Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Indulge in a cup of this rich and creamy Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate that’s made with just a few simple ingredients. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect treat for the holiday season!
The holiday season is finally here (my favorite time of year!). There’s nothing like a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate to get into the holiday spirit. This year I’m taking it up a notch by swapping my classic hot chocolate recipe for this peppermint version.
Chocolate and peppermint is one of my favorite holiday flavors (I could eat a dozen of these peppermint chocolate truffles).
This year, we made this peppermint hot chocolate while decorating the Christmas tree and topped it with loads of mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes. Is there anything more festive than that?
Well, after many requests on Instagram, I’m excited to finally share this recipe with you all! This peppermint hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and indulgent, with a perfect balance of minty flavor—all made with healthy, wholesome ingredients.
So ditch the Starbucks version and make this homemade peppermint hot chocolate instead. It’s perfect for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Easy-to-make. All you need are a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time for a delicious, homemade peppermint hot chocolate.
- Rich and creamy. Smooth, indulgent, and the perfect balance of minty flavor.
- Vegan and dairy-free. A creamy dairy-free hot chocolate that’s made with just a few wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for the holidays. Chocolate and peppermint are the ultimate holiday flavors! Create a “hot chocolate bar” with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and dairy-free whipped cream for a fun holiday treat your guests will love.
Ingredients in Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements.
- Non-Dairy Milk – any non-dairy milk will work, but I recommend soy milk for it’s thickness.
- Dark Chocolate – use your favorite chocolate bar (about 4 squares) for a rich chocolate flavor. I personally love Hu Chocolate, but you can also use chocolate chips (around 3-4 tablespoons).
- Cocoa Powder – use your favorite cocoa powder as this will affect the chocolate flavor. I like Trader Joe’s cocoa powder.
- Maple Syrup – adds natural sweetness.Â
- Peppermint Extract – for peppermint flavor. Adjust the amount based on how minty you want your hot chocolate to be. I find 3-4 drops to be the perfect balance.
How to Make Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate in 10 Minutes
- Add the non-dairy milk, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peppermint extract to a small saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over low-medium heat and whisk continuously for 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil!
- Pour the peppermint hot chocolate into mugs and serve with desired toppings!
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Adjust flavor. If you like your hot chocolate sweeter, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup. If you like it extra minty, add an extra drop or two of peppermint extract.
- Add a pinch of salt. Trust me! Just a small pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Use a whisk. Whisk it continuously to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and nothing clumps up.
- Don’t let it boil. Keep the heat on low to medium so it doesn’t boil!
Serving Your Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate
I love serving this creamy peppermint hot chocolate topped with non-dairy cool whip, crushed peppermint, and a candy cane! Some other topping ideas include:
- Mini marshmallows – I like to use Dandie’s vegan mini marshmallows.
- Candy cane / crushed peppermint
- Non-dairy whipped cream
- Shaved dark chocolate
For the ultimate holiday treat, pair this peppermint hot chocolate with my Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or Chocolate Peppermint Truffles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of non-dairy milk?
Yes! Any non-dairy milk will work, but I recommend soy milk for its creamy texture. Oat milk or almond milk will work, but won’t be as creamy. If you aren’t vegan, regular milk will work too.
How do I adjust the peppermint flavor?
I find 3-4 drops of peppermint extract to be just perfect. If you like a stronger flavor, add another drop or two. For a more subtle flavor, just use 1-2 drops.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 4 squares vegan dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 3-4 drops peppermint extract, adjust depending on preference
- pinch salt, optional
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small pot and place over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously while heating for about 8-10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Once it’s creamy and steamy, remove from heat. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Pour into mugs and top with dairy free whipped cream, shaved chocolate and cinnamon stick (or other desired toppings). Enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Soy milk is my favorite non-dairy milk to use in this recipe.
My search for the perfect hot chocolate recipe ends here! Wow this is so yummy! It has just the right level of sweetness, and I love the peppermint! So rich and creamy and so quick and easy!
Yay I’m thrilled you loved this hot chocolate! I’m drinking a cup currently – tis the season! Thanks for sharing Mazie 🙂