Imagine curling up on a chilly evening with a warm mug of smooth, velvety chocolate, topped with fluffy peppermint-scented whipped cream—pure bliss. This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe is a cozy treat that feels like a luxurious hug in a cup, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

A clear glass mug stands on a wooden board with dark chocolate pieces scattered around it on a white marbled surface. The glass is filled halfway with thick, rich dark brown hot chocolate being poured from a gray pot with chocolate stains inside. In the background, another clear glass mug sits full of the same dark brown hot chocolate topped with a large swirl of white whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The texture of the hot chocolate looks smooth and creamy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it strikes the perfect balance between rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint without being overpowering. It’s not your average hot cocoa—it’s an experience.

Rich, Authentic Flavor: Using bittersweet chocolate and quality cocoa powder gives this hot chocolate a deep, complex taste you won’t get from powder mixes.
Peppermint Whip Magic: The peppermint whipped cream adds a festive, aromatic twist that lifts the whole drink, making it extra special.
Simple Yet Impressive: It takes less than 15 minutes to make but feels like a gourmet treat—perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself.
Customizable Comfort: You can tweak the peppermint intensity and chocolate richness to suit your mood every time you make it.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon holding smooth, dark brown liquid above a white speckled pot filled with the same liquid. The liquid has tiny bubbles on the surface, giving it a light foam texture. The spoon is positioned horizontally in the middle of the image, while the pot’s edge frames the bottom and left sides. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic begins with a careful mix of dairy and chocolate, plus a peppermint twist that transforms a classic into something memorable. Each ingredient has a purpose, and together they create harmony in your cup.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of Dutch-processed cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, two ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate chunks, a few drops of vanilla bean paste in a small white ceramic bowl, and a few drops of peppermint extract in a small white ceramic bowl placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy, balancing richness and smoothness perfectly.
Heavy cream (for hot chocolate): Boosts the indulgence factor, giving the drink a silky texture that coats your palate.
Cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or unsweetened): Provides that intense chocolate flavor foundation—making sure your hot chocolate is anything but flat.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough to highlight the chocolate’s depth without overpowering it.
Bittersweet chocolate (70% cocoa or higher): Melts beautifully for a rich, complex finish with slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Brings a lovely warm aroma and rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness.
Heavy cream (for whipped cream): A must for that luscious, airy whipped cream that peaks beautifully.
Powdered sugar: Helps stabilize the whipped cream and adds smooth sweetness without grit.
Peppermint extract: Just the right hint of minty freshness that makes this hot chocolate festive and fragrant.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe adapts to different tastes. Sometimes I dial up the peppermint if I’m feeling festive, other times I add a pinch of cinnamon for a spicy twist. Feel free to play around—you’ll find your signature version!

Variation: Once, I swapped peppermint extract for orange zest in the whipped cream—surprisingly delightful and perfect for a winter brunch!
Dietary swap: Try oat milk and coconut cream if you need a dairy-free option; the flavor profile changes but stays delicious.
Intensify the chocolate: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to boost the chocolate’s richness even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream Gently

Pour whole milk and heavy cream into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch closely—when steam just begins to rise, but before it simmers, you’re ready for the next step. Heating too fast can scorch the milk, so patience here pays off big time.

Step 2: Incorporate the Cocoa Powder Smoothly

Sift your cocoa powder into the warm milk and cream mixture as you whisk gently but thoroughly. This helps avoid lumps and ensures that silky chocolate flavor spreads evenly. I find using a whisk here really elevates the texture—no clumps, just pure smoothness.

Step 3: Sweeten and Melt in the Chocolate

Add granulated sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved—taste if you like, to adjust sweetness. Then stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate in two batches, letting each melt completely before adding more. This slow melting builds richness and prevents graininess in the drink.

Step 4: Enhance with Vanilla and Finish Heating

Stir in vanilla bean paste for that beautiful warm note. Let the mixture heat gently for another two minutes—watch the texture. It should be glossy, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the whipped cream.

Step 5: Whip Up the Peppermint Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and peppermint extract. Whisk by hand or use a mixer until you reach your preferred peak—soft peaks work nicely if you’re spooning it on, but for a fancy piped look that holds, go for stiff peaks. The peppermint aroma will fill your kitchen and raise your spirits.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, then crown each with the peppermint whipped cream. For a little extra flair, sprinkle shaved chocolate, crushed peppermint candies, or colorful sprinkles on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth!

Top Tip

Over the years, making this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe has taught me a few tricks that make all the difference between ‘just good’ and unforgettable. I’m sharing these tips so your first sip blows you away just like mine did.

Choose Quality Chocolate: Invest in good bittersweet chocolate with 70% cocoa or more. It melts smoothly and enriches the flavor without bitterness.
Don’t Boil the Milk: Heating the dairy just until steaming protects its delicate flavors and prevents a burnt taste.
Whip Cream in a Cold Bowl: For fluffiest, most stable peppermint whipped cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are chilled beforehand.
Add Peppermint Extract Last: It’s potent, so adding it when whipping cream lets you control the minty punch without it overpowering the chocolate.

How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

hot chocolate with peppermint - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with shaved bittersweet chocolate and crushed peppermint candies—adds a satisfying crunch and that festive look. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of cocoa powder dusted on top for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements this hot chocolate quite like buttery shortbread cookies or ginger snaps. For a savory balance, I like a simple cheese board with mild cheeses and dried cranberries when serving guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve this in clear mugs topped with a peppermint candy cane hanging on the rim—it doubles as a stirrer and adds extra charm. You can also pipe the peppermint whipped cream into pretty rosettes using a star tip for a luxe touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover hot chocolate, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I always recommend reheating gently over low heat to prevent curdling or burning.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the entire hot chocolate because the texture changes, but you can freeze extra peppermint whipped cream in piping bags, which thaw quickly and hold their shape when refrozen thoughtfully.

Reheating

When reheating, warm slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep it smooth. Then freshen with a quick whip of your peppermint cream for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use skim milk or non-dairy milk in this recipe?

You can substitute skim milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, but keep in mind the texture won’t be as creamy or rich. If using non-dairy, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream to maintain that luscious mouthfeel.

How do I prevent the hot chocolate from becoming grainy?

To avoid graininess, make sure to whisk the cocoa powder into the warmed milk thoroughly and add chocolate in small batches, letting it melt fully each time. Also, do not let the mixture boil, which can cause separation.

Can I make the peppermint whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the peppermint whipped cream a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. For best texture, whip it briefly again just before serving to refresh the peaks.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

No worries! You can use vanilla extract as a substitute in the same quantity. Vanilla bean paste adds a bit more texture and aroma, but the extract still gives wonderful flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe is one of those special recipes that I reach for whenever I need comfort and a little indulgence all in one. Sharing it with friends or savoring it quietly feels like a small celebration every time. I hope you’ll enjoy crafting and sipping it just as much as I do—cheers to cozy moments ahead!