Print

Cozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bar Station

peppermint hot chocolate bar station - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, creamy homemade peppermint hot chocolate served as an interactive bar station with customizable toppings like crushed candy canes, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 cups whole milk (or oat/coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Splash of heavy cream (optional)
  • Toppings: Crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, peppermint syrup, cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, espresso powder, and salt until well blended.
  2. Pour 4 cups of milk into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
  3. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle the dry cocoa mixture over the milk while whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or mint intensity if desired.
  5. Keep warm in a thermos, slow cooker on ‘warm’, or on the stove on the lowest setting.
  6. Set up the bar station with mugs, the hot chocolate, and bowls of toppings.
  7. Ladle hot chocolate into mugs and let guests add their preferred toppings.

Notes

Do not let the milk boil to prevent scalding. For extra smoothness, whisk dry ingredients with a little cold milk to form a paste before adding hot milk. Peppermint extract varies in strength, so taste before adding more. Leftover dry mix can be stored in an airtight jar for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint hot chocolate, hot chocolate bar, winter drinks, holiday recipes, cozy drinks, DIY hot chocolate, peppermint cocoa

Find it online: https://grubella.com/cozy-peppermint-hot-chocolate-bar-station-7-easy-diy-ideas/