Winter-Spiced Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-02 · Updated 2026-08-02

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A cozy winter drink featuring rich hot chocolate infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with peppermint whipped cream for a festive touch. This recipe, ready in about 15 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 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Desserts cuisine 320 cal/serving

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Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies

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Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract using an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with a generous dollop of peppermint whipped cream.
Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies over the whipped cream for a festive garnish and serve immediately.