Peppermint Hot Chocolate
The recipe was originally published in November 2010. It was retested with reader feedback, rephotographed, rewritten, and republished for your enjoyment in December 2017.

So, my husband doesnโ€™t like hot chocolate. Which is something I wholly do not understand. Whatโ€™s not to like? Itโ€™s warm. Itโ€™s cozy. ITโ€™S CHOCOLATE.

But alas, the hot chocolate drinking in our house is left up to me and Juniโ€”and we happily accept our duties as chocolate drinkers. We donโ€™t have a lot of hot chocolate in our house, but there are a few times when itโ€™s really appropriate. Like after the first snow. Or, in the case of this festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate, when we decorate our Christmas tree each year!

Hot Chocolate in Pot

My version of hot chocolate is on the healthier side of the food spectrumโ€”I mean, obviously it isnโ€™t packed with raw kale and chia seeds or anythingโ€”but itโ€™s definitely more nourishing for your body than the stuff with the little fake marshmallows from the packet.

Refined sugar is out, and instead we use maple syrup (you can also use honey, if thatโ€™s your thang). Instead of cowโ€™s milk, I prefer to use full-fat coconut milk to keep our hot cocoa dairy-free. And instead of powdered cocoa, I like to cut up really dark chocolate bars (70%+ cacao) and melt those in. The melted chocolate makes it 100 times more rich and decadent than the powdered stuff. Trust me, itโ€™s worth it.

Hot Chocolate

Another place thatโ€™s worth it: investing in some good peppermint extract. I donโ€™t know if youโ€™ve noticed, but lower quality peppermint extract tastes so much like straight up alcohol. I love the Nielsen-Massey Peppermint Extract. Itโ€™s not cheap, but a little bit goes a long way. Happy holidays, friends!

 

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Healthier Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Yield: 4
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This Rich Peppermint Hot Chocolate is drinkable perfection for a cold winter day, and more nourishing for your body than the stuff with the little fake marshmallows from the packet.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 13-ounce can full fat coconut milk (about 1 3/4 cups)
  • 1 13-ounce can lite coconut milk (about 1 3/4 cups)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa), roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, and candy canes, optional for garnish.

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the maple syrup, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove pot from heat.
  2. Stir in the chocolate, and continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, starting with 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint and adding more if desired. Pour into four mugs, and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, or candy canes (if desired).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 500Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 2gSugar: 34gProtein: 4g

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

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11 Comments

  1. So so yummy! Only had 1.5 oz of cocoa so added just 3 level tblspn of Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa and it still turned out really creamy and tasty. I did finish mixing in the blender to get the clumps out. A 1/2 cup tops was plenty as it’s so rich. Saved some for breakfast in the a m. To mix my collagen in!

  2. I tried the hot chocolate yesterday, and it was so good. If I had known it was so easy to make hot chocolate, I would have been making homemade for a while now. Thanks!!

  3. I am making your peppermint hot chocolate today! Can’t wait!!! Yay for Christmas lights, decorations and all things Christmas!!! We are putting up the tree, lights and decorations today ๐Ÿ™‚

    Jen

  4. I’m so happy I came across your blog (via Spark)! I really want to start eating more organic so I’m reading as much as I can. Love the peppermint mocha and I love your boots!