Elsa’s Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Rich hot chocolate infused with cool peppermint and topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a magical winter treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes brings together whole milk, ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, tablespoons granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons mini candy canes, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 cups whole milk until steaming but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and whisk in 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until smooth and fully melted.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, then return to low heat and warm gently for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: In a chilled bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Step 5: Pour hot chocolate into mugs, top each with a generous dollop of the whipped cream, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons crushed mini candy canes over the cream to finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Elsa’s Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Elsa’s Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
Refrigerate any leftover elsa’s snowy peppermint hot chocolate in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Elsa’s Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
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 Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate 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 Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
American 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.
