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Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar with Peppermint Whipped Cream

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A budget-friendly, quick-to-assemble hot cocoa bar featuring a rich, silky cocoa base and a light, airy peppermint whipped cream. Perfect for family nights, snow days, or any cozy evening, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a memorable, customizable treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream)
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup (30g) crushed candy canes
  • 1 cup (50g) mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup (60g) chocolate shavings
  • ½ cup (60g) crushed pretzels
  • ½ cup (120ml) caramel sauce
  • ¼ cup (30g) sprinkles
  • 4–6 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until no lumps remain.
  2. Slowly pour in about ½ cup of milk while whisking constantly to form a smooth paste.
  3. Place saucepan over medium heat and add remaining milk and heavy cream. Whisk continuously until steaming but not boiling, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chocolate chips (if using). Whisk until chips are melted and cocoa is smooth, about 2 minutes. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  5. Keep cocoa warm over lowest heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. For the peppermint whipped cream: Pour cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until it starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Do not over-whip.
  8. Gently fold in crushed candy canes with a rubber spatula just before serving.
  9. Transfer whipped cream to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
  10. Set up the hot cocoa bar: Arrange mugs on a tray or counter. Pour warm cocoa into a large carafe or slow cooker set to ‘warm’.
  11. Place peppermint whipped cream and all toppings in small bowls. Let everyone build their own mug.

Notes

For best results, chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment for the whipped cream. Crush candy canes in a zip-top bag covered with a kitchen towel to avoid mess. Do not boil the milk to prevent scalding. The cocoa base can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated. The whipped cream is best used within a few hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa, peppermint whipped cream, hot chocolate bar, winter drink, family recipe, budget-friendly, cozy

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-hot-cocoa-bar-with-peppermint-whipped-cream/