This Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is a festive treat that warms you right up! It’s rich, chocolatey, and has a nice minty kick from the crushed candy canes on top.
Nothing says cozy like curling up with this drink during winter. Plus, the extra candy cane pieces make it feel like a holiday in a mug! Who can resist that? ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich and creamy texture, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any milk you like. If you want a vegan option, choose coconut milk for a unique flavor!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder forms the base of your chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use chocolate syrup but adjust the sugar since it’s already sweetened.
Chocolate Chips: Using chocolate chips adds a deep chocolaty flavor to the drink. If you want it less sweet, skip them. Dark chocolate chips are great if you prefer a more intense chocolate taste!
Candy Canes: Standard candy canes provide that classic peppermint flavor. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, there are sugar-free candy canes available, or you can use peppermint extract instead!
How Do You Make the Creamiest Hot Chocolate?
To achieve a creamy and smooth hot chocolate, it’s all about warming your milk gently and whisking well. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with low to medium heat on your stovetop to avoid burning the milk.
- Whisk continuously as you combine the milk, cocoa, and sugar to dissolve everything nicely.
- Let the mixture get hot without boiling, which helps blend the flavors without curdling the milk.
- Finish with a pinch of salt; it really brings out the chocolate taste!
Enjoy your hot chocolate and feel that cozy holiday spirit! 🎄☕️
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
- Pinch of salt
For the Toppings:
- Whipped cream, for topping
- 1-2 candy canes, crushed (plus 1 whole candy cane per serving for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Candy Cane Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll have it ready to sip in no time! Perfect for cozying up after a long day or entertaining guests during the holidays.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Milk and Cocoa:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Turn the heat to medium and whisk everything together. Keep whisking until the cocoa and sugar dissolve completely and the milk is hot but not boiling.
2. Add Richness with Chocolate Chips:
If you like your hot chocolate rich and creamy, toss in the chocolate chips now. Keep stirring until they melt away and blend into the mixture, giving it an extra chocolatey flavor.
3. Flavor it Up:
Once everything is well combined and smooth, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the sweetness and chocolate flavor beautifully!
4. Pour and Garnish:
Carefully pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Don’t be shy about filling them up! Then, top each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream. It’s the best part!
5. Festive Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crushed candy cane pieces over the whipped cream for that festive crunch and peppermint twist. Then, hook a whole candy cane onto the rim of each mug for a fun decoration and extra stirring stick.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately while it’s warm, and let the cozy flavors wrap you up like a warm blanket. Cheers to the holiday spirit!
Can I Use Alternative Milks for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk as substitutes for whole milk. Just be aware that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly, especially with nut-based milks.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot chocolate in advance! Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What if I Don’t Have Candy Canes?
No problem! If you don’t have candy canes, you can use peppermint extract as a substitute. Start with just 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste. Alternatively, crushed peppermint candies work too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring to ensure even heating. Add whipped cream fresh for the best experience!