Only 6 simple ingredients come together to create this rich, creamy, and completely dairy-free Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate. With its perfect balance of chocolatey sweetness and a refreshing hint of mint, this vegan recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, festive drink that’s easy-to-make, comforting, and delicious.
I love a warm, comforting drink during the holiday season. Whether it’s Rice Atole, Champurrado, or today’s hot chocolate recipe, I love creating drinks for my family to enjoy during the winter months. If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate-and-mint combo, this dairy-free version is sure to become your new favorite.
With just six ingredients, this hot chocolate comes out perfectly creamy, rich and with a perfect touch of peppermint. Plus, you can use plant-based milk and dairy-free creamer for a luscious texture without the dairy.
Let me show you how easy it is to make!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: Made with two types of chocolate and a dairy-free base, this hot chocolate is perfectly smooth and indulgent.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need six pantry staples to create this delicious drink.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Skip the pre-made mixes and coffee shop versions—this recipe gives you control over the sweetness, flavor, and quality while being budget-friendly.
- Festive and Vegan-Friendly: It’s completely dairy-free and vegan, making it a perfect option for everyone to enjoy during the holidays.
For more cozy drink recipes, check out Ponche Navideño or Frothy Mocha Latte (Dairy-Free).
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cocoa Powder: Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder (sometimes labeled as cacao powder) so you can be in control of the level of sweetness of your hot cocoa.
- Semisweet Chocolate: As you see in the photo, I used chocolate chips. My favorite are the Enjoy Life chocolate chips. These are free from all the major allergens and have an amazing taste. However, you can certainly use any brand of semisweet chocolate chips or semisweet chocolate bar that you prefer.
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is mild-flavored, perfect for mixing, creamy, and pairs well with the next ingredient, peppermint mocha Nutpods. Unsweetened oat milk is another good plant-based option. Regular milk is suitable if dairy-free isn't a concern.
- Peppermint Mocha Nutpods Creamer (Optional): This dairy-free, sugar-free creamer, made from almond milk and coconut cream, offers a delightful peppermint mocha flavor and froths beautifully. While optional, it adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Maple Syrup adds sweetness and a touch of caramel, toffee, and vanilla flavor. A natural sweetener, it's a healthier option than regular sugar. However, feel free to use regular sugar, agave syrup, or (for non-vegan options) honey.
- Peppermint Extract: While the Nutpods provide some peppermint flavor, a few drops of extract will intensify the minty taste. Peppermint extract is also a great addition if you can't find the peppermint Nutpods.
See recipe card for quantities.
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How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
1. Mix Milk: Begin by adding 3 ½ cups of almond milk and ½ cup of nutpods to a medium pot or saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add Ingredients: Add in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, ½ cup of chocolate chips, 4 tablespoons of maple syrup and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
3. Whisk: Whisk well until everything is combined and the milk is frothy. If you have one, you can also use a handheld milk frother to mix and froth the milk.
4. Heat: Heat on medium heat for another 2 minutes and stir occasionally. Keep a close eye on the mixture to be sure it doesn't boil and overflow.
Rim Mugs with Candy Canes
This step is completely optional, but it makes the drink much more festive and adds another delicious minty touch:
- Dip the rim of your mugs into a plate of honey or syrup (for a vegan option). Set aside to allow the honey/syrup to harden.
- Crush 2-3 candy canes into small pieces by placing them in a Ziploc bag and using a rolling pin or a heavy object.
- Place the crushed candy canes on a small plate.
- Dip the honeyed rims into the crushed candy canes and rotate until covered.
How to Serve
Serve your hot chocolate in the prepared mugs. Garnish with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired.
Storing and Reheating
If you have some leftover, store the hot chocolate in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To reheat bring to a slight simmer for 2 minutes on the stove or warm it up in a mug in the microwave.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free)
Equipment
- Small pot
- whisk or handheld milk frother
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups unsweetened original almond milk or other plant-based milk or regular milk
- ½ cup Peppermint Mocha Nutpods (optional, see notes) can sub with extra almond milk
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup (or per taste preference) or honey, agave syrup or cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Garnish/Candy Cane Rim
- Honey (or syrup)
- 2-3 Crushed candy canes
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Add the almond milk and Nutpods (if using) to a medium pot or saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
- Add in cocoa powder, chocolate chips, maple syrup and peppermint extract.
- Whisk well until combined and the milk is frothy. If you have one, you can use a handheld milk frother to mix and froth the milk.
- Heat on medium heat for another 2 minutes and stir occasionally.
Candy Cane Rim (Optional)
- Dip the rim of your mugs into a plate with honey. Set aside to allow the honey to harden.
- Place 2-3 candy canes in a Ziploc bag. Close the bag and use a meat ballet or other heavy item to crush up the candy canes into small pieces. Place the crushed candy canes on a small plate.
- Lower the rim of each mug into the crushed candy canes and rotate until covered.
- Serve your hot chocolate in the prepared mugs. Garnish with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published December 20, 2021. Updated post December 2024.
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