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Peppermint Mocha Christmas Tree Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Mocha Christmas Tree Hot Chocolate - featured image
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This festive hot chocolate combines rich cocoa, a hint of espresso, and cool peppermint, topped with a whimsical whipped cream ‘Christmas tree’ and holiday sprinkles. It’s the perfect cozy treat for holiday gatherings or a special winter night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a caramel note)
  • 1/4 cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee (or decaf/extra milk for kid-friendly)
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • Sprinkles, star-shaped candy, and crushed candy canes (for decorating)
  • Optional: Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, coconut, or oat for vegan)
  • Optional: Sugar substitutes (like monkfruit or stevia)
  • Optional: Dark chocolate (swap for semi-sweet)
  • Optional: Mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings (for extra toppings)

Instructions

  1. Gather all hot chocolate ingredients and prep toppings like sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream over medium-low heat. Warm gently, stirring occasionally, until small bubbles form around the edges (about 3-4 minutes). Do not boil.
  3. Whisk in 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Stir in 1/4 cup hot espresso or strong coffee, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or mintiness as desired. Remove from heat.
  5. In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and a few drops of green food coloring until stiff peaks form (about 3 minutes with an electric mixer).
  6. Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe a tall swirl onto a parchment-lined plate. Garnish each ‘tree’ with sprinkles, a candy star, and crushed candy cane. Freeze for 10-15 minutes to set.
  7. Pour hot peppermint mocha into mugs (about 3/4 full). Gently lift a whipped cream tree with a spatula and place it on top of each mug, or pipe directly onto the hot chocolate and decorate.
  8. Sprinkle with extra crushed candy cane, drizzle chocolate sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality cocoa and chocolate chips. Chill your bowl and beaters before whipping cream for fluffier peaks. Taste the hot chocolate before adding more peppermint extract, as it’s strong. Whipped cream trees can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 hours. For a vegan version, use non-dairy milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint mocha hot chocolate, Christmas hot chocolate, festive holiday drink, whipped cream tree, peppermint mocha, holiday beverage, winter drink, kid-friendly hot chocolate, dairy-free hot chocolate, vegan hot chocolate

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/peppermint-mocha-christmas-tree-hot-chocolate-easy-festive-recipe/