Candy Cane Hot Cocoa
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Easy candy cane hot chocolate is creamy, cozy and full of peppermint flavor and made with real chocolate. This homemade hot chocolate is perfect for Christmas and the holidays, try it for your next Christmas movie night!
![Hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes.](https://onmykidsplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Candy-Cane-Hot-Chocolate-19.jpg)
Table of Contents
Why We Love Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
- Creamy Chocolate Candy Cane Flavor – This hot chocolate recipe makes a super creamy, cozy cup of peppermint hot chocolate. Not only is it warm and gooey, it has a lot of flavor.
- Perfect For The Holidays – Whip up a small batch of hot chocolate for the holidays, or double or triple it for a larger crowd. This peppermint hot chocolate is perfect paired with a holiday movie, Christmas Eve or even New Year’s Eve.
- No Packets Or Special Ingredients Needed – This recipe is full of simple ingredients that you can easily find in the grocery store.
Try the infamous creamy whipped hot chocolate for another really delicious holiday treat. Or make hot chocolate for a crowd with this creamy slow cooker hot chocolate. Or enjoy chocolate on your dessert party trays with this gooey hot chocolate fudge or white chocolate peppermint fudge.
Ingredients For Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
- ⅓ cup candy canes crushed, or other crushed peppermints
- 2 ½ cups whole milk see notes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, extra peppermint candy cane pieces – optional toppings
How To Make Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
- Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a strong zip-top bag. With a rolling pin or a heavy metal canned good gently crush the candy canes until broken into pieces.
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, cocoa powder and peppermint extract to the pot. Blend well with a whisk.
I sometimes will add just a small pinch of salt as it brings out the other flavors in the hot chocolate.
![Chocolate chips, cocoa and sugar in a pan from above.](https://onmykidsplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Candy-Cane-Hot-Chocolate-03.jpg)
- Continue to stir frequently until chocolate and candy is melted and the pot is at a slow simmer; about 10-15 minutes. The chocolate will look darker as you stir. Lower heat to lowest setting and continue to heat for 15 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil, a slow simmer is okay.
![A pan filled with hot chocolate with a whisk in it.](https://onmykidsplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Candy-Cane-Hot-Cocoa-mix.jpg)
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Top with optional whipped cream or marshmallows and extra candy cane pieces sprinkled on top.
![Hot chocolate in a pan with candy canes, whipped cream and marshmallows on the counter nearby.](https://onmykidsplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Candy-Cane-Hot-Chocolate-05.jpg)
Topping Variations
- Try spearmint candies – The green spearmint candy canes or candies can also be used in this recipe. Not only is it warm and gooey, it has a velvety peppermint chocolate taste.
- Use festive marshmallows – Peeps brand has all sorts of fun Christmas or holiday marshamallows that can be added on top of the hot chocolate. I’ve also seen peppermint flavored mini marshmallows sometimes during the holiday season that would be fun for a festive hot chocolate.
- Add Sprinkles – A few festive sprinkles for the holiday season are another fun way to decorate this treat!
How Long Will Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Last?
Expect candy cane hot chocolate will last for about 3-4 days if you store it in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Chocolate Ideas You’ll Love
![Three mugs of hot chocolate with candy canes, whipped cream and marshmallow toppings.](https://onmykidsplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Candy-Cane-Hot-Chocolate-17.jpg)
![Hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes in a mug with more in the background.](https://onmykidsplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Candy-Cane-Hot-Chocolate-square-450x450.jpg)
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup candy canes crushed, or other crushed peppermints
- 2 ½ cups whole milk see notes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, extra peppermint candy cane pieces optional toppings
Instructions
- Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a strong zip-top bag. With a rolling pin or a heavy metal canned good gently crush the candy canes until broken into pieces.
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, cocoa powder and peppermint extract to the pot. Blend well with a whisk.
- Continue to stir frequently until chocolate and candy is melted and the pot is at a slow simmer; about 10-15 minutes. The chocolate will look darker as you stir. Lower heat to lowest setting and continue to heat for 15 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil, a slow simmer is okay.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Top with optional whipped cream or marshmallows and extra candy cane pieces sprinkled on top.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This?
I would love to see it! Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!