Sipping a steaming mug of Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate is one of winter’s simple pleasures. The combination of rich cocoa, a hint of coffee, and bright peppermint is comforting and indulgent, perfect for warming up on a chilly afternoon.
One of my favorite traditions with my daughter has been our occasional coffee dates. When she was young we used to go out for coffee and a little shopping more frequently, but over time those outings became expected—and expensive. Now I pick a night every few months and surprise her with a spontaneous coffee and shopping outing. Those unexpected moments feel special and keep the ritual fun for both of us.
Shopping and coffee have always been ways to connect for us. I love that she enjoys the same simple pleasures I do; it makes mother–daughter bonding effortless. Lately she even offered to take me out for coffee—I’m looking forward to that date. It’s nice to see her growing up and taking on some of those little gestures.
As she gets older, I want to teach her how to recreate our favorite café drinks at home. Learning to make these beverages saves money and gives you the freedom to enjoy them whenever the mood strikes. One delicious treat we make at home is a salted caramel mocha latte, but for the holidays I reach for peppermint and chocolate in this cozy mocha hot chocolate.
Recently I spent time at a food conference where I met representatives from Ninja and saw the Ninja Coffee Bar™ in action. The machine impressed me with its versatility: it brews a full carafe, single cups, iced beverages, and stronger brews for specialty drinks. For households that enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, it can be a very handy appliance.
After the conference, the company offered me a machine to try and review. I was happy to accept and put it to work making afternoon pick-me-ups. The unit is straightforward to use, with clearly labeled buttons and a helpful recipe guide. Whether you prefer a simple cup of coffee or something a bit more elaborate, it handles different brewing styles with ease.
With my love of chocolate and peppermint, I experimented until I found a simple formula that delivers a rich, minty mocha without fuss. A little cocoa powder, a few spoonfuls of crushed candy canes, warmed milk, and a splash of strong coffee is all you need. It comes together in minutes and is perfect for the midafternoon slump or as a sweet finish to a winter evening.
This Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate is easy to make, comforting, and customizable. Use half-and-half for a richer drink, or swap candy cane pieces for peppermint extract and sugar if you prefer a smoother texture.
Recipe
Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate
1 large mug / 2 small mugs
5 minutes
5 minutes
Cocoa powder and crushed peppermint candy cane bits melted into warm milk and mixed with a bit of strong coffee create a festive Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate. It’s an easy, comforting drink to enjoy on cold days or whenever you want a sweet, minty pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, divided
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (regular or dark)
- 2 Tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes* + extra for garnish
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- Cool Whip, optional
- Chocolate syrup, optional
Instructions
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the milk, the cocoa powder, and the crushed candy cane pieces in a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, whisking until the cocoa and candy are melted and combined.
- Whisk in the remaining milk and continue heating until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Stir in the strong brewed coffee and mix until smooth. Pour into one large mug or divide between two small mugs.
- Top with a dollop of Cool Whip, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and extra crushed peppermint if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
*If you prefer not to use crushed candy canes, use 2–3 tablespoons of sugar and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract as an alternative.
**For a richer version, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 218
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 86mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 21g
Protein: 6g
*I received a Ninja Coffee Bar™ to test and review. No additional compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.
*This post previously included affiliate links; some versions referenced products that I enjoy and recommend for making at-home specialty drinks.