Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
Cozy, giftable, and ready in minutes—this pantry mix blends rich cocoa with cool peppermint. Whisk a few spoonfuls into hot milk for cafĂ©-style cocoa any night of the week.
Mix Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1¼ cups powdered sugar (to taste)
- 1 cup powdered milk (whole is creamiest)
- ½ cup finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (silky body; optional)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- Optional boosters: 1 tsp vanilla powder · 1 tsp instant espresso powder (deepens chocolate)
To make the mix: Sift cocoa, sugar, powdered milk, cornstarch, salt
(and boosters if using) into a large bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Pulse candies in a
food processor to fine rubble; sift out any sharp shards. Stir into the mix. Store airtight.
Jar Label (write this on the container)
“For 1 mug: Whisk 3 Tbsp mix into 1 cup hot milk (or water).
Top with whipped cream and a mini candy cane. For extra-peppermint, add a drop of peppermint extract.”
Step-by-Step: Make a Mug
- Heat milk. Warm 8–10 oz milk (dairy or non-dairy) until steaming—do not boil.
- Whisk. Add 3 Tbsp cocoa mix to a mug. Pour in a splash of hot milk and whisk into a smooth paste, then whisk in the rest. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Finish. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a peppermint stick.
Make a pot: For 6 mugs, heat 6 cups milk; whisk in 1 cup mix.
Keep warm on low, stirring occasionally.