Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Recipe ☕🍬

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Recipe ☕🍬

A rich, creamy hot chocolate with a festive peppermint twist—perfect for cozy winter nights!

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Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 cups milk (whole, almond, or oat)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess, optional)
• ½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for a deeper chocolate flavor)
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract (or 1 crushed candy cane)
• Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
• 2 crushed candy canes (for garnish)
• Mini marshmallows (optional, for extra fun!)

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Instructions

1. Heat the Milk & Cream:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and heavy cream until hot but not boiling.

2. Melt the Chocolate:

   • Add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar to the warm milk.
   • Whisk continuously until everything is melted and smooth.

3. Add Peppermint Flavor:

   • Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
   • If using a crushed candy cane, stir until it dissolves completely.

4. Serve & Garnish:

   • Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes.
   • Drizzle with extra melted chocolate or chocolate syrup for an extra treat!

5. Enjoy! 🎄☕🍬

   • Stir before sipping for the perfect peppermint-chocolate flavor!

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Tips & Variations

✅ Extra Minty? Add an extra ½ tsp peppermint extract.
✅ White Chocolate Version? Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chips.
✅ Spiked Version? Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Baileys.
✅ Dairy-Free? Use oat or almond milk and skip the heavy cream.
✅ Iced Candy Cane Cocoa? Let it cool, blend with ice, and serve over whipped cream!

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This Candy Cane Hot Cocoa is the perfect holiday drink—cozy, chocolatey, and full of peppermint cheer! ☕🎅🍬✨