This Peppermint White Hot Chocolate recipe is a classic homemade drink that will warm you up when the weather gets cold. The smooth peppermint flavor and rich white chocolate creates a creamy and indulgent drink that’s easy to make for Christmas!
During the holidays, I’m addicted to Christmas movies. Starting in November and lasting through December, it’s a necessity that I watch as many Christmas movies and holiday TV shows as I can!
If you’re familiar with the ABC Family Channel (now Freeform), they’re playing 25 Days of Christmas movies, as they do every year. And I’m not ashamed to admit that I check the channel every night to see what movie will premier.
Sometimes it’s a winner, sometimes not so much. And those cheesy holiday movies on Hallmark or Lifetime channels, I love them! Don’t judge, guys…I just can’t help it!
And then there are those movies that I pop into my DVR player or watch every single time it’s on television. Mainly Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Home Alone (1 and 2), Elf, and Prancer. Tell me you’re like that, too? Whenever those movies are on TV, I just have to watch them, even though I own every single one on DVD!
While I may go into Christmas movie overload, it keeps me in the holiday spirit. I eagerly look forward to coming home from work and relaxing with the hubster, a good movie or show, and a cup of hot chocolate to keep me warm. With the Christmas tree lit in the background, I’m a happy girl.
A nightly routine of mine is to have a cup of tea or hot chocolate in the winter. While I sometimes do that when the weather is warmer, it feels more magical when the cold weather sets in. Hot chocolate is an indulgent treat that I love to sip on while relaxing at night. I love to experiment with new flavors and mixes, whipping up a delicious new combination when the mood strikes.
What Makes This Peppermint White Hot Chocolate So Fantastic:
- This drink is rich, creamy, and oh so delicious!
- It’s a classic drink that will warm you up on a cold, winter night.
- This Christmas drink is a breeze to whip up! It uses white chocolate melting wafers, as they melt better than white chocolate chips
Ingredients in Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
You don’t need many ingredients to make white chocolate hot chocolate at home. Here’s what goes into this recipe:
- Milk
- White chocolate melting wafers
- Peppermint extract
- Crushed peppermint candies and whipped cream, for topping
Can I Make Use Milk or Dark Chocolate?
I’m sure you can, but I’ve only made this recipe as written so I can’t say for sure. If using milk or dark chocolate, you may need to add more or less peppermint extract to taste.
How to Make Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
While I love traditional hot chocolate, white hot chocolate is like a special treat to me. I don’t have it all that often, but when I do, I savor every last sip. Some may even argue that white chocolate isn’t really chocolate, but hey, I don’t care! It’s just as delicious as the real thing.
Add in some peppermint, and you have a drink that will tickle your toes and warm your nose! Candy cane pieces and whipped cream top this off as a festive treat, suitable for hot chocolate lovers everywhere!
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In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over low heat.
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Once simmered, remove the pan from the heat and stir in white chocolate and peppermint extract until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Pour the mixture into two mugs and garnish with crushed candy canes and whipped cream, if desired.
Recipe Variations To Try
- Switch up the toppings! Use shaved white or milk chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips.
- This recipe works just as well with milk or dark chocolate as it does with white chocolate!
- Try using a different type of milk if you can’t handle dairy – soy, oat, or a nut milk would also work.
Tips for Making White Hot Chocolate
- Be sure and heat the milk over low heat. If you try it over a hotter heat it is likely to burn.
- Keep stirring consistently when melting the chocolate into the milk so it doesn’t clump together or burn.
- Taste a little bit of the drink before pouring it into the mugs. Add more peppermint extract if you like a stronger peppermint flavor.
The next time you’re in the mood for a warm drink, skip the boxed mix or coffee shop and try out this Peppermint Hot Chocolate! Full of flavor and warmth, you’ll be making this drink all throughout the year!
Looking for More Christmas Drink Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Spiced Gingerbread Latte
- Cookies and Cream Hot Chocolate
- Cinnamon Vanilla Latte
- Cinnamon Maple Latte
- Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk , any kind (I used 2%)
- 8 ounces white chocolate melting wafers or white chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli White Chocolate Melting Wafers)
- ¾ teaspoons peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes , if desired
- Whipped cream , if desired
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over low heat.
- Once simmered, remove from heat and stir in white chocolate and peppermint extract until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour into two mugs and garnish with crushed candy canes and whipped cream, if desired.
Mir says
Oh my goodness, I love Elf. Can’t resist that movie. And Love Actually is a big holiday favorite for me!
Would love to have some of this around during cozy movie-watching! It’s fantastic. Happy weekend, friend!
Gayle says
Elf is the best! I’ve only seen Love Actually once, but I know a lot of people watch that around Christmas, too. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
So not judging on you loving the cheesy Christmas special! I hear ya! I always look forward to watching the old favorites every year – the Charlie Brown Xmas special is my favorite!
And this peppermint white hot chocolate seems like the perfect treat to warm up to in the cold winter evenings! It looks so creamy and comforting! Love it! Have a great weekend, Gayle!!
Gayle says
Glad you can relate to my cheesy movie watching, Ceara! 🙂 A Charlie Brown Christmas was just on TV here last week! Thanks so much for the hot chocolate love! Hope you have a great weekend, too!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
This is the perfect cozy treat to go along with all the favorite movies…We kick our season off with Miracle on 34th every year and end with It’s a Wonderful Life…no judging here, my friend!
Gayle says
Miracle on 34th Street is another great movie, Annie! Sounds like this hot chocolate would be the perfect drink for it! 🙂
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
this sounds and looks amazing! I LOVE that it’s white chocolate instead of dark or milk chocolate really great switcheroo 😉 YUM! have a great weekend Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks, Michele! I like that the white chocolate gives it a different taste, too. Have a wonderful weekend, friend!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Ahhh….I haven’t seen a single Christmas movie yet. I need to get on the ball and STAT. Curling up to a moving and a big mug of this hot chocolate sounds like a pretty good idea right now!
Gayle says
You must start watching some Christmas movies soon, Liz! Along with a cup of this hot chocolate and some of your eggnog caramel sauce! 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Elf is the ONLY movie I can watch over and over again. Love it! Next time I watch it, I’m making some of this Peppermint White Hot Chocolate. Yum!
Gayle says
Elf is the best! Thanks so much, Christin!
Sarah @ Bake Me A Scone says
Hot chocolate is the perfect cozy beverage this time of year. Yours looks incredibly tasty! The peppermint and white chocolate make for such a tempting combination. I’m definitely giving this recipe a try tonight!
Gayle says
I love hot chocolate in the winter, warms me right up! Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by, Sarah! I hope you love this drink if you try it!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
I love cozying up with a good Christmas movie! The Holiday is one of my favorites, and you’ve reminded me I need to add it to my Netflix queue! A warm mug of peppermint hot cocoa is a real treat this time of year. I’ve never had it with white chocolate – got to try this!
Gayle says
I love the Holiday, too! Totally forgot about that movie. I think I might have to watch it now this weekend! 🙂 The white chocolate in here definitely makes this drink extra special. Thanks, Kristine!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
I think tonight would be a perfect night for a movie marathon and a few mugs of this gorgeous hot chocolate! Seriously swooning over all the white choc/peppermint action going on!
Gayle says
Sounds like a plan to me, Sarah! Thanks for the hot chocolate love!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I’m all about Christmas music and movies!! love this time of the year! and love this peppermint white hot chocolate. . yummmm!!!
Gayle says
Christmas is definitely the best, especially with some of this white hot chocolate in hand. Thanks, Alice!
Mira says
Looks amazing Gayle! I need this white chocolate right now! Will definitely try it! I made myself one yesterday, using condensed milk and it was way too sweet for me, but I’m sure I’ll like this one! Pinning to a couple of boards!
By the way I’m addicted to Christmas movies, since this is my favorite holiday!
Have a lovely weekend Gayle!
Gayle says
I’ve never tried hot chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, Mira! I love this drink because it’s not overly sweet, and the peppermint adds a refreshing touch. Thanks so much for the pin! And Christmas movies are the best. Have a wonderful weekend, too!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
We love curling up and watching all of our favorite Christmas movies around this time of year too 🙂 A cup of this gorgeous peppermint hot chocolate would be perfect to set the tone, it looks so creamy and delicious! I don’t even think I can wait until our next movie session and I’m dying to whip up a cup right now – yum!
Gayle says
There’s nothing better than curling up and watching a good movie, especially with some of this hot chocolate! I hope you love it if you try it, Kelly!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
These looks SO good! We have gotten in to the habit of having a hot chocolate each night and watching a Christmas film too – it’s just a really nice way to end the day. I am definitely going to be trying this one.
Gayle says
Sounds like you’re in the holiday spirit, Dannii! I agree, it’s such a nice way to relax from the day. I hope you love this if you try it!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Peppermint + white chocolate = the best combination! I would love a big cup of this hot chocolate on a cold winter day!
Gayle says
Thank you, Ashley! I totally agree, white chocolate and peppermint were meant to be together!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
This is the perfect treat to go with cheesy holiday movies! No judgment here, I love those movies too! I can’t wait to whip up a batch of this warm cozy hot chocolate to have in hand for the next movie. Pinned!
Gayle says
I’m glad you like those movies too, Jen! They just always put me in a good mood. Thanks so much for the kind words and pin!
Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says
Oooooh, I could have a mug of this right now! Can’t wait to make this and watch Home Alone!!! 🙂
Gayle says
Love Home Alone! One of the best movies, especially with a cup of this white hot chocolate!
Karishma says
Yum, peppermint white hot chocolate sounds so good right now!
I am also an ABC family christmas fanatic!! Elf was on the other day, which is just amazing & how the grinch stole christmas is on today I believe!
Gayle says
Aren’t those movies the best? Thanks so much for the kind words, Karishma!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love Christmas movies too! I try and watch 1 a night, but have been really slacking this year. You’ve inspired me to watch one and make this delicious white hot chocolate with peppermint. Sounds so cozy and perfect for Christmas time. Have a good weekend friend!
Gayle says
I haven’t watched as many movies as I’ve wanted to, but luckily we’re only a few days into December! 🙂 Thanks so much for the hot chocolate love, Natalie! Have a wonderful weekend, too!
Christina @ Bake with Christina says
Mmm white chocolate hot cocoa, sounds so good!! And plus there’s a peppermint twist! Pinned!
Gayle says
White chocolate and peppermint were meant to be together! Thanks for the kind words and pin, Christina!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
sounds awesome! White chocolate and peppermint is flavor of the season! Pinned.
Gayle says
Thank you, Manali!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
Elf. Elf is everything.
So is this white hot chocolate. Pinned!
Gayle says
Thanks so for the hot chocolate love and pin, Sarah!
Annie @Maebells says
We cancelled our cable like two years ago so I miss all of the holiday specials! 🙁 What a bummer! I do love this white hot chocolate, it looks so festive!
Gayle says
Aww that’s too bad! Hopefully you can watch some Christmas movies then! 🙂 Thanks for the hot chocolate love, Annie!
chrysta@noshed says
I hear ya! I have to watch Elf every single year. Does it ever get old? Nope. Just like Mariah Carey’s Christmas jams…always good every year. ha! Thanks for sharing this yummy drink recipe!
Gayle says
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching Elf! Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Chrysta!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
I’m glad it’s not just me with those Lifetime and Hallmark movies! They are really sucking me in this year with their fabulous cheesiness! Elf and Home Alone are always on my list, and I have to have Friday After Next playing in the background when I’m putting up my tree and decorating. Weird choice for Christmas movie, I know! Often I’ll have hot chocolate after dinner for dessert and I can’t wait to make yours. Anything with peppermint is a treat!
Gayle says
Yes! I always have to stop and watch those movies, Leah! Ha ha that’s so funny that you watch Friday After Next when decorating your tree! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Leah!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This looks like the perfect drink to enjoy with friends by the fire! Yum 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you, Medha!
Sues says
I’m planning on settling in and watching some Christmas movies tonight… I might have to make this delicious looking hot chocolate, too 🙂
Gayle says
I hope you love this drink if you try it, Sues!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This hot chocolate is calling my name! Love it, love the flavours, so good! Bookmarking to try out! 😀
Gayle says
Thank you, Jess! I hope you try it sometime!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
wow what a perfect perfect holiday drink!
Gayle says
Thanks, Caralyn! It’s my favorite hot chocolate drink!
Mattie @ Comfy & Confident says
I love anything with peppermint in it! I would love to be sipping on this drink tonight – It’s so rainy and cold here.
Gayle says
Peppermint is my favorite, too! Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Mattie!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
I am with you Gayle! so far my kids and i have watched Elf, Home Alone 2, Rudolph, Charlie Brown Christmas, and we just watched Polar Express tonight; that would be the perfect movie for this yummy hot chocolate!!
Gayle says
Those are such great Christmas movies, Renee! I love snuggling up with this hot chocolate and watching a festive show.
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
Christmas Vacation and Elf. Have to watch them when they’re on. Which means every single Christmas. You’re definitely not alone there! This peppermint white hot chocolate looks amazing Gayle!
Gayle says
Love those movies, Stacey! And thanks for the kind words!
marcie says
I love the movies on ABC Family, and the only way I would love it more would be with one of these hot chocolates! All the flavors of Christmas in one delicious mug! 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you, Marcie!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
We just watched Elf on Sunday night and now I am itching to watch the Home Alones, too!! My faves! (Also, Christmas Vacation!!) Christmas movies seriously never get old! This hot chocolate looks amazing and perfect for snuggling up with a movie!
Gayle says
Aren’t those movies the best? I could definitely watch them year round! Thanks for the hot chocolate love, Jess!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
This hot chocolate would be perfect for curling up on the couch with a movie!! Love she white chocolate! And I love Christmas movies too but I don’t get to watch them enough. Have you seen The Holiday? I watch it all year round!
Gayle says
Thanks, Lindsey! Yes, The Holiday is one of my favorite movies, too! I watch it whenever it comes on TV!
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says
ABC Family and the Hallmark channel are the best during the holidays! Yay for Christmas movies! 😉 And also yay for this hot chocolate.. It looks sooo goooood!
Gayle says
Thanks, Jocelyn! This drink goes perfectly with Christmas movies!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
You have no idea how badly I wish I was sipping on this gorgeous white hot chocolate right now, Gayle! I’ll bet its SO cozy with all that peppermint flavor!
Gayle says
Thanks, Sarah! It’s a favorite of mine this time of year!