Description
Delight in these creamy, festive White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bites, a perfect holiday treat combining rich white chocolate, peppermint candy canes, and a hint of vanilla. Warm, smooth, and topped with optional whipped cream and white chocolate shavings, this cozy drink brings a sweet and refreshing twist to classic hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
Flavor and Sweetness
- 3 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped high-quality white chocolate)
- 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus more for topping)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the base: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir gently and warm the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, ensuring an even temperature without scorching the dairy.
- Add chocolate: Stir in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Continue to stir continuously until the chocolate chips have fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy, integrating the peppermint flavor from the candy canes into the drink.
- Flavor it up: Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the hot cocoa mixture. Stir well to combine all flavors thoroughly and let it heat gently for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry the tastes.
- Serve: Pour the finished hot cocoa into mugs. For an extra indulgent touch, top with whipped cream, additional crushed candy canes, and white chocolate shavings as desired to enhance texture and presentation.
- Keep warm: If preparing for a group setting, transfer the hot cocoa to a slow cooker set to the “warm” function to maintain the ideal serving temperature, allowing guests to help themselves throughout the event.
Notes
- Do not allow the milk mixture to boil as it can cause the dairy to scorch and affect flavor.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for best taste and smooth texture.
- Adjust peppermint extract quantity based on desired strength of flavor.
- Crushed candy canes add crunch and peppermint flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- The slow cooker warm setting is ideal for keeping the hot cocoa at a safe and pleasant temperature for serving over time.
