Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about that crisp air, the twinkling lights, and the absolute *need* for a warm, comforting mug in your hands, right? My absolute favorite way to embrace all that cozy goodness is with a steaming cup of this incredible Candy Cane Hot Chocolate. It takes that classic, creamy chocolatey goodness we all adore and gives it this wonderfully refreshing peppermint kick that just screams winter wonderland. Honestly, the smell alone makes me feel like I’m right back by the fireplace, watching the snow fall. It’s so simple, but it feels like such a special treat!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Seriously, this recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! It’s:

Super Easy: You can whip this up in minutes, perfect for those busy holiday evenings.
Festive & Fun: That peppermint swirl is pure holiday cheer in a mug!
Deliciously Creamy: It’s rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-comforting.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from the littlest elves to the grown-ups, goes crazy for this.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Alright, let’s get our goodies together for the most amazing Candy Cane Hot Chocolate you’ve ever tasted! First up, we need 4 cups of milk. You can use whole milk for extra creaminess, or even a mix of milk and cream if you’re feeling extra fancy. Then, grab 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Trust me, a good quality cocoa powder makes a HUGE difference here – it’s what gives us that deep chocolate flavor without being too sweet. We’ll also need 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to get that perfect sweetness balance. Don’t forget 1/4 teaspoon of salt; it sounds weird for hot chocolate, but it really makes the chocolate flavor pop! For that signature touch, we’ve got 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and, the star of the show, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. You can always add a tiny bit more if you really love that minty zing! And of course, you can’t have candy cane hot chocolate without 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes. Just pop them in a bag and give ’em a good whack with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan!

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

So, about that milk – whole milk is my go-to for that luxurious, creamy texture, but skim or almond milk will work too if you need it lighter. Just know it might not be quite as rich. For the cocoa powder, I really recommend using a Dutch-process cocoa if you have it; it’s a bit smoother and less acidic. If you find yourself wanting more peppermint power, just add another 1/4 teaspoon of the extract. Start slow; you can always add more! And if you don’t have candy canes on hand, you could totally use peppermint candies or even a bit of peppermint bark to crush up. Whatever gets you that festive flavor!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Okay, let’s get this party started and whip up the most amazing mug of Candy Cane Hot Chocolate! First things first, grab a nice, sturdy saucepan. Pour in your 4 cups of milk. Now, we need to add the dry stuff: whisk in that 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, the 3/4 cup of sugar, and the crucial 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it all a good whisk until it’s nice and combined – you don’t want any sneaky lumps of cocoa hiding at the bottom!

Next, we’re going to put this pan over medium heat. This is important: you want to stir it *constantly*. Seriously, keep that spoon moving! We’re aiming for hot and steamy, with little wisps of vapor rising up, but we absolutely *do not* want it to boil. Boiling can make the milk scorch, and nobody wants that! Once it’s perfectly hot and steamy, take it off the heat. Now for the magic flavor boosts: stir in that 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the star of the show, the 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Give it one last good stir to make sure all those yummy flavors are blended in.

Now comes the best part! Ladle that gorgeous, steaming hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. If you’re feeling extra festive – and why wouldn’t you be?! – top it off with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of those crushed candy canes. It’s just the perfect, cozy hug in a mug, ready to warm you right up!

Tips for the Ultimate Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Experience

To really make this Candy Cane Hot Chocolate sing, make sure you don’t rush the heating process. Gentle, consistent heat is key to a smooth, non-scorched base. When you add the peppermint extract, give it a really good stir; sometimes it likes to hide! If you want an even richer, more decadent experience, try using half-and-half instead of milk – it’s a total game-changer. And don’t be afraid to taste and adjust that peppermint level. A little goes a long way, but the perfect balance is pure bliss! For more delightful drink recipes, check out our cocktail recipes.

Perfect Serving Suggestions for Your Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

This dreamy Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is practically begging for some delicious friends! I love pairing it with a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie or a nice, buttery shortbread. For an extra festive touch, make sure you’ve got those crushed candy canes ready to sprinkle generously on top of the whipped cream – they look so pretty! You could also dip the rim of your mug in a little bit of melted chocolate and then into more crushed candy canes before pouring the hot chocolate. So festive! If you’re looking for other festive drinks, consider our Tiramisu Espresso Martini.

Storing and Reheating Your Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Got leftovers of this amazing Candy Cane Hot Chocolate? Lucky you! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container or a jar in the fridge. It should stay good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready for another cozy cup, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. You can also zap it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every 30 seconds or so to keep it from getting too hot in spots or forming that yucky skin!

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Q1. Can I make this Candy Cane Hot Chocolate ahead of time?
You can certainly prep the base mixture (milk, cocoa, sugar, salt) ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat it gently on the stove and then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts right before serving. It’s best to add the crushed candy canes on top just before you drink it so they don’t get too mushy!

Q2. How much peppermint extract should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon, which gives a nice, balanced peppermint flavor that complements the chocolate without being overpowering. However, everyone’s preference is different! Start with 1/2 teaspoon, give it a good stir, and taste it. You can always add another 1/4 teaspoon if you like your peppermint hot chocolate extra minty!

Q3. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
The easiest way is to put them in a zip-top bag, seal it well, and then just go to town on them with a rolling pin or the flat bottom of a heavy pan. You can make them as fine or as chunky as you like! A food processor works too, but be careful not to turn them into powder unless that’s the look you’re going for. A little texture is nice! For more fun holiday recipes, consider our Drunk Bunny Easter Cocktail.

Q4. Can I make this a dairy-free or vegan holiday drink?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. For the topping, use a vegan whipped cream. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so it’s a super simple switch to make this a wonderful vegan holiday drink!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Just a heads-up, this info is an estimate, okay? But for a serving of this delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate, you’re looking at roughly 350 calories. It’s got about 55g of sugar, which makes sense with all that chocolatey goodness and sweet candy cane! You’ll also get around 10g of fat, with 6g of that being saturated, and about 8g of protein. It’s a tasty treat, for sure! For more healthy drink options, check out our smoothies and blended drinks.

Amazing Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Bliss

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and creamy hot chocolate infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is hot and steaming but not boiling.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your preference.
You can add a splash of Kahlua or Baileys for an adult version.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 55g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Candy Cane Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Holiday Drink, Christmas Drink, Winter Drink, Chocolate Peppermint