Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate tastes like pure holiday spirit in a mug. It is rich, creamy and made with real chocolate for that classic, cozy flavor. The peppermint syrup adds just the right amount of festive sweetness, turning a simple hot chocolate recipe into a café-style treat.
You'll crave this drink on cold winter days, especially when you want something comforting but easy. Perfect for recreating your favorite Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate at home or just wanting a holiday pick-me-up, this cozy beverage hits the spot.
If peppermint drinks are your thing, don't miss our Peppermint Espresso Martini or cozy Peppermint Mocha.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Real Chocolate Flavor: Chocolate chips melt into the milk and cream for a rich, silky hot cocoa drink that tastes just like the Starbucks version.
- Perfect Peppermint Balance: Peppermint syrup adds festive sweetness without overpowering the chocolate.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic items.
- Quick to Make: Ready in minutes on the stovetop, perfect for busy days during the holiday season.
Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy hot chocolate full of holiday spirit.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Whole Milk: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness.
- Chocolate Chips: Creates that real-chocolate base.
- Peppermint Syrup: Provides a consistent classic holiday flavor.
Grab yourself a medium saucepan, silicone whisk, measuring cups and spoons for this simple stovetop beverage.
Variations
- Non-Dairy Option: Use oat milk, soy milk or almond milk for a creamy but dairy-free cup.
- Lighter Version: Swap the syrup for peppermint extract, just remember a little goes a long way.
- Chocolate Variations: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. For a lighter version, whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips.
- Mocha Style: Add a shot of espresso or strong coffee for a peppermint mocha vibe.
How to Make a Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This cozy drink comes together quickly on the stovetop - just melt, whisk and pour.
Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk regularly over medium heat.
Once all the chocolate has melted (ensure that no chocolate sticks to the corner of the pot) and the milk is warmed to your liking, divide into 2 mugs.
Garnish as desired.
Hint: Warm over medium heat to avoid scorching the chocolate or the milk.
Recipe Tips
- Check the Pot Corners: Chocolate likes to hide along the edges, whisk well so nothing sticks.
- Customize Sweetness: Add a little white sugar or an extra splash of peppermint syrup if you prefer a sweeter cocoa.
- Serve Immediately: Hot chocolate thickens as it cools, enjoy it fresh for the best texture.
- Storage: Place cooled hot chocolate in a glass jar and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm up on the stove top to desired heat preference.
- Garnishes: Top with whipped cream and chocolate shaving, syrup or crushed peppermint.
If you're craving a little extra indulgence, serve it with our rich, chocolatey Rolo Brownies.
More Drinks
Serving Suggestions
- Peppermint Desserts: Pair alongside Peppermint Brownies, White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, Costco Peppermint Bark or our Peppermint Brownie Cookies.
Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
Absolutely. Just multiply the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker on the LOW setting.
You can, but the flavor won't be as rich. Real chocolate makes the biggest difference.
Any high-quality chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate work well.
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Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Silicone Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 140 grams chocolate chips about ¾ cup
- 2 tablespoon peppermint syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk regularly over medium heat.
- Once all the chocolate has melted (ensure that no chocolate sticks to the corner of the pot) and the milk is warmed to your liking, pour into 2 heat safe mugs.
- Garnish as desired.
Video
Notes
- Watch the Heat: Warm over medium heat to avoid scorching the chocolate or the milk.
- Check the Pot Corners: Chocolate likes to hide along the edges, whisk well so nothing sticks.
- Customize Sweetness: Add a little white sugar or an extra splash of peppermint syrup if you prefer a sweeter cocoa.
- Serve Immediately: Hot chocolate thickens as it cools, enjoy it fresh for the best texture.
- Storage: Place cooled hot chocolate in a glass jar and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm up on the stove top to desired heat preference.
- Garnishes: Top with whipped cream and chocolate shaving, syrup or crushed peppermint.
Nutrition
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I love this hot chocolate, the chocolate and peppermint is a great combination. Delicious.
Homemade is best, right?! Such a nice one! Thanks for the review.
We love this recipe, it is so rich and creamy and has just the right amount of peppermint!