Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix (Printable version)

Creamy cocoa blend with peppermint flavor, perfect for warming up or gifting during cozy winter nights.

# What you need:

→ Dry Mix

01 - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
02 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
03 - 1 cup powdered milk (whole or nonfat)
04 - 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavor

06 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or 2 teaspoons crushed peppermint candies

# How To:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, sift together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, powdered milk, and salt to eliminate lumps.
02 - Stir in mini chocolate chips and peppermint extract or crushed peppermint candies until well incorporated.
03 - Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or jar for preservation.
04 - To serve, add 3 tablespoons of mix to a mug, pour 8 fluid ounces of hot water or hot milk, and stir until smooth and creamy. Optionally, top with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You control the exact sweetness and peppermint intensity, so it tastes nothing like the artificial stuff in those store-bought packets
  • It lives in your pantry for weeks, ready to transform a rough morning into pure comfort in under two minutes
  • Making a batch is oddly meditative, and people genuinely treasure it as a gift more than anything you could buy
  • The chocolate chips stay suspended throughout, giving you little pockets of richness in every sip
02 -
  • Sifting is not optional, it's insurance. I skipped it once thinking I could stir away the lumps. I couldn't. Now I sift everything without question.
  • Peppermint extract is potent and unforgiving. If you use the full amount and it's too strong, you cannot undo it. Start at half a teaspoon and taste as you would if you could. Crushed candy gives you more control and adds a nice subtle texture too.
  • Store this in a truly airtight container. Powdered ingredients absorb moisture from the air, and once they do, your beautiful mix becomes clumpy again. A jar with a proper seal is worth it.
03 -
  • If you want an extra-creamy cup, use hot milk instead of water, or use half water and half milk. The powdered milk helps, but real milk transforms it entirely.
  • A pinch of vanilla extract added to the mix (just 1/4 teaspoon) deepens the chocolate flavor in a way that feels sophisticated without being obvious

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