There’s just something magical about a warm mug on a chilly day, especially when it’s the Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe I’m about to share. This isn’t your everyday hot chocolate—it’s rich, velvety, and topped with a refreshing peppermint whipped cream that makes the whole experience feel festive and fancy.

Two clear glass mugs with handles sit on a wooden board. The mug in the foreground is being filled with smooth, thick dark brown hot chocolate from a grey pot, with the liquid showing a glossy texture as it pours. The mug behind it is fully filled with hot chocolate and topped with a white layer of whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings. Around the mugs on the wooden board are pieces of dark chocolate and small scattered chocolate shavings. The background is softly blurred with a warm, cozy wooden tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe has been a go-to for me during the winter months—it’s such a cozy treat that’s elevated with simple but thoughtful ingredients. I love how it feels like a little celebration in a cup every time I make it.

Rich and Creamy Texture: Combining whole milk, heavy cream, and bittersweet chocolate creates a wonderfully smooth and luscious hot chocolate that's deeply satisfying.
Peppermint Whipped Cream Boost: The peppermint whipped cream adds a bright, festive twist that balances the chocolate’s richness perfectly.
Easy Enough for Weeknights: Despite how fancy it tastes, it comes together in under 10 minutes—perfect for a quick treat or an after-dinner indulgence.
Customizable Toppings: You can dress it up with chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candies, or sprinkles to make it your own special creation.

The image shows a dark brown liquid with small bubbles on the surface inside a speckled cooking pot. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is lifting some of the thick liquid, showing its slightly frothy surface with tiny bubbles. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe is its simplicity. Every ingredient plays its part in creating that rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor. Plus, these are easy to find in any grocery store.

Flat lay of a small mound of Dutch-processed cocoa powder on a simple white ceramic plate, a few pieces of chopped bittersweet chocolate stacked neatly on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar crystals, a white ceramic bowl containing whole fresh brown eggs, a small white bowl holding heavy cream, a small white bowl with whole fresh milk, and a few green spearmint leaves arranged beside a small white bowl of powdered sugar, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy—perfect base liquid for the hot chocolate.
Heavy cream: Boosts richness both in the hot chocolate and the whipped cream topping.
Cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or unsweetened): Gives that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-process offers a smoother, less acidic taste.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the drink and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
Bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cocoa): Melts into the mix for intense, luxurious chocolate notes.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Enhances the chocolate’s flavor and adds warm, floral undertones.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess, ensuring a silky texture.
Peppermint extract: Gives the whipped cream that refreshing, festive peppermint kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I always encourage is playing with this recipe to make it yours. I sometimes swap the peppermint extract for orange zest in the whipped cream for a citrusy spin. You’ll find even small tweaks can add surprising depth!

Variation: I’ve also tried using almond milk instead of whole milk, which gives a nutty undertone and makes it a bit lighter, great if you want less dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Milk and Cream Gently

Start by combining 1½ cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. The key here is to warm it slowly until you see steam rising—don’t let it simmer or boil, or the milk can scorch and get a skin on top. Gentle heat is your friend.

Step 2: Whisk in the Cocoa and Sugar

Once your milk is nice and steamy, sift in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and whisk thoroughly. The sifting helps prevent lumps—that little step makes a big difference. Then add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. A smooth base sets you up for rich flavor.

Step 3: Melt in the Bittersweet Chocolate

Chop 2 ounces of bittersweet chocolate into small pieces. Add them to the saucepan in two batches, stirring constantly to melt it evenly. This step is what turns your hot chocolate into a velvety dream, so be patient and keep stirring as it melts.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Finish Heating

Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract, then keep the mixture on gentle heat for another 2 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. After that, remove the pot from the heat and set it aside while you prepare the whipped cream.

Step 5: Whip Up the Peppermint Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Whip with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form for a spoonable topping, or whip to stiff peaks if you prefer to pipe it decoratively on top.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Pour your hot chocolate into cozy mugs, then pile on the peppermint whipped cream. For a festive final touch, I love sprinkling crushed peppermint candy or chocolate shavings—it’s these little details that make it so special!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few small tricks that really lift this Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe from great to unforgettable. Here’s what helps me every time:

Use Good Quality Chocolate: The bittersweet chocolate matters—choosing one with high cocoa content gives a richer depth and smoother melt.
Don’t Rush the Heating: Heating too quickly or too hot can cause the milk to scorch or develop a skin, so medium or medium-low heat is best.
Whip the Cream Cold: Chilling your bowl and whisk before whipping makes the cream fluffier and faster to peak.
Adjust Peppermint Extract to Taste: Peppermint can be strong, so start with a little and add more if you want a punchier flavor.

How to Serve Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a fan of simple garnishes that add a little textural interest and a pop of festivity. Crushed candy canes, mini chocolate curls, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top of the peppermint whipped cream all work beautifully. If you want to get fancy, add a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod for aroma.

Side Dishes

This hot chocolate pairs amazingly with light bites like ginger snaps, biscotti, or even a slice of buttery shortbread. The crisp texture and subtle sweetness of those treats complement the rich drink perfectly without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in clear glass mugs so you can see the layers—the dark chocolate liquid topped with snowy white whipped cream and colorful peppermint bits is quite the showstopper. Adding a cute paper straw or a little edible glitter makes it extra festive for holiday parties or cozy winter mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of the hot chocolate base (it happens!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat on low, whisking occasionally.

Freezing

I haven’t found freezing the hot chocolate base to work as well because the cream can separate. But you can freeze the peppermint whipped cream separately in an airtight container—though it’s best consumed fresh for optimal fluffiness.

Reheating

When reheating leftover hot chocolate, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid scorching. Stir frequently to keep it silky smooth, and avoid boiling to preserve that creamy mouthfeel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve tried almond and oat milks with great results. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a little lighter without dairy. Adding a bit more heavy cream or a scoop of coconut cream can help keep it luxurious.

How strong is the peppermint flavor in the whipped cream?

The peppermint extract is subtle and refreshing, but if you want a bolder taste, you can always add a tiny bit more. Just be sure to start small—it can quickly overpower the chocolate if you’re not careful!

Can I prepare the peppermint whipped cream ahead of time?

You can whip the peppermint cream a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a gentle re-whisk before topping your hot chocolate for the best texture.

Why use both cocoa powder and chocolate in the hot chocolate?

Using both cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the drink a rich, velvety texture. Cocoa powder offers intense flavor, while the melted chocolate adds creaminess and smoothness. It’s the combo that makes this hot chocolate truly decadent!

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe is one of those comforting classics that I always return to when I want a little indulgence wrapped up in warmth. It’s just the right balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that brightens any chilly day. Pour yourself a cup, add your favorite toppings, and savor every cozy sip—you deserve it!