White hot chocolate is a nice twist on traditional hot chocolate. It's sweet and creamy and this version includes peppermint, which balances the sweetness. The peppermint adds a refreshing element, without being over-powering. The flavor of the hot chocolate reminds me of a favorite peppermint specialty coffee creamer, minus the artificial ingredients. It's comforting, soothing, easy, and ready in under than 5 minutes. Recipe can easily be halved, doubled, or tripled.
Prep Time3 minutesmins
Cook Time2 minutesmins
Total Time5 minutesmins
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5
Calories: 378kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
4cups2% milkwhole, soy, almond, goat, half-and-half, cream, heavy cream or any combination of milks desired may be used
1heaping cup white chocolate chips6 to 8 ounces or white chocolate bar, chopped
½teaspoonpeppermint extractsee note below
mini marshmallows for garnishingoptional
Instructions
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk (I use 2% but use the type of milk or cream in preferred combinations) and the white chocolate and heat on high power for about ninety seconds, up to about two minutes. Cooking times will vary by microwaves but the mixture should be very warm, but don’t allow it to boil. White chocolate is notorious for scorching so keep a watchful eye. You could do this over the stovetop and low heat, but I prefer the microwave for ease.
Stir or whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and the white chocolate chips have melted. Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and stir to incorporate. Taste the mixture and determine if more is desired. I use about 1/2 teaspoon in this recipe, but this will vary based on brand of extract and personal taste presences. Notes - Peppermint extract is infinitely stronger and more potent than vanilla extract and a little goes a very long way, it cannot be un-done or masked once added, so start slowly, taste the beverage, and add more if desired, to taste.
After stirring in the peppermint extract, optionally transfer the mixture to a blender and whirl for about 30 seconds, helping to ensure all white chocolate bits are fully blended, and to create froth. Pour into mugs an optionally garnish with mini-marshmallows. Serve immediately.