There’s something downright magical about cozying up with a warm mug, especially when it’s filled with this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe. Rich, chocolatey, and kissed with a refreshing peppermint twist, it’s the kind of treat that makes cold days instantly better.

Two clear glass mugs with handles sit on a wooden board. The mug in the foreground is being filled with smooth, thick dark brown hot chocolate from a grey pot, with the liquid showing a glossy texture as it pours. The mug behind it is fully filled with hot chocolate and topped with a white layer of whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings. Around the mugs on the wooden board are pieces of dark chocolate and small scattered chocolate shavings. The background is softly blurred with a warm, cozy wooden tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tried so many versions of hot chocolate, but this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe stands out every time. It’s super easy to make yet feels fancy enough to impress friends or just enjoy as a little luxurious treat for yourself.

Deep Chocolate Flavor: Using both cocoa powder and chopped bittersweet chocolate gives it an irresistible richness.
Perfect Peppermint Whipped Cream: The minty cream on top elevates the hot chocolate with a festive, refreshing note.
Quick & Simple: You can whip this up in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute cozy moment.
Customizable: Whether you like it lighter or extra thick, piping or spooning the whipped cream lets you tailor it to your mood.

The image shows a dark brown liquid with small bubbles on the surface inside a speckled cooking pot. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is lifting some of the thick liquid, showing its slightly frothy surface with tiny bubbles. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role in achieving that decadent, silky texture and perfectly balanced flavor you want from your hot chocolate, plus the fresh peppermint twist in the whipped cream.

Flat lay of a small mound of Dutch-processed cocoa powder on a simple white ceramic plate, a few pieces of chopped bittersweet chocolate stacked neatly on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar crystals, a white ceramic bowl containing whole fresh brown eggs, a small white bowl holding heavy cream, a small white bowl with whole fresh milk, and a few green spearmint leaves arranged beside a small white bowl of powdered sugar, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole Milk: Brings creaminess without overpowering richness, creating the perfect base.
Heavy Cream: Adds lusciousness to both the drink and whipped cream for a silky mouthfeel.
Cocoa Powder: Using Dutch-processed or unsweetened ensures deep chocolate notes; sifting helps avoid clumps.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens just right without being cloying.
Bittersweet Chocolate: Chopped chocolate melts slowly, adding layers of chocolate intensity.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor, lending warmth and complexity.
Powdered Sugar: For smooth, sweet whipped cream without grit.
Peppermint Extract: The star of the whipped cream, bringing a clean, refreshing peppermint aroma and taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Everyone likes their hot chocolate a bit differently, and I love showing you how to tweak this recipe to make it truly yours. Whether you prefer a lighter drink or like adding a boozy kick, there’s room for creativity here.

Variation: Personally, I sometimes swap the peppermint extract for orange zest in the whipped cream for a wintery twist that’s unexpected but delightful.
Dairy-Free Option: You can replace whole milk and cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version; just expect a slightly different texture.
Extra Indulgence: Stir in a splash of Baileys or peppermint schnapps to adult-ify the drink for holiday parties.
Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust sugar amounts to your taste — I like mine not too sweet, but you might want it richer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Gently Warm Your Milk and Cream

Start by combining the whole milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it — you want steam rising but no actual simmering or boiling since overheating can cause the milk to scorch. This gentle warming sets the stage for a smooth, rich hot chocolate.

Step 2: Mix in Cocoa Powder and Sugar

Sift your cocoa powder straight into the warm milk mixture—this keeps your drink silky and free of lumps. Whisk it in thoroughly, then add the granulated sugar, stirring until it dissolves completely. Trust me, patience here gives you that beautifully rich flavor every time.

Step 3: Melt in the Bittersweet Chocolate

Add your chopped bittersweet chocolate in two batches. Stir after each addition until fully melted and incorporated—this gradual melting intensifies the chocolate depth. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning.

Step 4: Stir in Vanilla and Simmer Briefly

Mix in the vanilla bean paste or extract, then allow the mixture to continue heating for just a couple of minutes while stirring constantly. This step enhances complexity and rounds out the flavors wonderfully. Once done, set off the heat and let it rest while you prepare your whipped cream.

Step 5: Whip Up That Peppermint Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Whisk with a hand mixer or by hand until you reach soft or stiff peaks depending on how you want to serve it—soft peaks for a gentle melt, stiff for pretty piped swirls. This cream is where the magic and refreshing peppermint really shine.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, then lavish a generous dollop or swirl of peppermint whipped cream on top. Decorate with chocolate shavings, festive sprinkles, or crushed peppermint candies if you wish. Now you're ready to savor every luscious sip.

Top Tip

When I first made this decadent hot chocolate, I learned the hard way that tempering the chocolate by adding it gradually makes a world of difference. That smooth, glossy richness doesn’t just happen by magic—it needs gentle attention.

Temperature Control: Keep your heat medium or low to avoid burning the milk or chocolate, which ruins the smooth texture.
Sift Cocoa Powder: This prevents clumps and makes whisking a breeze, resulting in a silky final drink.
Whipped Cream Peaks: Soft peaks work beautifully if you want the cream to melt into the hot chocolate; stiff peaks make for a stunning presentation.
Don’t Skip Vanilla: The vanilla bean paste adds an extra layer of flavor that truly rounds out the chocolate and mint.

How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping mine with dark chocolate shavings and crushed peppermint candies for texture and extra festive cheer. Sometimes, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a cinnamon stick as a stirrer also makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This decadent drink pairs wonderfully with buttery shortbread cookies or soft ginger snaps. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a simple fruit tart for a more balanced dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I served this hot chocolate in clear glass mugs with layered whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate syrup for a stunning visual effect at a holiday party. Adding colored mini marshmallows or edible glitter can turn it into a festive showstopper too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually refrigerate any leftover hot chocolate in a sealed container for up to two days. You might notice some separation, so just give it a quick whisk or stir when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the hot chocolate since dairy can sometimes separate when thawed, but the peppermint whipped cream definitely is best fresh. If you want to keep the mixture for longer, store just the chocolate base separately chilled.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the hot chocolate gently on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it smooth and avoids scalding. Add fresh whipped cream on top just before serving for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

You absolutely can! Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works fine here, though Dutch-processed tends to be less acidic and gives a smoother, deeper flavor. If you only have regular cocoa, just make sure to sift it to avoid any lumps.

How do I know when the whipped cream has reached the right peak?

Soft peaks gently hold their shape but will flop over when you lift your whisk, ideal for spooning over the hot chocolate to melt in quickly. Stiff peaks stand up straight and hold their form well, perfect if you want to pipe pretty swirls on top.

Can I make the peppermint whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip the peppermint cream a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick whip again before serving to refresh its texture. However, it’s best not to make it more than a day ahead for the freshest flavor.

What’s the best way to avoid lumps in my hot chocolate?

Sifting your cocoa powder before adding it to the warm milk is key. Whisk continuously as you add each ingredient, and add the chopped chocolate slowly so it melts evenly. Gentle heat helps prevent any graininess as well.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe has a special place in my heart for turning everyday evenings into moments of joy and indulgence. It always brings a little sparkle to chilly days and holiday gatherings alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how effortlessly luxurious and comforting homemade hot chocolate can be!