, while the sugar helps balance the richness of the chocolate.
5. Flavor the Hot Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Stir to combine. The peppermint extract gives this hot chocolate its signature holiday flavor, while the vanilla extract adds warmth and richness.
6. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candy, or a peppermint stick, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the indulgence of this creamy, peppermint-infused hot chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of chocolate? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for semisweet chocolate, you can experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your tastes. Dark chocolate will give the hot chocolate a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, creamier drink. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect balance.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! If you're looking to make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your preferred non-dairy alternatives. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are all great options. Be sure to use a dairy-free version of the semisweet chocolate as well. Just note that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
3. Can I make this ahead of time? This Peppermint French Hot Chocolate is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
4. Can I add more peppermint flavor? If you're a big fan of peppermint, feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking. Start with the ½ teaspoon called for in the recipe, then taste and add more in small increments if you want a stronger minty flavor. Just be cautious, as peppermint extract can be quite potent!

Dietary Substitutions

I love providing gluten and dairy free substitutions so that those with alternate dietary needs can enjoy my recipes to their fullest! These are subs that I have either used and continue to stock in my own home, or that have come highly recommended from others. I want your baking experience to be the best it can be, and avoiding gluten or dairy shouldn’t hinder that process in the slightest. 

As always, here is a list of tried and true dietary substitutes, so that you can enjoy this hot chocolate without the addition of dairy. 

Scharffen Berger has a wonderful Oat Milk Chocolate Chunks with Coconut Sugar that would be an ideal vegan replacement for the bar chocolate in this recipe.

Silk Plant Based Half and Half Alternative is a great alternative to dairy milk in this recipe. Unsweetened plant based milks would work as well, but the half and half would provide the creaminess that dairy whole milk adds to this recipe.  

Silk Dairy Free Heavy Cream is a great option for replacing the dairy cream in this cocoa. 

Conclusion

Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this drink will become a holiday favorite for years to come. Whether you're snuggled up on the couch, hosting a festive gathering, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this peppermint-infused hot chocolate is the perfect way to bring a little extra magic to your winter days.

If you loved this Peppermint French Hot Chocolate recipe, I’d be so grateful for you to leave a 5 star rating + review. 

Tag @heathershomebakery on Instagram if you upload a pic too, because I want to see your creations. 

Lastly, post this recipe to any of your boards by tapping the Pinterest icon and clicking on your favorite photo. Save and enjoy! 

XO,

Heather 

PS: Enjoy this Peppermint French Hot Chocolate with these Browned Butter Sugar Cookies: it's a holiday match made in heaven!