So, my husband doesn’t like hot chocolate. Which is something I wholly do not understand. What’s not to like? It’s warm. It’s cozy. IT’S CHOCOLATE.
But alas, the hot chocolate drinking in our house is left up to me and Juni—and we happily accept our duties as chocolate drinkers. We don’t have a lot of hot chocolate in our house, but there are a few times when it’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!
My version of hot chocolate is on the healthier side of the food spectrum—I mean, obviously it isn’t packed with raw kale and chia seeds or anything—but it’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 that’s your thang). Instead of cow’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, it’s worth it.
Another place that’s worth it: investing in some good peppermint extract. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but lower quality peppermint extract tastes so much like straight up alcohol. I love the Nielsen-Massey Peppermint Extract. It’s not cheap, but a little bit goes a long way. Happy holidays, friends!
Healthier Peppermint Hot Chocolate
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
- 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.
- Stir in the chocolate, and continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted.
- 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 servingAmount 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.
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!
What brand of dark chocolate would you recommend to make this?
I love the Ghirardelli bars—anything darker than 70%. 🙂
Thank you! This looks so good that I need to make it?
Simply i would say “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt”
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!!
It is sooooo good any easy! Mmm, I want some now. 🙂
Nice Santa mug. Where did you find that?
From Walmart, in their clearance section, probably 3 or 4 years ago. 🙂
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 🙂
Jen
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!