This Peppermint White Hot Chocolate has become our family's holiday tradition and now I'm excited to share it with you. When I first created this recipe, I wanted something special that everyone could enjoy regardless of their sugar preferences. That's why I created both "Naughty" and "Nice" versions.
The Naughty version uses a real candy cane for that nostalgic holiday flavor, while the Nice version uses peppermint extract for a lighter option. Both deliver that perfect blend of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint that will make your taste buds dance.
With just 4 simple ingredients and 12 minutes of your time, you'll have a festive drink that warms you from the inside out.
Why I Love This
- Two Versatile Versions: Choose between our "Naughty" (traditional) or "Nice" (reduced sugar) variations
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 12 minutes with minimal prep
- Kid-Approved: A guaranteed hit with children and perfect for Christmas Eve traditions
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different milk options and toppings
- Budget-Friendly: Only 4 simple ingredients needed
- Perfect for Any Season: Cozy for winter nights or can be served over ice for summer celebrations
- Impressive Presentation: Stunning holiday beverage that makes a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings
Ingredients
These simple ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors in our peppermint white hot chocolate. White chocolate provides a creamy, vanilla-forward base that's naturally sweeter than dark chocolate, making it the ideal partner for refreshing peppermint. The peppermint (either from extract or candy canes) delivers that signature holiday flavor without overwhelming the delicate white chocolate.
Vanilla extract enhances both flavors while adding warm depth. Your choice of milk creates the perfect canvas, whether you prefer the richness of dairy milk or the subtle nuttiness of almond milk. Together, these few ingredients transform into a festive drink that's both comforting and special without requiring a complicated shopping list.
"Nice" Version (Reduced Sugar)
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 50 grams low-sugar white chocolate
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
"Naughty" Version (Traditional)
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- 50 grams white chocolate
- 1 candy cane
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
- Red and green sprinkles
- Cinnamon dusting
- Mini marshmallows
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh mint leaf
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan: For gently heating and melting the ingredients together (a heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent scorching)
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Whisk: For continuous stirring to ensure smooth chocolate melting
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements
- Heat-Safe Mugs: Ideally festive holiday mugs to enhance presentation
- Candy Crusher (optional): To crush candy canes for garnish
How To Make
"Nice" Version
- Add the almond milk, low-sugar white chocolate, and peppermint extract to a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone whisk.
- Watch carefully and don't allow the mixture to boil – this can cause separation and scorching.
- Continue stirring until the white chocolate completely dissolves and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into heat-safe mugs and serve immediately.
"Naughty" Version
- Combine milk, white chocolate, and the candy cane in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously to help the candy cane and chocolate dissolve.
- Watch as the candy cane dissolves, turning the mixture a delicate pink color and infusing it with peppermint flavor.
- Continue stirring until both the candy cane and white chocolate have completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into heat-safe mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane if desired.
Substitutions
Milk Options
- Whole Milk: Creates the richest, creamiest texture (perfect for special occasions)
- Almond Milk: Adds a nutty flavor that complements the white chocolate beautifully
- Coconut Milk: Provides tropical undertones that create a unique flavor profile
- Oat Milk: Offers a creamy texture with subtle sweetness and is excellent for those with nut allergies
- Soy Milk: A protein-rich alternative that holds up well to heating
Sweetener Alternatives
- Erythritol or Monk Fruit Sweetened White Chocolate: For an even lower-sugar "Nice" version
- Stevia-Sweetened White Chocolate: Another sugar-free alternative
- White Chocolate Chips: Can replace buttons in equal amounts
Pro Tips
- Temperature Control: Never let the mixture boil – this can cause the chocolate to seize or the milk to scald.
- Chocolate Selection: For the best melting results, use high-quality white chocolate buttons or finely chopped white chocolate bars.
- Candy Cane Prep: For faster dissolution in the "Naughty" version, crush the candy cane slightly before adding.
- Milk Warming: For extra creaminess, warm the milk slightly before adding the chocolate.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare a larger batch and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Iced Version: Allow to cool completely, then serve over ice for a refreshing summer treat.
- Holiday Party Idea: Set up a hot chocolate bar with both variations and various toppings for guests to customize.
- Color Enhancement: For a more vibrant pink color in the "Naughty" version, choose red candy canes rather than white ones with red stripes.
FAQ
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free white chocolate for a completely vegan version.
Simply multiply all ingredients proportionally. For a party of 8, quadruple the recipe and use a large pot.
White chocolate can be temperamental. Ensure you're using medium-low heat and consider chopping larger pieces before adding to help them melt more evenly.
This recipe is naturally caffeine-free, making it perfect for children or evening enjoyment.
Absolutely! Add 1-1.5 oz of peppermint schnapps, Bailey's, or white chocolate liqueur per serving after removing from heat.
Keep stirring until serving or place plastic wrap directly on the surface if you need to let it sit.
Yes! Use the "warm" setting and stir occasionally. Perfect for holiday gatherings where guests can serve themselves.
For an extra thick and rich version, replace ¼ cup of the milk with heavy cream.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
"Nice" Version (Reduced Sugar)
- 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 50 grams low-sugar white chocolate
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
"Naughty" Version (Traditional)
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- 50 grams white chocolate
- 1 candy cane
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
- Red and green sprinkles
- Cinnamon dusting
- Mini marshmallows
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh mint leaf
Instructions
"Nice" Version
- Add the almond milk, low-sugar white chocolate, and peppermint extract to a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone whisk.
- Watch carefully and don't allow the mixture to boil – this can cause separation and scorching.
- Continue stirring until the white chocolate completely dissolves and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into heat-safe mugs and serve immediately.
"Naughty" Version
- Combine milk, white chocolate, and the candy cane in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously to help the candy cane and chocolate dissolve.
- Watch as the candy cane dissolves, turning the mixture a delicate pink color and infusing it with peppermint flavor.
- Continue stirring until both the candy cane and white chocolate have completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into heat-safe mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane if desired.
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