Elsa's Snowflake Peppermint Cocoa

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich hot cocoa infused with peppermint and topped with whipped cream and snowflake sprinkles, perfect for cozy winter nights. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 General cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture is hot and smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract for a cool, festive flavor.
  3. Step 3: Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top each with approximately 1/4 cup whipped cream.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp snowflake sprinkles over the whipped cream to mimic magical winter snowflakes. Serve immediately while warm for a comforting beverage.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Elsa's Snowflake Peppermint Cocoa take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Elsa's Snowflake Peppermint Cocoa?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Elsa's Snowflake Peppermint Cocoa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Elsa's Snowflake Peppermint Cocoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Elsa's Snowflake Peppermint Cocoa?

General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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