Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe: A Cozy Holiday Favorite from the Johnson Family

Warm up, friends… It's peppermint hot chocolate season. The moment it gets cold out, we slip straight into cozy mode, and hot cocoa is always the first thing on the menu. Nothing hits the spot quite like a nostalgic winter treat made with real, simple ingredients.

It’s rich, creamy, and inspired by the same cool-mint and warm-cocoa vibes you’ll find in two of our favorite seasonal scents: Peppermint and Mint Mocha. We could never gatekeep anything this good, so sharing this recipe with you was a must. 

If you’re looking for a homemade hot chocolate that tastes like winter in a mug, here’s the one we’re making on repeat. You’re going to want to save this! 

Why We Looove Peppermint Hot Chocolate

We love this peppermint hot chocolate recipe because it captures all of our favorite things about winter: warmth, comfort, and that classic mix of mint and chocolate. It also has just the right amount of peppermint to wake up your senses without overpowering the cocoa. 

It’s the kind of simple treat that makes nights at home feel a little more special. It’s also become a winter ritual for the Johnson family! We make it after chores on cold evenings, during game nights, or anytime the kids want something warm.

If you love the peppermint-chocolate combo as much as we do, our seasonal gift sets make it easy to bring those same cozy vibes into your home. Our Merry Little Gift Bag lets you try both our Peppermint and Mint Mocha scents, while popular picks like our Holiday White Box and Winter Wonder Bundle let you sample all our best-selling seasonal scents. 

For us, this hot chocolate recipe isn’t just a drink. It’s part of the same sensory experience we try to create with our seasonal products: warm, bright, nostalgic, and a little magical. 

Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

This homemade peppermint hot chocolate is rich, velvety, and has just the right hint of mint. The texture is silky thanks to a tiny bit of cornstarch (the secret to that luxurious café-style feel). Here’s exactly how we make it at home all season long. 

Don’t have everything you need just yet? Bookmark this page so you can come back to it when you’re ready!

What You’ll Need:

• 3.5 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon milk (2% or whole milk works great; the tablespoon is for the slurry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ⅛–¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• A small pinch of salt (optional but recommended)
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a peppermint stick for stirring

How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate:

1. Warm the base. Combine milk, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium until everything melts together into a smooth, chocolatey mixture.
2. Make the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of milk with the cornstarch until there are no lumps.
3. Thicken the hot chocolate. Add the slurry to the saucepan and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a silky, rich hot chocolate.
4. Add peppermint. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract a few drops at a time until it’s just right for you.
5. Finish with a tiny pinch of salt. This pulls out the chocolate flavor and makes everything taste oh-so rich.
6. Serve and enjoy. Pour into mugs and top however you like.

Slow Cooker Version:

1. Add all ingredients, except the peppermint and cornstarch slurry, to a slow cooker.
2. Heat on low for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Add the slurry in the last 30 minutes.
4. Add peppermint right before serving.

Fun, Festive Twists for Your Homemade Hot Chocolate

There’s something fun about taking a homemade hot chocolate and making it feel a little “extra.” Around here, the kids love turning their mugs into full-blown dessert creations, and honestly… the adults get just as into it. A few small tweaks can completely change the vibe, whether you want something richer, mintier, or a little more “treat yourself.” 

Here are some fun ways to level up your peppermint hot chocolate recipe:

• Use a peppermint stick as a stirrer. Not only does it look beyond adorable, it slowly melts and adds more minty sweetness.
• Turn it into a peppermint mocha. Add a shot of espresso or swap ¼ cup of the milk with strong brewed coffee for a delicious mint mocha beverage.
• Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar. For the next holiday party or family night, let everyone build their own perfect mug with small bowls of mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and cinnamon.
• Try it with goat milk. For an unbelievably rich and creamy hot chocolate, swap out regular milk for goat milk—every sip tastes like pure comfort.
• Try a dairy-free version. Coconut milk makes this recipe extra rich. Almond milk keeps it light. Oat milk is wonderfully creamy. Any would work beautifully.
• Add warm spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy winter twist.
• Fancify your mug. Dip the rim in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a Pinterest-worthy moment.

Embrace Winter Comforts You Can Feel Good About

It’s the little moments of joy that make these colder months so special. Curling up under a fluffy blanket by the fire with a steamy mug of peppermint hot chocolate? Yes, please! 

This recipe has become one of our favorite family rituals, so we hope it brings you the same comfort and joy this season. If you’re looking for more winter inspiration, nontoxic tips, or family-friendly recipes, check out our other posts on The Sudsy Scoop. 

Which cozy drink are you sipping this season? Comment below—tell us why you love it!