Frosted Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
A cozy hot chocolate infused with refreshing peppermint and topped with fluffy whipped cream, capturing the chilly spirit of Elsa’s winter magic. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 12 minutes brings together whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips 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 4, 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream and heat over medium heat until steaming, about 4 minutes; do not boil.
- Step 2: Add 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp granulated sugar to the hot milk mixture and whisk continuously until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and continue heating for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top each with 1/4 cup whipped cream.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies evenly over the whipped cream to create a frosted, festive appearance. Serve immediately to warm up on a cold day.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Frosted Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Frosted Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream?
Refrigerate any leftover frosted peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream 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 Frosted Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream?
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 Frosted Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Frosted Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream?
American cocktails & drinks 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.
