Snow Queen’s Iced Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A rich hot chocolate with a cooling peppermint twist, finished with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a magical winter drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together whole milk, bittersweet chocolate chips, 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 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
- 4 cups whole milk
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup (optional) mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, heat 4 cups whole milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp granulated sugar to the milk. Whisk continuously until chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract. Taste and adjust peppermint flavor if desired.
- Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with 1/4 cup whipped cream, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows if using, and sprinkle 1 tbsp crushed candy canes over the whipped cream.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for a warming, minty treat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Snow Queen’s 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 Snow Queen’s Iced Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
Refrigerate any leftover snow queen’s 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 Snow Queen’s 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 Snow Queen’s 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 Snow Queen’s Iced 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.
