White flakes gently fall from the sky. Sunlight glistens off frozen branches. Sounds are hushed by knee-high snowdrifts.
A stunning picture – but the idyll is immediately torpedoed by the shrieks & giggles of my three sons, barreling full tilt down the hills on their sleds. Their fun is a combination of childish glee and dare-devilness, all at hair-raising speeds. I don’t know where they get it from (I lied, it’s totally from me!).
So far this year, we’ve had three snow days called in our town and its only the beginning of Winter. Even though there’s no white stuff on the ground today, living in New England, you know its coming! Why not prepare for the inevitable cold weather ahead with a gloriously rich white hot chocolate recipe! Introducing my Peppermint White Hot Chocolate!
How to make hot cocoa without cocoa powder?
I know it sounds a little odd, but you can totally make a delicious mug of hot cocoa with chocolate chips, and in this case, white chocolate chips or pieces of a white chocolate bar. Steaming hot milk is mixed with creamy white chocolate, vanilla, and a dash of peppermint extract, for a lovely variation on classic hot chocolate. Top with mountains of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed old-school red & white peppermint candies, and you have a treat any kid (or grown up!) would slurp up! Add a dash of vanilla vodka and take it to an ‘adults only’ snow day delight!
Better than a white hot chocolate mix…
This is almost a taste-copycat of a famous peppermint white hot chocolate from a popular coffee chain. It’s also better than any boxed mix I’ve ever had! I’ve shared other hot chocolate recipes before, but this one is just over the top rich & creamy!
Can I use this for a hot chocolate bar setup?
Absolutely! It’s a perfect pairing along with my Nutella & Kahlua Hot Chocolate, and Chocolate Peppermint Bark Shortbread Cookies! I would set up two batches of steaming hot milk in two crockpots, and a line of pretty holiday mugs. Pre-prepare all of the chocolate bits, extracts, and amazing toppings for your guests to create their own cups of hot cocoa! Bowls of crushed peppermints, chocolate chips, white chocolate shavings, and freshly whipped heavy cream, make a delightful & festive hot chocolate bar!
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
makes 4-6 servings
4 cups 2% milk
1 cup premium white chocolate morsels
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract
peppermint candies & whipped cream for garnish
Heat the 4 cups of milk at medium heat until steaming hot (not boiling!). Stir occasionally to make sure that the milk doesn’t scald.
Add the white chocolate chips, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted, either with a rubber spatula or wire whisk.
Serve in your favorite mugs, and top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies!
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup premium white chocolate morsels
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- peppermint candies & whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the 4 cups of milk at medium heat until steaming hot (not boiling!). Stir occasionally to make sure that the milk doesn’t scald.
- Add the white chocolate chips, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted, either with a rubber spatula or wire whisk.
- Serve in your favorite mugs, and top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies!
Last updated 12/5/2020
Am dreaming of this, Jessie!!! Definitely making it one of these cold days. Great recipe, thanks for sharing.
You are so sweet! Thank you! This is one of my favorite hot chocolate recipes!