Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe

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How about starting your Christmas morning with velvety Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate? Ah! Sounds comforting, right? So, friends, here I am, unveiling the authentic, wallet-friendly copycat recipe for Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Trust me, it’s the exact replica of the original.

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Feature Image

The best part? You don’t have to compromise your pocket every time you want to have it! Yay! This is the perfect hot chocolate for all your winter cravings. It requires only a few ingredients and is ready within minutes. It is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of sweetness.

As soon as you take the first sip of this cozy drink, you will experience a cool and refreshing rush inside your mouth that feels like a winter wonderland. The real star is the peppermint syrup, which elevates this hot chocolate from ordinary to extraordinary.

The perfect balance of sweet, rich, and minty flavors will keep you coming back for more. So here’s your ticket to Starbucks paradise, in none other than your own kitchen.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Medium-Sized Saucepan: This is where all the magic happens. I use it to combine milk, peppermint syrup, and chocolate to form a good consistency.
Whisk: This becomes my best companion for whisking the ingredients and ensuring that the chocolate melts evenly into the milk.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: I use measuring cups and spoons to precisely measure the ingredients, especially the peppermint syrup.
Mug: I use a large, sturdy mug to serve this hot chocolate because, c’mon, it deserves to be served in style. A bigger mug is always a win.

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Drink

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients listed below will make 2 servings. To make more, you can increase the quantity of ingredients.

1 Cup Milk: You can also use soy, oat, or almond milk.
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup of Chocolate Chips: Are you out of chocolate chips? Cocoa powder, chocolate bars, chocolate syrup, or cacao nibs work just fine. However, each of these substitutes will give a slightly different taste and texture.
1 Tablespoon Peppermint Syrup: Although this is the star ingredient here, if you happen to run short of peppermint syrup, peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candy, or mint leaves infused in milk can be useful.
Whipped Cream
Sprinklers: When I don’t have sprinklers in the kitchen, I use chocolate shavings, toasted coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or cookie pieces as alternatives.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
5 Minutes	5 Minutes	10 Minutes

How To Make Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate At Home

Step 1

Add milk, heavy whipping cream, chocolate chips, and peppermint syrup to a saucepan. Cook until the chocolate melts fully.

Step 2

Once you see bubbles forming, pour the hot chocolate into the mug.

Step 3

Top it with whipped cream and some sprinkles.

Step 4

Your indulgent Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate is ready to be served.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I infuse a small amount of salt while simmering the mixture to enhance the chocolate’s flavor and balance all the sweetness.
To complement the drink’s peppermint and chocolate flavors, I also like to add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of powdered cinnamon.
I always opt for high-quality chocolate, which significantly impacts the flavor and texture.
Pre-warm your serving mugs to keep the hot chocolate hotter longer.

FAQs About Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate

How can you prevent the hot chocolate from becoming too sweet?

To make the hot chocolate less sweet, try reducing the amount of chocolate chips and peppermint syrup. Also, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Why is this hot chocolate grainy?

The grainy texture can occur if the chocolate does not melt properly or if you use poor-quality chocolate. To fix this, ensure you use high-quality chocolate and stir constantly while mixing it in the mixture to achieve a smooth consistency.

How can the richness of this hot chocolate be reduced?

If you use more chocolate, the hot chocolate can become rich. Hence, try reducing the amount of chocolate used or adding more milk to dilute it to adjust according to your taste.

How can you make this hot chocolate frothy?

You can make frothy hot chocolate if you use a milk frother to create a light foamy texture or a whisk to vigorously blend the hot chocolate.

Why does this hot chocolate have a layer of fat on top?

If you overheat the milk, a layer of fat can form on top of the hot chocolate. To prevent this, stir it gently and do not overheat the milk to prevent it from forming a film on top.

Why is this hot chocolate separating?

If the milk and chocolate are not fully combined, the hot chocolate might separate. To prevent this separation, whisk the mixture thoroughly to a smooth and homogenous consistency.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate is not exactly a healthy drink because it is packed with sugar and chocolate. It is a sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation and not as a daily habit.

I have listed the nutritional breakdown of this recipe below for your reference:

Calories	1047 kcal
Carbohydrates	62 g
Protein	13 g
Fat	84 g
Saturated Fat	51 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3 g
Monounsaturated Fat	23 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	162 mg
Sodium	88 mg
Potassium	822 mg
Fiber	7 g
Sugar	48 g
Vitamin A	2060 IU
Vitamin C	1 mg
Calcium	295 mg
Iron	6 mg

People who follow a gluten-free and vegetarian diet can have this drink without any worries.

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Serving

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this hot chocolate, I use unsweetened almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk, sugar-free chocolate chips or keto-friendly dark chocolate chips, and peppermint syrup with peppermint extract and monk fruit. This gave the drink that peppermint flavor without the carbs.
Vegan: You won’t believe it, but making this hot chocolate vegan was pretty easy. I simply swap milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, whipping cream for coconut or cashew cream, and chocolate chips for dairy-free dark chocolate.
Along with these tweaks, I use coconut whipped cream in place of regular whipped cream and garnish the hot chocolate with shredded coconut or chopped nuts instead of normal sprinkles.
Sugar-Free: I made this decadent drink sugar-free by substituting regular milk for unsweetened almond milk, chocolate chips for sugar-free chocolate chips made with erythritol or stevia, and peppermint syrup for a mixture of peppermint extract and stevia. Then, instead of whipping cream, I combine heavy cream with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit and replace sprinkles with sugar-free sprinkles.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigerator: Before refrigeration, I first let my hot chocolate cool down to room temperature. Cooling the drink prevents condensation inside the container that may affect the flavor. Then, I pour the hot chocolate into a clean, airtight container. You can also put it inside mason jars or BPA-free plastic containers. Then, I place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for 3-4 days. The flavors may meld over time, enhancing the peppermint and chocolate notes in the drink.
Freezing: Just as with refrigeration, I allow the hot chocolate to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer the drink to a freezer-safe airtight container, leaving a small space at the top to allow for proper expansion as the liquid freezes.

Reheating

Stovetop: I pour my hot chocolate into a medium-sized saucepan and stir it gently so that any separated ingredients are mixed back together. Then I heat the saucepan over a low-to-medium-low flame, stirring continuously. I make sure to heat the hot chocolate until it’s below boiling, around 160°F. When it simmers, I immediately reduce the heat and serve it with toppings like whipped cream or extra peppermint extract.
Microwave: This is the most convenient way of reheating the hot chocolate. I simply microwave it on medium power for 30 seconds. After every interval, I stir the hot chocolate to ensure proper heat distribution. When the hot chocolate reaches the desired temperature, I add my desired toppings and serve immediately.

What To Serve With This Recipe

This Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate is so delicious that it pairs well with almost anything. For a fresh and savory breakfast, I often have it with a Veggie Sandwich and Scrambled Eggs.

Moreover, I love serving it with Waffles and Pancakes. The fresh notes of the peppermint beautifully complement these sides. It also tastes good with Muffins, adding more flavor to the hot chocolate.

Printable Version

Other Starbucks Recipes That You Can Try

How-To-Make-Starbucks-Gingerbread-Loaf-At-Home — Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Delicious Starbucks Pumpkin Pie Smoothie — Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Conclusion

This Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate is a creamy, rich indulgence for all your winter nights, offering a unique blend of fresh peppermint with creamy sweet chocolates. You can enjoy it with your favorite snacks or include it in your midnight cravings.

Hence, give this recipe a try and let these rich and festive flavors transform your treat into something truly delightful. Don’t forget to share your hot chocolate experience in the comment section below. We will be delighted to know your favorite pairings with this decadent sweet treat. See you soon.

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe

Equipment Required

Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time