December 12, 2016
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This creamy, White Hot Chocolate with Peppermint is a delicious twist on regular cocoa made with white chocolate chips and peppermint extract.
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
With my classic homemade hot cocoa mix and peppermint hot cocoa being two of the most popular recipes, why not make a white chocolate version? It’s the perfect treat for cold weather when you need something warm and sweet.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delightful holiday drink right at home. Why layer up the clothes, throw on jackets and load up the car for this tasty treat when you can make it right at home?
What I love about this recipe, is that I can make it traditional for my kids and as a latte for me (add a shot of espresso and it’s a peppermint white chocolate mocha!).
You can enjoy it while building gingerbread houses and decorating cookies and by adding a small candy cane as a stirrer, you have a delicious cup with the holiday flavors we all love.
It’s so good you will want to make extra to take with you in a thermos while riding around looking at all the holiday lights.
White Hot Chocolate ingredients
White chocolate chips are what give this cocoa a smooth, velvety texture. This recipe can easily be made dairy-free since white chocolate chips contain no dairy! Just swap the regular milk for a variety like oat or almond milk.
- Milk of choice
- White chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- Natural red coloring (optional)
The natural red food coloring is optional, but the pink color makes this cocoa more fun to drink and it can become a fun, festive candy-cane shade.
How to Make White Hot Chocolate
This hot cocoa is made on the stove-top so the white chocolate chips can meltdown into the milk and create a creamy consistency. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Melt
In a medium saucepan, stir the milk and chopped white chocolate together over medium-low heat, until the chocolate melts. - Add the Extract
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and peppermint extract. - Serve
Divide the cocoa into mugs and serve with your choice of toppings.
You’ll notice that the vanilla extract isn’t added to the white hot chocolate until the very end. This is because vanilla quickly cooks down when heated. If you add it too soon, the vanilla will evaporate and the taste will not be as strong.
When it comes to hot cocoa, toppings aren’t an option in my house. Everything from whipped cream to marshmallows, sprinkles, and around the holidays, crushed candy cane make this drink all the more delicious.
What’s your go-to holiday drink?
White Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk of your choice
- 8 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract more or less to taste
- Optional toppings: whipped cream crushed peppermints, marshmallows
Instructions
- Over medium-low heat, stir the milk and chopped white chocolate together in a medium saucepan, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the chocolate has melted.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and peppermint extract. Serve warm, with optional toppings if desired.
Erin
How do you make this dairy free with the addition of white chocolate which contains milk? Do you have a source for dairy free white chocolate? Thanks!
MOMables
There are only a couple of brands of white chocolate chips on the market. Here are some lactose free chocolate chips that melt the best http://amzn.to/2hZL5XK (note: it’s a 4pack)
Sandra
How would I make this into a latte?
Love your recipes!!! :)
MOMables
Hi Sandra, You can add a shot of espresso or a little instant coffee to your cup, that simple! Enjoy ;)