Hot cocoa is like a healthy version of hot chocolate. Hot chocolate is usually made with melted chocolate and sometimes cream. Whereas hot cocoa is made with unsweetened cocoa powder and milk. It just feels more authentic and has less sugar. This hot cocoa is made into a fancy Christmas drink with peppermint candy and is so warming for the soul.
Firstly, you start off by melting the candy in a saucepan with the milk. It will have a reddish color once it heats up in the saucepan. Then you whisk in the cocoa powder. It might be lumpy for a few minutes but that’s okay. The longer you whisk it, the smoother the drink gets. The color will change from a light red to dark brown once the cocoa powder dissolves completely.
This peppermint candy-based hot drink is so perfect for Christmas season. It is best served with chilled whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive vibe. Garnish it with extra peppermint candy as well. I think this would pair really well with my eggnog French toast. If you love this recipe, you’re sure to like my equally-healthy cardamom hot cocoa recipe in my newest book, Cozy Delights! I am taking a break for myself but I will of course keep the blog updated with a few recipes when I can. But for now Merry Christmas!
Ingredients
10 peppermint candy sticks
2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Granulated sugar to taste (optional)
Whipped cream to garnish
Sprinkles to garnish
Instructions
- Bring the milk to a slight boil in a saucepan on medium heat.
- Add the peppermint candy and let it dissolve completely in the hot milk. it will turn the milk into a reddish hue.
- Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and whisk until it is one color.
- Check the sugar level and add sugar if you'd like.
- Pour this into a mug and top with whipped cream and sprinkles for a festive vibe. Merry Christmas!