Rich & Creamy Dairy-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A Vegan Holiday Treat

Only 6 simple ingredients come together to create this rich, creamy, and completely dairy-free Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate. With its perfect balance of decadent chocolatey sweetness and a refreshing hint of mint, this vegan recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, festive drink that’s easy-to-make, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

The holiday season just isn’t complete without a warm, comforting drink to cozy up with. Whether it’s the familiar embrace of Rice Atole, the traditional richness of Champurrado, or the festive delight of today’s hot chocolate recipe, I love crafting special beverages for my family to savor during the chilly winter months. If you’re a devoted fan of that classic chocolate-and-mint combination, this dairy-free version of peppermint hot chocolate is absolutely destined to become your new seasonal favorite.

Imagine sipping on a mug of velvety smooth hot chocolate, infused with just the right amount of invigorating peppermint. This recipe delivers exactly that experience, all while requiring only six straightforward ingredients. You’ll achieve a perfectly creamy, rich texture with an exquisite touch of mint, all thanks to the clever use of plant-based milk and dairy-free creamer. It’s truly a luxurious treat without any of the dairy, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Preparing this homemade peppermint hot chocolate is surprisingly simple, and the results far surpass anything you might find in a store-bought mix or a coffee shop. Let me walk you through just how easy it is to whip up this delightful, festive beverage in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

• Unbelievably Rich and Creamy: Forget thin, watery hot chocolates. This recipe is crafted with a luxurious combination of two types of chocolate and a dairy-free base, resulting in an exceptionally smooth, indulgent, and satisfying drink that truly coats your palate.
• Made with Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create this masterpiece. Just six common pantry staples are all it takes to bring this incredibly delicious and comforting drink to life.
• Superior to Store-Bought Options: Take control of your holiday sips! By making it at home, you can completely customize the sweetness, adjust the intensity of the peppermint and chocolate flavors, and ensure the highest quality ingredients. Plus, it’s a wonderfully budget-friendly alternative to expensive coffee shop versions.
• Perfectly Festive and Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is designed to be completely dairy-free and vegan, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings where you want to cater to various dietary preferences. Everyone can enjoy a taste of festive cheer without compromise.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: Despite its gourmet taste, this hot chocolate comes together in just about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a spontaneous treat or a quick holiday gathering.

For more cozy and comforting drink recipes, be sure to check out our traditional Ponche Navideño or our velvety Frothy Mocha Latte (Dairy-Free).

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The foundation of our chocolate flavor! Using unsweetened cocoa powder (sometimes labeled as cacao powder) is crucial here. It gives you complete control over the final sweetness level of your hot cocoa, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used for a darker color and milder, less bitter chocolate flavor.
• Semisweet Chocolate: For that extra layer of rich, deep chocolate flavor and luxurious texture, we incorporate semisweet chocolate chips. My personal preference is for Enjoy Life chocolate chips, as they are free from common allergens and deliver fantastic taste. However, feel free to use any brand of quality semisweet chocolate chips or a chopped semisweet chocolate bar you enjoy. Opt for a brand that melts smoothly for the best creamy consistency.
• Milk or Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my top recommendation due to its mild flavor, which allows the chocolate and peppermint to shine. It also provides a lovely creamy base and pairs wonderfully with the optional peppermint mocha creamer. Unsweetened oat milk is another excellent plant-based alternative, offering a naturally creamy and slightly sweet profile. If you don’t need a dairy-free option, regular dairy milk works perfectly fine.
• Peppermint Mocha Nutpods Creamer (Optional): This dairy-free, sugar-free creamer, crafted from almond milk and coconut cream, is a game-changer for adding a delightful peppermint mocha flavor and extra creaminess. It also froths beautifully, contributing to that luxurious mouthfeel. While optional, it significantly enhances the overall flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with additional plant-based milk and perhaps a touch more peppermint extract and a splash of full-fat canned coconut milk for added richness.
• Maple Syrup: Our chosen natural sweetener, maple syrup, not only adds sweetness but also contributes subtle notes of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, complementing the chocolate and mint beautifully. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar. However, you can easily substitute with regular granulated sugar, agave syrup, or, for non-vegan versions, a touch of honey. Adjust the amount to your personal sweetness preference.
• Peppermint Extract: While the Nutpods creamer provides some peppermint essence, a few drops of pure peppermint extract will intensify that refreshing minty kick, truly elevating the drink to “peppermint hot chocolate” status. This ingredient is especially important if you opt not to use the Peppermint Mocha Nutpods. Be careful not to overdo it, as a little goes a long way!

See recipe card below for exact quantities.

Pro Tip: Use my code EVERYDAYLATINA to get 15% off your first order of Nutpods on nutpods.com.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Crafting this delightful peppermint hot chocolate is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for the perfect festive beverage:

1. Combine and Simmer Milk: Start by pouring 3 ½ cups of your chosen almond milk (or other plant-based milk) and ½ cup of Peppermint Mocha Nutpods (if using) into a medium-sized pot or saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges, but be sure not to let it come to a rolling boil.
2. Add Flavorful Ingredients: Once the milk is simmering, reduce the heat slightly and add in 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips, 4 tablespoons of maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
3. Whisk Until Combined and Frothy: With all the ingredients in the pot, vigorously whisk the mixture. Continue whisking until the cocoa powder and chocolate chips are fully dissolved, and the milk has become beautifully frothy. If you have a handheld milk frother, this is a fantastic time to use it for an extra creamy, airy texture.
4. Heat to Perfection: Continue heating on medium-low heat for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. Keep a close eye on the mixture to ensure it doesn’t boil and overflow, which can happen quickly with hot milk! The goal is a perfectly warm, homogenous, and aromatic hot chocolate.

Optional: Elevate Your Mugs with a Festive Candy Cane Rim

This step is entirely optional, but it truly takes your peppermint hot chocolate to the next level, making it much more festive and adding an extra delicious, crunchy minty touch. It’s a simple way to impress your guests or just treat yourself!

1. Prepare Your Mugs: Take your serving mugs and dip the rim of each into a small plate of honey or maple syrup (for a fully vegan option). This creates a sticky surface for the crushed candy canes. Set the mugs aside for a moment to allow the honey or syrup to slightly firm up – this helps the candy canes adhere better.
2. Crush the Candy Canes: Place 2-3 candy canes into a sturdy Ziploc bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Using a rolling pin, the flat side of a meat tenderizer, or another heavy object, gently but firmly crush the candy canes into small, irregular pieces. You want a mix of fine dust and small crunchy bits. Transfer the crushed candy canes to a small, shallow plate.
3. Rim the Mugs: Carefully dip the honeyed or syruped rims of your mugs into the plate of crushed candy canes. Rotate the mugs slowly, ensuring the entire rim is coated evenly. This creates a beautiful, festive border that adds both visual appeal and a delightful crunch with every sip.

How to Serve Your Dairy-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Once your rich and creamy peppermint hot chocolate is perfectly heated, it’s time to serve! Pour the warm drink into your prepared, candy-cane-rimmed mugs. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, consider these garnishing ideas:

• Mini Marshmallows: A classic pairing! A generous handful of mini marshmallows (ensure they are vegan if needed) will melt into delightful pockets of sweetness.
• Dust of Cocoa Powder: A light sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder adds a sophisticated finish and enhances the chocolate aroma.
• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler or grater to create delicate curls of dairy-free dark chocolate for an elegant garnish.
• Extra Crushed Candy Canes: A final sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of the marshmallows or whipped cream reinforces the minty theme.
• A Whole Peppermint Stick: A beautiful and edible stirrer, perfect for an extra burst of mint.
• Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: A dollop of coconut or oat-based whipped cream takes this drink to ultimate dessert territory.

Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and festive flavors!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with any delicious leftover peppermint hot chocolate, don’t worry – it stores and reheats beautifully! Allow the hot chocolate to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options:

• Stovetop Method: Pour the desired amount of hot chocolate into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches a gentle simmer and is thoroughly warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can affect the texture.
• Microwave Method: For a quick single serving, pour your hot chocolate into a microwave-safe mug. Heat on high for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through, until it’s hot and ready to enjoy.

Whisking it briefly after reheating can help restore any frothiness that may have settled during storage.

Tips for Success & Delightful Variations

Achieving the perfect peppermint hot chocolate is easy with a few simple tips and tricks. Plus, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own!

Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate:

• Use Quality Chocolate: The better your chocolate, the better your hot chocolate will taste. Invest in good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a truly rich flavor.
• Don’t Boil the Milk: While you want to bring the milk to a simmer, avoid a rapid boil. High heat can cause plant-based milks to curdle or scorch, affecting the texture and flavor.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Consistent whisking is key to dissolving the cocoa powder and chocolate chips, preventing lumps, and creating that desirable frothy texture.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your hot chocolate before serving. You might prefer a little more sweetness, a stronger mint flavor, or a touch more chocolate. Adjust the maple syrup or peppermint extract to your liking.
• Warm Your Mugs: For an extra luxurious experience, warm your mugs with hot water before pouring in the hot chocolate. This helps keep your drink warmer for longer.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Peppermint Mocha: For coffee lovers, add a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant coffee granules along with the other ingredients for a delightful peppermint mocha.
• Spicy Peppermint Chocolate: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a subtle, warming kick that beautifully complements the chocolate.
• White Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder for dairy-free white chocolate chips and omit the cocoa powder for a creamy, minty white hot chocolate.
• Orange Mint Hot Chocolate: Add a few drops of orange extract along with the peppermint extract for a sophisticated citrus-mint twist.
• Salted Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A tiny pinch of sea salt at the end can enhance the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this peppermint hot chocolate ahead of time?

Absolutely! This hot chocolate can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking well to restore its creamy texture.

Can I use different plant-based milks?

Yes, you can! Unsweetened oat milk is a fantastic choice for its natural creaminess. Soy milk or full-fat canned coconut milk (not the beverage, but the thicker, canned variety) can also be used, though full-fat coconut milk will impart a subtle coconut flavor. Experiment to find your favorite!

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract and can’t find the Peppermint Mocha Nutpods, you can still make a delicious chocolate drink. While it won’t have the strong mint flavor, it will still be a rich dairy-free hot chocolate. You could also try adding a few drops of food-grade peppermint essential oil (ensure it’s safe for consumption) or even muddle a few fresh mint leaves into the milk as it simmers, straining them out before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, it is! This dairy-free peppermint hot chocolate is a wonderful treat for kids. You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to make it less sweet if desired. The peppermint flavor is generally well-loved by children, but you can also reduce the extract slightly if they prefer a milder mint. Just be mindful of the caffeine content if using chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.

How can I make my hot chocolate extra frothy?

For maximum frothiness, use a handheld milk frother after whisking the ingredients together in the pot. You can also carefully pour the hot chocolate into a blender and blend for 15-30 seconds on low speed (be cautious with hot liquids and ensure the lid is secure, starting slow). Alternatively, vigorously whisking with a regular whisk can create a decent froth.

I truly hope you enjoy this festive and comforting Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and tips.

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Recipe Card

Originally published December 20, 2021. Updated post December 2024.