Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Last Updated on January 13, 2022 by Annie
Thick, rich, and oh so creamy this peppermint hot chocolate recipe is the perfect blend of chocolaty goodness kissed with a hint of peppermint. Made with oat milk, dairy-free chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract, this 5-ingredient vegan recipe is sure to keep you warm all winter long!
As the temperature drops, I find myself drawn to all the warm and comforting drinks. Fresh brewed coffee, hot tea, and even a hot toddy or two. Naturally dairy-free, these warm beverages can be enjoyed no matter what your dietary needs but there is one winter drink I crave more than the rest in desperate need of a vegan overhaul- hot chocolate.
For a multitude of reasons hot chocolate typically comes loaded with dairy. It possibly has something to do with the fact chocolate is in the name and milk is the preferred medium for melting the decadent chocolaty goodness. With a few dairy-free swaps like vegan chocolate chips and oat milk, you can be well on your way to a sinfully delicious cup of hot chocolate without any of the painful side effects of dairy.
Why We LOVE this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Recipe
If a cup of peppermint cocoa isn’t enough of a reason to whip up this sweet chocolate drink, here are just a few more reasons to grab a mug and get mixing!
- Made in the microwave. Honestly, there is nothing better than a quick winter drink that can be made in the microwave.
- 5 ingredients. Simple pantry staple ingredients mean you can quickly whip up this hot chocolate any time the temperature drops!
- Easy vegan recipe. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are just trying to cut back on some dairy, this hot cocoa is sure to hit the spot.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
With just a few ingredients, you are mere minutes away from a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Dairy-Free Milk– I used oat milk in this recipe for an extra creamy cup of hot chocolate, but you can use your favorite non-dairy milk to make this recipe.
- Chocolate Chips– Dairy-Free semi-sweet or DF dark chocolate chips work perfectly in this recipe.
- Cocoa Powder– For an extra does of chocolaty flavor.
- Sugar– Sweetens this warm beverage just a touch.
- Peppermint Extract– Gives this hot chocolate recipe that fresh mint chocolate flavor.
Quick and Easy Directions
For this vegan hot chocolate simply heat, mix, and serve.
- Microwave: In a microwave safe bowl, heat non-dairy milk with the chocolate chips for 30 seconds.
- Stir and heat again for another 30 seconds.
- Heat as needed: Continue heating in 30 second intervals until chocolate chips have melted in the dairy-free milk.
- Add remaining ingredients: Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Garnish and serve: Pour into a mug and top with dairy-free whipped topping and crushed peppermint.
Dairy-Free Changes to Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Here are a few swaps you will want to keep in mind when you whip up this creamy hot chocolate recipe.
- Dairy-free milk– For this recipe I used oat milk to keep the hot chocolate thick and creamy. Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk instead.
- Chocolate chips– Vegan chocolate chip such as Enjoy Life work great in this recipe.
Top it off
When you get ready to serve this vegan peppermint hot chocolate recipe try topping it off with some of these sweet additions.
- Crushed peppermint– Sprinkle some crushed peppermint on top of the hot chocolate for a festive winter look.
- Candy Canes– Stick a candy cane in the hot chocolate for an additional hit of peppermint.
- Dairy-Free whipped topping– Truwhip Vegan is great for adding a dollop of whipped cream to the top. You can also try Reddiwip’s non-dairy whipped topping.
- Vegan marshmallows– Keep this hot chocolate recipe totally vegan with a sprinkle of Dandies Marshmallows.
What to Serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate
In my humble opinion, a comforting mug of hot cocoa isn’t complete without a cookie to enjoy with it. Some great cookies to pair with this peppermint hot chocolate recipe include:
How to Make This in Advance
Want to have a mug of this hot chocolate in the fridge and ready when the craving strikes? Once you’ve made the vegan peppermint hot chocolate, refrigerate in an air tight container. I recommend a lidded cup or a pyrex storage bowl. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you are ready to enjoy, heat in a microwave-safe container the microwave for 30 second intervals until your desired heat level. Pour into a mug, top it off and enjoy!
More Mint Chocolate Recipes to Try Next
If you tried this extra creamy hot chocolate recipe and enjoyed it feel free to leave a comment below! I would love to hear how it went! Or, snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @mylifeafterdairy to share all your life after dairy adventures!
You can also get delicious dairy-free recipes and tips by signing up for my newsletter!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Rich, creamy, and mixed with just a splash of peppermint, this vegan hot chocolate recipe is sure to keep you warm all winter long.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Oat Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Chocolate Chips Vegan
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Instructions
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In a microwave safe bowl, heat non-dairy milk with the chocolate chips for 30 seconds.
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Stir and heat again for another 30 seconds.
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Continue heating in 30 second intervals until chocolate chips have melted in the dairy-free milk.
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Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
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Pour into a mug and top with dairy-free whipped topping and crushed peppermint.
