Iced Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A chillingly delightful hot chocolate infused with peppermint and topped with whipped cream, evoking the icy elegance of Queen Elsa. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes brings together whole milk, heavy cream, bittersweet 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 310 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 bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 2: Whisk in 4 oz bittersweet chocolate chips, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor.
- Step 4: Pour hot chocolate into mugs and top each with 1/4 cup mini marshmallows and a generous dollop of 1 cup whipped cream.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies over the whipped cream for a frosty, festive finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Iced 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 Iced Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
Refrigerate any leftover iced 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 Iced 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 Iced Peppermint Hot Chocolate 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 Iced Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
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.
