Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix (Just Add Milk)
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Whether you’re stirring up a mug for yourself after a long day or packaging it up as a thoughtful gift, with only 4 pantry ingredients, this delicious peppermint hot cocoa mix is one of those recipes that feels both practical and a little magical.
There’s something instantly comforting about a mug of hot cocoa – it’s cozy, nostalgic, and feels a little indulgent in the best way. Adding peppermint takes it one step further, giving classic hot chocolate a cool, refreshing twist that feels special without being complicated. This homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix is designed to dissolve smoothly into any kind of milk, making it an easy, versatile treat you can enjoy all winter long.
Why Make Homemade Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix?
Making your own hot cocoa mix at home gives you full control over flavor and quality. You can adjust the sweetness, choose a richer cocoa powder, and add just the right amount of peppermint so it enhances the chocolate instead of overpowering it. Store-bought mixes are often overly sweet or taste artificial, while a homemade version tastes richer, and more flavorful.
This recipe is also incredibly convenient. Once you make the mix, all you need to do is heat up your milk of choice and stir some in for a rich, decadent treat. No cooking on the stove, no extra ingredients, no fuss. It’s perfect for busy evenings, impromptu guests, or anytime you want a cozy drink without pulling out a pot or a full list of ingredients.
A Cozy Staple to Keep on Hand
Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with others, this peppermint hot chocolate mix is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. It’s simple, versatile, and endlessly cozy – the perfect excuse to slow down, warm up, and enjoy a quiet moment with a mug in hand.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar – Add sweetness and a depth of flavor to the hot chocolate mix.
- White sugar – Your basic sweetness for this mix.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Choose your favorite, just make sure it’s unsweetened. Dark cocoa powders will get a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Peppermint extract – Use 100% peppermint extract. Nothing artificial. A little goes a LONG way. It’s tempting to add in more, but start with the recommended amount of peppermint extract and see what you think before you add in additional extract.
Make It Boozy! For an adult treat, add a splash of peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, or vanilla vodka to your prepared hot cocoa. Top with whipped cream for a cozy after-dinner drink.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
In a medium bowl, combine the white sugar and peppermint extract.
Mix with a fork until the extract is evenly incorporated into the sugar.
Add the brown sugar and cocoa powder to the peppermint/sugar mixture.
Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and no lumps remain.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
To Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate:
Stir 2 tablespoons of peppermint hot cocoa mix into 8 ounces (1 cup) of hot milk until the sugars are dissolved.
Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and enjoy!
Extra Cozy Toppings – Finish mugs with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate curls, red decorating sugar, or a light sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch anytime.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe (without Dry Milk)
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ tsp peppermint extract, See note
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the white sugar and peppermint extract.½ cup white sugar, ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Mix with a fork until the extract is evenly incorporated into the sugar.
- Add the brown sugar and cocoa powder to the peppermint/sugar mixture.¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and no lumps remain.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
To Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Stir 2 tablespoons of peppermint hot cocoa mix into 8 ounces (1 cup) of hot milk until the sugars are dissolved.
- Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and enjoy!
Notes
Equipment
When to Serve Peppermint Hot Cocoa (Beyond the Holidays)
While peppermint is often associated with Christmas, this hot cocoa mix is great well beyond December. Serve it on snowy afternoons in January and February when you want something warm and comforting. It’s also a fun option for winter birthdays, ski weekends, or after a day spent outdoors in cold weather.
Peppermint hot cocoa works beautifully for casual gatherings too. Set out a hot cocoa bar for a movie night, book club, or family game night and let everyone customize their mugs with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or crushed peppermint candies. It’s an easy way to make a low-key get-together feel a little more special.
Because this mix pairs well with any type of milk – dairy or plant-based – it’s a great option when you’re serving a group with different preferences. Almond milk, oat milk, and whole milk all bring slightly different flavors and textures, letting guests tailor their cocoa to their taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
I make my hot chocolate with dairy milk or almond milk, but any kind of milk can be used with this mix, including soy milk, oat milk, or rice milk. If you’re going to be using a milk that’s already been sweetened, reduce the brown sugar in the hot cocoa mix to ⅓ cup.
No. You MUST use some kind of milk when making hot chocolate with this mix because there is no powdered milk or dry milk powder in it. Do not use this hot cocoa mix with just hot water. It will not taste good.
This mix will keep for 6-9 months in a sealed container stored in a cool, dark place (like your panty or a cupboard).
Make sure your milk is hot enough to dissolve the sugars. The milk doesn’t have to be scalding, but you do need to make sure the hot milk you’re using is warm enough to melt and dissolve the sugars in the hot cocoa mix.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix as a Gift
Homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix makes a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift that feels personal without being time-consuming. It’s perfect for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, hosts, or clients – especially when you want something homemade but practical.
Packaging for Hot Cocoa Mix Gifts
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Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Package the mix in a glass jar, reusable tin, or cello bag tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten tag with simple instructions like “Stir 2 Tbsp into hot milk and enjoy.” For an extra-special touch, pair the mix with a cute mug, a small whisk or spoon, or a bag of mini marshmallows.
This mix also works well as part of a larger gift basket. Combine it with cranberry shortbread cookies, pecan turtle candies, or a cute mug for a cozy winter-themed gift. Because it stores well, this hot cooca mix is an easy make-ahead option when you need multiple gifts at once.
I made this recipe this past winter and loved it. The peppermint flavor is a great addition.
So happy to hear this! It’s a favorite in our house!