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A mug of peppermint hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipper cream and candy canes.
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5 from 4 votes

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate

A creamy and cosy cup of Starbucks Pepper Hot Chocolate is the perfect copycat recipe for cold winter days. The velvety chocolate is the perfect Christmas morning drink!
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 319kcal
Author: Zen

Equipment

  • Small pot or saucepan
  • Heat proof whisk

Ingredients

  • Cups whole milk Substitute: ¾ Cup heavy cream and ¾ water or ¾ Cup whole milk and ¾ whipping cream for a creamier drink.
  • Tablespoons unsweetened, Dutched cocoa powder You can use more if you want a more intense chocolate flavor Substitute: dark chocolate bar (chopped up) or chocolate fevres. Don't use chocolate chips.
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint flavor Substitute: peppermint syrup
  • Tablespoon white sugar, or to taste Substitute: honey, maple syrup or peppermint simple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon instant coffee powder Optional, to enhance the cocoa powder. Not recommended if drinking at night.
  • Pinch of Salt Optional for those who like salted desserts. It enhances the flavor.

Optional Toppings

  • Marshmallows
  • Candy Cane
  • Crushed up Peppermints
  • Chocolate Shavings
  • Dusting of cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Heat the milk gently over low or medium low fire till steaming but not boiling.
  • Whilst the milk is heating up, whisk the cocoa powder in till no lumps remain. If using, stir in the coffee powder now.
    If substituting with solid chocolate, wait till the milk is steaming, switch off the fire, then stir in the chocolate till melted.
  • Add the peppermint flavor then add the sugar. (Sweeten after adding the mint, as the amount of mint affects the amount of sweetener you will need!)
  • If using, add a pinch of salt. Pour into a mug and garnish with the appropriate toppings.

Notes

Variations
For a boozy Christmas drink, add Kahlua or Bailey's.
For a lighter flavours substitute the cocoa powder with white chocolate syrup.
For a Peppermint Mocha, pour in 1 shot of espresso.
For a Peppermint Latte, froth the milk after it has heated up.
 
Note: the nutritional information is an estimate automatically calculated using the WPRM recipe maker and I am not responsible for its accuracy.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 687mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Calcium: 461mg | Iron: 1mg