Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Continuing on with the holiday spirit as I share this quick and easy recipe for Peppermint Hot Chocolate! This is a copycat of Starbucks’ peppermint hot cocoa drink that is so loved. It’s so simple to make, tastes amazing and you can enjoy it year round. I hope you love it…

red joy mug with faux whipped cream topper

 

ingredients needed for peppermint hot chocolate

  • 2 cups of milk
  • 2 cups of half and half (you can use heavy cream, but I prefer a lighter taste)
  • 7 oz of condensed milk (1/2 can)
  • 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp of peppermint extract

ingredients for peppermint hot chocolate

HOW TO MAKE PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE

This recipe can also be made vegan with just a few simple substitutions! Use a dairy-free milk such as soy milk or almond milk instead of both the milk and half and half. Skip the condensed milk.

peppermint hot chocolate pin

Be sure to PIN this for later!

how to make peppermint hot chocolate step by step

Are you a fan of Starbucks’ Peppermint Hot Chocolate? If so, you’ll love this copycat recipe for your own at home. It’s perfect for the colder months and will keep you warm all winter long!

This can be made on the stove or in your instapot! I prefer make it on the stove.

first

Slowly pour in condensed milk and then chocolate chips and whisk over low heat until melted stirring often.

pouring condensed milk into pan on stove top

Any chocolate chips will do for this recipe; however, I used Nestle Toll House brand for mine.

adding chocolate chips to pan

Keep stirring until fully incorporated, making sure the mixture does not stick to the bottom of your pan.

whisking chocolate chips for hot chocolate

next

Gradually incorporate the half and half one cup at a time and finally whisk in the whole milk one cup at a time. Adjust by adding more milk if needed for taste.

pouring half and half

last

Drop in the vanillla extract and the peppermint extract to taste.

adding peppermint extract to peppermint hot chocolate

serving hot cocoa

It’s time to enjoy the holiday season with a hot cup of pepperminty goodness that is sure to delight both young and old. This recipe is easy to make, takes just minutes, and tastes wonderful!

Grab a ladle and pour a cup in a cute Santa Mug off your Vintage Santa Mug Tree!

vintage Santa tree with lights

You can even jazz it up by adding whipped cream topping or chocolate shavings.

whipped topping for hot chocolate

Optionally, crush a few peppermint candies in a ziploc baggie. crushing peppermints for hot chocolate topping

Be sure to eave some larger chunks.

broken peppermint pieces for hot chocolate

Finally, add a super cute and festive straw like this red and white polka dot one from Dollar Tree to make it feel even more special!

cute red and white polka dot straw

What are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and whip up some deliciousness today!

STEP BY STEP VIDEO TUTORIAL

If you want to see the exact step-by-step process, be sure to check out this video below over on my YouTube Channel!  

peppermint hot chocolate youtube thumbnail

This recipe turns out so yummy~ I hope you’ll try it and let me know in the comments below what you think!

overhead view of peppermint toppings in santa mug

Start a new holiday tradition and make this easy peppermint hot chocolate recipe each year! And remember…. “Christmas Calories Don’t Count!”

final santa mug with peppermint hot cocoa

So grab your favorite holiday mug or make one with Sharpies like this!

Ceramic mug with Sharpie on the handle

Make a cute hot cocoa bar and add these cute FAUX MUG TOPPERS to your mugs!

red faux whipped cream mug topper

other holiday treats

what is the difference between cocoa and hot chocolate?

This is a question I have had for as long as I can remember! We tend to think of them as both the same thing; however, there is a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate.

Hot Cocoa is made with cocoa powder and tends to be much lighter whereas, hot chocolate is made with chocolate like this recipe using chocolate chips which makes it much richer and creamier in texture.

Which one you choose depends on your taste; however, I like to go with hot chocolate for special occasions due to it’s richness! The added hint of peppermint flavor just kicks it up a notch.

What is the difference between mocha and hot chocolate?

This is another question that easily gets a lot of people confused. Hot chocolate is a sweet drink with toppings like whipped cream, peppermints and chocolate drizzle. Mocha is hot chocolate with added coffee. Yum! 
 
Starbucks sells a yummy warm Peppermint Mocha drink during the holiday seaason, not to be confused with their peppermint hot cocoa mix.
 

Does Starbucks sell peppermint hot chocolate mix?

Yes! It’s definitely a shortcut to buy the peppermint hot chocolate mix from the store; however, you will not get the yummy smell permeating through your house during the holidays or the richness of add more chocoloate chips to your hearts desire!

Here it is for sale on AMAZON (affiliate link)

These are some other Starbuck’s Peppermint Hot Chocolate things to try!

What ARE other some STARBUCKS HOLIDAY DRINKS?

  • caramel brule latte
  • toasted white chocolate mocha
  • iced sugar cookie almond milk latte
  • chestnut praline latte
  • irish cream cold brew
  • peppermint mocha

Check out this fun DIY for repurposing those Starbucks Cold Brew amber bottles!

here’s a quick way to repurpose starbucks drink bottles

starbucks peppermint hot cocoa container

Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Starbucks Copycat)

This is a copycat of Starbucks' peppermint hot chocolate drink that is so loved. It's so simple to make, tastes amazing and you can enjoy it year round. I hope you love it...
Course Drinks

Equipment

  • wisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of milk
  • 2 cups of half and half you can use heavy cream, but I prefer a lighter taste
  • 7 oz of condensed milk
  • 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp of peppermint extract

Instructions
 

  • Slowly stir condensed milk and chocolate chips over low heat until melted stirring often.
  • Gradually incorporate the half and half and finally the whole milk.
  • Drop in the vanillla extract and the peppermint extract to taste.
Keyword hot chocolate, peppermint, starbucks
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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