• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Moments
    • Pregnancy/Baby
      • Baby Registry List
      • Thriving Postpartum: What to Expect & Postpartum Essentials for Mom
  • Shop
    • Best Kitchen Gifts
    • Baby Registry List
    • Kitchen Tools (Must Haves)
    • Pantry Staples (Baking & Cooking)
    • Food Photography Essentials
  • Instagram
JoyFoodSunshine
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Laura
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Never Miss a Recipe

  • ×

    Home » Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    Published: Dec 1, 2019 · Modified: Dec 7, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is made with 6 ingredients in 6 minutes! It has two kinds of chocolate so it's ultra-rich and creamy and it's flavored with candy canes instead of expensive extracts. Watch the video to learn how to make homemade candy cane hot chocolate!

    two mugs of peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Today we’re going to be making a festive treat that will keep you warm this holiday season - homemade candy cane hot chocolate (also try this homemade hot chocolate and crockpot hot chocolate).

    Kiss powdered mixes and packets goodbye, with this ultra-rich and creamy candy cane hot chocolate, that’s SO easy to make in the Vitamix Blender!

    This is not your average peppermint hot chocolate, because we use the Vitamix to blend real candy canes into the cocoa base, which is made with two forms of chocolate. You don’t need expensive extracts, just a a few of your favorite candy canes (plus a handful of other ingredients), which we all have an abundance of this time of year.

    It only takes 6 minutes and 6 ingredients to blend up this warm candy cane hot chocolate, which means it's the perfect treat to make after a day playing outside in the snow! Serve it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and peppermint cookies or peppermint brownies for true hot cocoa bliss!

    two mugs of peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Ingredients & Substitutions 

    As always, let's start by discussing the ingredients in this peppermint hot chocolate recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

    overhead view of the ingredients in peppermint hot chocolate
    • Whole milk. Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, should work very well in this candy cane hot chocolate recipe. Just remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier your final product will be. My highest recommendations are whole or 2% milk, and coconut milk for a dairy-free/vegan version.
    • Cocoa Powder. Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder (not hot chocolate mix).
    • Granulated sugar.  Any granulated sugar works well in this recipe. I use organic cane sugar in most of my baking and dessert making. For a refined-sugar free variety, substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar.
    • Chocolate. I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can  use milk chocolate or white chocolate, just be aware that the end result will be sweeter. For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate. You can also use bakers chocolate (100% cocoa) and just increase the amount of sugar to suit your tastes. 
    • Vanilla Extract. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
    • Candy Canes. Choose your favorite candy canes to use in this peppermint hot chocolate. I use Wholesome organic candy canes and Yum Earth Organic Candy Canes because both of these varieties have no food dyes or corn syrup! If you'd prefer, you can use ½ tsp peppermint extract instead of the candy canes. Or add it along with the candy canes for a more pronounced peppermint flavor.
    two mugs full of Peppermint Hot Chocolate with no toppings

    How to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    This homemade candy cane hot chocolate is so easy to make and so much more delicious than any powdered mix you can buy at the store! Let's walk through how to make it step-by-step and don't forget to watch the video.

    Use a Vitamix Blender

    To achieve the creamiest peppermint hot chocolate ever, as always, I recommend using a Vitamix Blender! In this recipe the Vitamix does all the work for you! It melts the chocolate, pulverizes the candy canes and heats up the gourmet hot chocolate so you can serve it straight from the blending container (no stovetop cooking required). It's SO easy to make hot chocolate in the Vitamix! 

    If you are looking to buy a Vitamix, check out my in-depth Vitamix buying guide and learn why I chose to blend with Vitamix 10 years ago and never looked back! 

    Add milk, cocoa powder & sugar and Blend

    Start by adding milk to the container of your Vitamix blender, followed by cocoa powder and sugar.

    Secure the lid and blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high. Blend on high speed for 3 minutes, or until the mixture is warm.

    two photos showing how to make peppermint hot chocolate in the Vitamix blender

    Add chocolate, vanilla & candy canes and Blend again

    Next, add the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate), pure vanilla extract and candy canes to the warm mixture in the blending container.

    Two photos showing how to make peppermint hot chocolate in the Vitamix blender

    Secure the lid and blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high. Blend on high speed for 3 minutes or until the mixture is hot and steamy.

    two photos showing how to make peppermint hot chocolate in the Vitamix blender

    Serve

    Remove the lid, pour the peppermint hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, top with marshmallows or homemade whipped cream and some crushed candy canes and enjoy! 

    Note: since the Vitamix is so powerful you will have some foam in your final product! Simply stir the foam into the hot chocolate to make it disappear, or enjoy it as part of the candy cane hot chocolate experience! 

    Store

    Store any leftovers in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I like to stir leftovers into my coffee in the morning for an extra special treat.

    front view of peppermint hot chocolate being poured into a mug

    Toppings for peppermint hot chocolate

    This recipe tastes amazing on its own. But if you're looking to jazz it up with some fun toppings, here are some suggestions: 

    • Homemade Whipped Cream (obviously)
    • Marshmallows (any variety, peppermint marshmallows would be delicious). 
    • Crushed candy canes
    • Chopped peppermint bark
    • Shaved chocolate
    • Holiday sprinkles
    overhead view of peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, you can double (or even triple) this recipe with great results.

    Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes.

    Yes, substitute ½ to 1 tsp of peppermint extract in place of candy canes if you'd like.

    Can I make this without a blender?

    Yes, if you use peppermint extract instead of candy canes you can heat the ingredients on the stovetop, whisking to combine, until chocolate is melted and the mixture is warm.

    front view of two mugs of peppermint hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Candy Cane Hot Chocolate)

    Laura
    This homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is made with 6 ingredients in 6 minutes! It has two kinds of chocolate so it's ultra-rich and creamy and it's flavored with candy canes instead of expensive extracts. Watch the video to learn how to make homemade candy cane hot chocolate!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 6 mins
    Total Time 6 mins
    Course beverage, Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 261.2 kcal

    Equipment

    • Vitamix blender
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 20 oz (2 ½ cups) whole milk
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 2  TBS  unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 6 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (1 cup)
    • 1  tsp  pure vanilla extract
    • 3 candy canes 45 g, about ½ cup *
    • Optional toppings: whipped cream marshmallows, crushed candy cane pieces
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add milk, sugar and cocoa powder to the container of a Vitamix blender.
    • Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high. Blend on high speed for 3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and warm.
    • Add chocolate, vanilla and candy cane pieces and blend for 3 minutes until mixture is smooth and hot.
    • Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, marshmallows and crushed candy cane pieces and serve!

    Video

    Notes

    *I like a subtle candy cane flavor. If you like a more pronounced mint flavor, add more candy canes or ½ tsp of peppermint extract.

    To make without a blender:

    Use peppermint extract instead of candy canes you can heat the ingredients on the stovetop, whisking to combine, until chocolate is melted and the mixture is warm.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Whole milk. Any milk, dairy or non-dairy, should work very well in this candy cane hot chocolate recipe. Just remember, the higher the percentage of fat in your milk, the creamier your final product will be. My highest recommendations are whole or 2% milk, and coconut milk for a dairy-free/vegan version.
    • Cocoa Powder. Use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder (not hot chocolate mix).
    • Granulated sugar.  Any granulated sugar works well in this recipe. I use organic cane sugar in most of my baking and dessert making. For a refined-sugar free variety, substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar.
    • Chocolate. I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. You can  use milk chocolate or white chocolate, just be aware that the end result will be sweeter. For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate. You can also use bakers chocolate (100% cocoa) and just increase the amount of sugar to suit your tastes. 
    • Candy Canes. Choose your favorite candy canes to use in this peppermint hot chocolate. I use Wholesome organic candy canes and Yum Earth Organic Candy Canes because both of these varieties have no food dyes or corn syrup! If you'd prefer, you can use ½ tsp peppermint extract instead of the candy canes. Or add it along with the candy canes for a more pronounced peppermint flavor.

    Store

    Store any leftovers in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I like to stir leftovers into my coffee in the morning for an extra special treat.

    Toppings for peppermint hot chocolate

    • Homemade Whipped Cream 
    • Marshmallows (any variety, peppermint marshmallows would be delicious). 
    • Crushed candy canes
    • Chopped peppermint bark
    • Shaved chocolate
    • Holiday sprinkles

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 261.2kcalCarbohydrates: 38.3gProtein: 5.1gFat: 12.1gSaturated Fat: 7.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.9gCholesterol: 14.6mgSodium: 53.6mgPotassium: 131.9mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 34.5gCalcium: 1.7mgIron: 6.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More delicious recipes

    • Enjoy a mug of cocoa with one of these peppermint brownies!
    • Try this puppy chow (the best ever) or this Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow) for a delicious & festive treat. 
    • We take our cookies seriously around here, some of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes would make a great addition, alongside these peppermint brownies, to any cookie tray. Peanut butter blossoms, Cut Out Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Soft Gingerbread Cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, chocolate crinkle cookies, and the best No-Bake Cookies.
    • Brownies are my favorite dessert, here are some more brownie recipes: The BEST homemade brownies, flourless brownies, black bean brownies, and fudgy Paleo brownies. 
    • These Millionaire Bars are knock-your-socks-off amazing. 
    • Check out our roundup of all of our favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

    « Peanut Butter Blossoms
    Moments 11.2019 »

    Did you make this recipe?

    Leave a comment and review below, then take a picture and tag @joyfoodsunshine #joyfoodsunshine on Instagram so I can see it! Sign up here to receive weekly e-mails!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tina

      January 21, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy😋 I’ve been meaning to make your recipe since Christmas and I finally found the time today, probably because I’m feeling🥶 from the -12 degrees temperature outside. It warmed me right up-thank you😊
      PS. I prefer your homemade over Ghirardelli😜

      Reply
    2. Glenda

      December 09, 2019 at 1:17 pm

      Looking forward to converting this into a Keto friendly version, using almond milk, peppermint extract, monk fruit sweetener, and Lily’s sugar free chocolate chips.

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 09, 2019 at 3:36 pm

        You'll have to let me know how your keto variety comes out!

        Reply
    3. A Magical Life

      December 09, 2019 at 9:35 am

      Sounds delicious! I love my Vitamix. I don't have any candy canes but may tinker with the recipe to see what we can come up with next time the kids need to warm up from playing outside. 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 09, 2019 at 3:35 pm

        It's 100% delicious, even without the candy canes! As always I recommend making the recipe without tinkering! 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

    Click here to read more >>

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS Feed
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Most Popular Recipes

    • The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever
    • Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Better than Cinnabon)
    • Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
    • Easy Dutch Oven No Knead Bread
    • Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5- Minutes)
    • Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
      Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Better than P.F. Chang's)!

    Trending now

    • Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
    • Healthy Pineapple Carrot Cake
    • The Best Banana Cake Recipe
    • Egg Casserole (Egg Bake)
    • Baked French Toast Casserole
    • Best Carrot Cake Recipe
      Best Carrot Cake Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Joy Food Sunshine Logo
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS Feed
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Never Miss a Recipe

    3789 shares
    • 174