This Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is the perfect treat for chilly days! It’s warm, chocolatey, and filled with the fun crunch of peppermint pieces. Talk about festive vibes!
I love topping it with whipped cream and extra candy canes. It makes me feel all cozy, like a warm hug in a mug! And trust me, you’ll want to have a few of these this winter! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk is creamy and rich, but you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option. I find that coconut milk gives it a lovely flavor, too!
Heavy Cream: This adds velvety richness. If you want a lighter version, you can skip it or use half-and-half instead. Coconut cream is great for a non-dairy option.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to use dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you’re watching sugar, unsweetened chocolate works, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar level.
Candy Canes: These give the peppermint flavor, but if you can’t find them, peppermint extract is a good substitute. Use about 1/4 teaspoon instead and adjust to your taste!
How Do You Make the Creamiest Hot Chocolate?
The secret to creamy hot chocolate is the balance of milk and cream, as well as proper chocolate melting. Follow these steps for that velvety texture:
- Heat the milk and cream slowly over medium heat. Whisking helps combine everything well.
- When adding the chocolate, ensure the mixture is just warm—this gently melts the chocolate without making it greasy.
- Mix until it’s completely smooth. If it looks too thick, it’s okay to add a splash more milk!
- Finishing off with whipped cream and crushed candy canes adds a delightful texture contrast.
Remember, patience is key—rushing could result in a grainy texture. Enjoy every cozy sip!
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate Mixture:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 2 candy canes, crushed (plus 1 whole candy cane for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Optional: green sugar sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate will take about 10 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and satisfying treat for a cozy evening. Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, it’s all about mixing and warming up for a festive delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Milk and Cream:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place it over medium heat, whisking gently and frequently until the mixture is warm but not boiling. You’re aiming for a cozy, inviting warmth!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Now, it’s time to add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely and blends smoothly into the milk mixture. You’ll see the lovely, rich color coming through!
3. Add Flavor and Peppermint:
Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and half of the crushed candy canes, letting that peppermint flavor infuse into your delicious hot chocolate. Yum!
4. Serve Your Hot Chocolate:
Pour the warm hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. It’s the perfect rich and creamy consistency ready to deck your halls this season!
5. Top It Off:
Now for the fun part! Generously pile on the whipped cream atop each mug. Then, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the whipped cream to give it that festive touch.
6. Add a Garnish:
For a special finishing touch, hook a whole candy cane on the side of each mug. You can also add a sprinkle of green or colored sugar to make it truly festive!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and savor the warm, minty richness of this delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy treat for yourself!
This recipe yields 2 servings of creamy, peppermint-infused hot chocolate perfect for the holidays. Happy sipping!
Can I Use Almond or Oat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative works great in this recipe. Just be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness, as the recipe already includes sugar.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the hot chocolate in advance! Just heat it up gently when you’re ready to serve. If it thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk while reheating to loosen it back up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to redistribute the chocolate.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sugar?
Sure! You can substitute the granulated sugar with a sweetener of your choice, like honey or maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the amount to your taste preference!
