Warm up your winter with our delightful white chocolate peppermint hot cocoa recipe. Experience the perfect blend of creamy white chocolate and festive peppermint in every sip. Elevate your cozy moments with this frugal copycat Starbucks peppermint white hot chocolate – a holiday favorite for all!
For as long as I can remember, colder winter months have meant one thing; a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate. While I still adore a regular milk chocolate cocoa recipe, as I have gotten older, my taste buds have branched out a bit.
During this time of year though, I prefer something along the lines of this white peppermint hot chocolate recipe. Peppermint is my go-to flavor for the holidays which makes this the perfect drink for those cold, winter nights.
This white hot chocolate recipe is also a Starbucks copycat! So, if you love Starbucks peppermint white hot chocolate, you will adore this one just as much as I do – if not more!
What is white hot chocolate?
A white hot chocolate is exactly what it sounds like. Hot cocoa made with good quality white chocolate bars instead of milk chocolate or cocoa powder. Instead of the darker color of traditional cocoa, your final product is white! Add a teaspoon peppermint extract or two and you’ve got a peppermint white hot cocoa!
What is the difference between white chocolate and regular chocolate?
What makes white chocolate and regular chocolate different is the amount of cocoa solids each one has. White chocolate actually does not contain any cocoa solids at all while milk, semi-sweet and dark chocolates all do. Instead, white chocolate is made with only three ingredients; cocoa butter, sugar and milk.
How to Make a New Christmas Tradition
After my husband passed away in April 2023, I have learned how important holiday traditions are. My girls and I have tried to keep as many alive as possible this year; especially the ones that we had built with him.
This white chocolate peppermint hot cocoa is a great Christmas drink for the established traditions we have and new ones we will build from here on out.
It goes great with a favorite holiday movie – my personal favorite is THIS version of “The Nativity Story” – or with a treasured book such as “The Night Before Christmas” or “The Polar Express”.
It can also be used with Elf on the Shelf in many different ways. Or simply pour each family member a cup and gather around the tree to open presents or sing Christmas songs.
Variations for White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Cocoa
One of the great things about this Copycat Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate recipe is that it can be served with many variations that all make it taste even better!
First, if you would prefer a more traditional hot chocolate, simply swap out the white chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
You can also garnish it with different things to create different flavor profiles. Crushed peppermint candy, Andes mint candies, crushed Oreo cookies, crushed Thin Mints cookies, whipped cream, chopped white chocolate and more all make great garnish ideas.
Make each mug your own and everyone is sure to love it!
White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- 2 C. Milk
- 1 C. White chocolate chips
- ½ tsp. Peppermint extract
- ½ tsp. Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream optional, for garnish
- Andes mints crushed, optional, for garnish
- Oreo cookies crushed, optional, for garnish
- Candy canes crushed, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Add milk and white chocolate chips to medium heavy bottom pot. Heat over medium/low until chocolate it fully melted stirring constantly.2 C. Milk, 1 C. White chocolate chips
- Add peppermint and vanilla extracts. Stir well and cook 2-3 minutes longer.1/2 tsp. Peppermint extract, 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract
- Serve hot. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed Andes mints, crushed candy canes or crushed Oreo cookies.Whipped cream, Andes mints, Oreo cookies, Candy canes
Notes
- Can be made with milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a true homemade hot chocolate recipe.
- For best results, serve with homemade whipped cream using THIS recipe.