Why You’ll Love this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
There are five irresistible reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this peppermint hot cocoa mix.
First, it’s ridiculously easy to make—just whisk, store, and you’re done.
Second, the balance of rich cocoa and cool peppermint creates that perfect holiday flavor profile.
Third, it’s customizable—adjust the sweetness to your taste or add espresso powder for depth.
Fourth, it makes a gorgeous gift when packaged in glass jars with a cute label.
Finally, unlike store-bought versions, this homemade mix doesn’t contain any weird preservatives or artificial flavors.
Just pure, comforting goodness in every sip.
What Ingredients are in Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix?
The magic of this peppermint hot cocoa mix lies in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Good cocoa powder forms the backbone of this recipe, while powdered milk adds creaminess without requiring refrigeration. The crushed peppermint candies are what transform this from ordinary hot chocolate into a festive holiday treat, infusing each sip with that distinctive cool mint flavor that pairs so perfectly with rich chocolate.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1¼ cups powdered sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 cup powdered milk (whole milk powder is creamiest)
- ½ cup finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for silky body)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional boosters: 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- Optional boosters: 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (deepens chocolate flavor)
When selecting your ingredients, quality matters. Look for a good Dutch-processed cocoa powder if you prefer a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor. For the peppermint component, traditional candy canes work perfectly, but those round peppermint starlight mints are just as good.
The cornstarch might seem like an unusual addition, but it’s my secret weapon for creating that velvety mouthfeel you find in premium store-bought mixes. And don’t skip the salt—it’s the invisible ingredient that makes all the flavors pop without making the cocoa taste salty.
The optional espresso powder won’t make your hot chocolate taste like coffee, promise. It just enhances the chocolate notes, making them deeper and more complex.
How to Make this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
Making this peppermint hot cocoa mix couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the small effort. Start by sifting 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 to 1¼ cups powdered sugar (depending on how sweet you like it), 1 cup powdered milk, 2 tablespoons cornstarch (if using), and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt into a large bowl. The sifting step isn’t just fussy cooking show behavior—it actually prevents those pesky lumps that never seem to dissolve when you’re trying to enjoy your hot chocolate.
Whisk everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined. If you’re adding any optional boosters like 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, now’s the time to whisk those in too.
For the peppermint component, which really makes this mix special, you’ll need to crush ½ cup of peppermint candies or candy canes into a fine rubble. A food processor works perfectly for this task, giving you control over the texture. Just be sure to sift through the crushed candy and remove any sharp shards—nobody wants a surprise cut on their lip while sipping cocoa.
Gently stir the crushed peppermint into your cocoa mixture until evenly distributed. The finished mix should have a rich chocolate color speckled with bits of red and white candy. Transfer your completed mix to an airtight container, where it will keep beautifully for months.
Making a big batch now means warming, minty comfort is just minutes away on those cold winter evenings when you need it most.
When you’re ready to enjoy a mug of peppermint hot chocolate, the preparation is just as straightforward. Heat 8-10 ounces of milk (any kind works, from whole dairy milk to your favorite non-dairy alternative) until it’s steaming hot but not boiling.
Add 3 tablespoons of your homemade mix to a mug, pour in just a splash of the hot milk, and whisk into a smooth paste—this prevents those annoying dry cocoa lumps. Then add the rest of the hot milk while whisking to combine everything perfectly. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and maybe even a peppermint stick for stirring.
Need to serve a crowd? Simply scale up by heating 6 cups of milk and whisking in 1 cup of mix, keeping the pot warm on low heat and giving it an occasional stir. Winter gatherings just got a whole lot cozier.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe creates a perfectly balanced peppermint hot cocoa mix, you’ve got plenty of room to play with substitutions and variations to make it truly your own.
For a different sweetness profile, try coconut sugar or monk fruit powder instead of regular powdered sugar. Not a fan of peppermint? Swap in crushed toffee bits, orange zest, or cinnamon.
The powdered milk can be substituted with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk powder for a vegan version.
I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican-inspired kick, or white chocolate chips for extra creaminess.
What to Serve with Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
Perfect pairings can elevate your peppermint hot cocoa experience from simply delicious to absolutely memorable.
I love serving buttery shortbread cookies or chocolate-dipped biscotti alongside my steaming mug—there’s something magical about that dunk-and-sip ritual, isn’t there?
Gingerbread cookies provide a spicy counterpoint to the cool peppermint, while cinnamon churros offer a textural contrast that’s divine.
For grown-up gatherings, I serve mine with peppermint schnapps on the side.
When hosting, I create a cocoa bar with various toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, and cinnamon sticks.
Trust me, your guests will rave.
Final Thoughts
As the winter months settle in, this homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix becomes more than just a warm beverage—it transforms into a cherished ritual that brightens even the darkest, coldest days.
I’ve found this mix to be my secret weapon for impromptu gatherings or those nights when I need a moment of comfort.
The beauty lies in its versatility—adjust the sweetness to your liking, swap milk varieties, or even add a splash of something stronger for adult versions.
