Frozen Kingdom Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A warming peppermint hot chocolate drink with a snowy swirl of whipped cream and crushed candy canes, perfect for cold winter nights. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together whole milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder 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 280 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
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and hot, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract.
- Step 3: Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs, then top each with 1/4 cup whipped cream and sprinkle 1 tbsp crushed candy canes over the whipped cream for a festive touch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Frozen Kingdom Peppermint Hot Chocolate take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Frozen Kingdom Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
Refrigerate any leftover frozen kingdom 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 Frozen Kingdom 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 Frozen Kingdom 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 Frozen Kingdom Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
General 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.
