Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Fluffy Whipped Cream
Indulge in the ultimate winter warmer with this Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Rich and creamy, this delightful beverage combines velvety semisweet chocolate with a hint of refreshing peppermint, creating a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. Finished with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, this luxurious drink is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. Share this comforting treat with family and friends, and enjoy a little taste of winter magic in every sip!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chilled whipping cream
1/2 cup (Chilled)
Sugar
7 tablespoons, divided (Divided for whipped cream and hot chocolate)
Peppermint extract
3/4 teaspoon, divided (Divided for whipped cream and hot chocolate)
Milk
6 cups (No preparation needed)
Vanilla beans
2 (Split lengthwise)
Semisweet chocolate
8 ounces (Chopped)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, whip together the chilled whipping cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
3
While the milk heats, carefully scrape the seeds from the split vanilla beans and add both the seeds and the empty pods to the milk.
4
Once the milk is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped semisweet chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, and the remaining 6 tablespoons of sugar. Whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, blending well to infuse the peppermint flavor throughout the hot chocolate.
6
Remove the vanilla bean pods from the saucepan and discard them.
7
Carefully ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, topping each serving with a generous swirl of the whipped cream.
8
Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
24g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
It is a rich and creamy winter beverage that combines velvety semisweet chocolate with refreshing peppermint and freshly whipped cream.
What ingredients are needed for the whipped cream?
You will need 1/2 cup of chilled whipping cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
How do I prepare the whipped cream?
Whip the chilled cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract in a medium bowl until soft peaks form.
How much milk is used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 cups of milk.
How should I heat the milk?
Bring the milk to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
How do I use the vanilla beans?
Split 2 vanilla beans lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and empty pods to the simmering milk.
What type of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate.
Is cocoa powder included in the hot chocolate?
Yes, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the chopped chocolate.
How much sugar is added to the hot chocolate mixture?
In addition to the sugar in the whipped cream, add 6 tablespoons of sugar to the milk mixture.
When do I add the peppermint extract to the drink?
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract after the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Should I remove the vanilla pods?
Yes, remove and discard the vanilla bean pods from the saucepan before serving.
How do I serve the peppermint hot chocolate?
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with a generous swirl of the prepared whipped cream.
What are some optional garnishes?
You can garnish the drink with chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes for a festive look.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content of this beverage?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this hot chocolate?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
How much peppermint extract is used in total?
A total of 3/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract is used, divided between the cream and the chocolate.
How much total sugar is used?
A total of 7 tablespoons of sugar is used in this recipe.
Does the whipping cream need to be cold?
Yes, the recipe specifies using chilled whipping cream for the best results.
What heat setting should be used to melt the chocolate?
Once the milk is simmering, reduce the heat to low before adding the chocolate and cocoa powder.
How long should I whisk the chocolate mixture?
Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What is the description of the final drink?
It is described as a symphony of flavors that is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
Can I use this recipe for holiday parties?
Yes, its festive appearance and flavors make it ideal for holiday gatherings.
How do I prevent the milk from scorching?
Stir the milk occasionally while it is heating over medium heat.
What texture should the whipped cream have?
The cream should be whipped until it forms soft peaks.
Is this recipe considered a dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a dessert and a beverage.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The primary flavors are rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and smooth vanilla.
How many vanilla beans are required?
The recipe requires 2 vanilla beans.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Absolutely, it is designed as the ultimate winter warmer and a comforting treat.