Christmas Elf Hot Chocolate
This Christmas Elf Hot Chocolate is a festive, creamy white chocolate drink with a hint of peppermint and a magical pastel-green color, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for cozy winter gatherings or holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free milk like oat or almond)
- 6 oz white chocolate chips or bar, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1–2 drops green gel food coloring (or 1 teaspoon matcha powder for natural color)
- Toppings (choose your favorites):
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Christmas sprinkles
- Mini candy canes
- White chocolate shavings
- Crushed peppermints
Instructions
- Pour 4 cups whole milk into a medium saucepan. Set over medium-low heat and warm gently, stirring often, until steaming but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
- Add 6 oz white chocolate chips or chopped bar to the hot milk. Whisk continuously as the chocolate melts, about 2-3 minutes, until creamy and smooth.
- Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (if using). Add 1-2 drops green gel food coloring (or matcha powder) and whisk until evenly colored.
- For an ultra-silky finish, blend with a hand blender for 20-30 seconds (optional).
- Taste and adjust: add a tablespoon of sugar or more white chocolate if you want it sweeter, or a splash more milk if too minty.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into big mugs. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and any other desired toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! For parties, set up a DIY toppings bar so everyone can customize their mug.
Notes
Use gentle heat to avoid burning the white chocolate. Start with a small amount of peppermint extract and food coloring, adjusting to taste and color preference. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free white chocolate. The base can be made ahead and reheated; add toppings just before serving. For a thicker drink, simmer a few extra minutes or add a splash of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Christmas, holiday drink, hot chocolate, elf hot chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint, festive, kids, party, winter, easy, cozy, green hot chocolate