Nothing warms our spirits like a cozy mug of hot chocolate. Our Santa Clause-inspired version captures the holiday magic with a delightful blend of creamy cocoa and sweet peppermint that transports us straight to the North Pole.
We love how every sip wraps us in nostalgia reminding us of twinkling lights and hearty laughter. With rich chocolate flavor and cheerful toppings it’s a treat that brings out the kid inside us all.
The Santa Clause Hot Chocolate Recipe
Time and Yield
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep | 5 minutes |
| Cook | 10 minutes |
| Yield | 2 cups |
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the whole milk and half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium heat
- Combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, peppermint extract, and salt in a bowl then whisk them into the warmed milk
- Stir for about 5 minutes or until the mixture starts to simmer
- Remove from the heat to prevent scorching
- Pour into festive mugs then top with whipped cream
- Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the cream for a magical finish
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deep chocolaty taste
- Adjust sweetness or mint flavor by adding more sugar or a few extra drops of peppermint extract
- Serve in holiday-themed mugs to enhance the festive feeling
Tools & Equipment
- Medium saucepan: We warm our milk in this sturdy vessel. It provides even heat for a velvety blend.
- Whisk: We rely on this to combine cocoa powder and peppermint without lumps. It produces a creamy consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: We measure our cocoa sugar and peppermint extract precisely. Accurate amounts support balanced flavor.
- Heat-resistant spatula: We use this for continuous stirring. It prevents scorching and helps us reach every bit of melted chocolate.
- Holiday-themed mugs: We serve our The Santa Clause Hot Chocolate in these festive cups. They add a cheerful touch to our treat.
Ingredients
We gather the following items for our Santa Clause Hot Chocolate. Each ingredient elevates the comforting flavor.
Main Hot Chocolate Mixture
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk or your preferred type | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Peppermint extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chopped semisweet chocolate | 2 ounces |
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Festive sprinkles
Directions
Let us bring our The Santa Clause Hot Chocolate vision to life. Follow these steps for a creamy and peppermint-kissed treat.
Prep Steps
- Gather all ingredients including cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract.
- Measure each item precisely.
- Chop the semisweet chocolate into small pieces for quick melting.
- Keep our whisk and medium saucepan ready.
Cooking Method
- Warm the milk in the saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and chopped chocolate until lumps dissolve.
- Stir for 3 minutes to create a smooth consistency.
- Lower the heat and stir in peppermint extract for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract for added flavor.
Final Assembly
- Pour the hot chocolate into holiday-themed mugs.
- Top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a festive finish.
- Serve immediately while hot.
| Step | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Prep Steps | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Method | 10 minutes |
| Final Assembly | 2 minutes |
| Total Time | 17 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
We love to serve our Santa Clause Hot Chocolate in holiday-themed mugs to amplify the festive ambiance. We recommend swirling a generous dollop of whipped cream on top, then sprinkling crushed candy canes for added peppermint flavor. We often add bright red festive sprinkles along the rim for extra flair.
We also enjoy pairing this drink with classic gingerbread cookies or a warm slice of fruitcake. The combination of creamy hot cocoa and spiced pastries creates a cozy holiday experience for family gatherings. For an adult twist, we sometimes stir in a splash of peppermint schnapps or coffee liqueur to enhance the minty notes.
Conclusion
We treasure the joy that comes from every sip of Santa Clause Hot Chocolate. Each batch transforms our homes into a cozy winter wonderland.
It’s our chance to share nostalgia and merriment with loved ones over a cup that’s both simple and magical. In under 20 minutes we can indulge in a perfect blend of chocolate and peppermint that brightens every holiday gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Clause Hot Chocolate?
Santa Clause Hot Chocolate is a festive twist on traditional hot cocoa. It combines creamy milk, rich cocoa powder, chopped semisweet chocolate, and a hint of peppermint extract for a holiday-inspired flavor. Optional toppings like whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and festive sprinkles add extra flair. This recipe creates a cozy treat that brings the joy of the season to each sip.
How do I make it taste extra festive?
Add a small splash of peppermint extract while whisking the cocoa mix. Then, top your hot chocolate with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles for a cheerful holiday touch. For a richer flavor, make sure to use high-quality cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate. These simple additions elevate the drink’s festive feel.
What ingredients are needed?
You’ll need milk (about two cups), unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, peppermint and vanilla extracts, plus chopped semisweet chocolate. Optional toppings include whipped cream, crushed candy canes, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and festive sprinkles. Each component combines to create a smooth, sweet, and minty flavor perfect for the holiday season.
Can I make an adult version?
Yes! Simply stir in a splash of peppermint schnapps or coffee liqueur after removing the hot chocolate from heat. This adds extra warmth and depth to the minty cocoa flavor. Enjoy responsibly and adjust the amount of liqueur based on personal preference. It pairs wonderfully with spiced pastries or holiday cookies for an indulgent twist.
What tools do I need?
A medium saucepan is essential for heating milk and blending ingredients. Use a whisk for combining cocoa powder, sugar, and melted chocolate smoothly. Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise amounts, and a heat-resistant spatula helps with stirring. Finally, festive holiday-themed mugs complete the experience, making each sip feel extra special.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process typically takes about 17 minutes. This includes gathering and measuring ingredients (5 minutes), heating and whisking the mixture (10 minutes), and assembling toppings (2 minutes). The quick preparation makes Santa Clause Hot Chocolate a convenient and satisfying holiday drink for any celebration.