This Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is a fun twist on a classic treat! It’s creamy, chocolatey, and has a delightful hint of peppermint, making it perfect for cozy winter nights.
Every sip feels like a warm hug, and you can top it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for extra cheer. I love making it when I’m snuggled up with a good book! 📚☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich creaminess, but feel free to use any milk you like! Almond, oat, or soy milk work well, especially if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder offers deep chocolate flavor. If you have Dutch-processed cocoa, that can give a smoother taste. You could even try chocolate syrup in a pinch, but adjust sugar accordingly.
Candy Canes: Classic peppermint flavor! If you can’t find candy canes, peppermint extract is a fantastic substitute. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the chocolate.
Whipped Cream: I love to use homemade whipped cream for freshness! If you’re short on time, store-bought whipped cream is still a treat.
How Do I Make Sure My Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a perfectly smooth hot chocolate is mixing the cocoa and sugar with a bit of warm milk first. This forms a paste that avoids lumps in your drink.
- Start with medium heat on your saucepan to gently warm the milk.
- Mix the cocoa and sugar, then slowly combine with warm milk, stirring until smooth.
- Return the paste to the saucepan and whisk continuously to combine.
This technique ensures your hot chocolate is velvety and enjoyable with each sip. Don’t rush it—taking a few extra minutes pays off in flavor!
How to Make Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- 1 candy cane, plus extra crushed candy cane pieces for garnish
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, then a few minutes for garnishing to make it festive! Perfect for a cozy treat anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Milk:
Start by pouring your choice of milk into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. You want the milk to be warm but not boiling, so keep an eye on it!
2. Mix Cocoa and Sugar:
While the milk is warming, take a separate bowl and mix together the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. This will help create a smooth chocolate mixture later. Add about 2 tablespoons of the warm milk to the cocoa mixture and stir until it forms a smooth chocolate paste.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, pour that chocolate paste back into the saucepan with the warmed milk. Stir it continuously until everything is fully combined and hot. This helps make sure you don’t get any lumps—yum!
4. Add the Flavors:
Once the mixture is hot, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The aroma will be heavenly!
5. Serve Your Hot Chocolate:
Pour the rich and creamy hot chocolate into a cozy mug, and don’t be shy!
6. Top It Off:
Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s all about that creaminess!
7. Garnish for Festivity:
Place a whole candy cane on the edge of the mug for decoration. Then, sprinkle some crushed candy cane pieces and optional chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top for an extra festive touch!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Hot Chocolate. Perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with friends!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk you prefer works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, you can reduce the sugar by half or omit it entirely. The candy cane adds sweetness too, so you can balance it out based on your taste!
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the hot chocolate mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add whipped cream and garnishes before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir well and warm gently to avoid curdling.