This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
The perfect way to enjoy a delightful holiday drink at home is to make this peppermint white hot chocolate that feels like you're sipping a candy cane!

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
With my classic homemade hot cocoa and peppermint hot chocolate being two of the most popular recipes, why not make a white chocolate version? It's the perfect treat for cold weather when you need something warm and sweet.
What I love about this recipe is that I can make it traditional for my kids and as a latte for me (add a shot of espresso and it's a hot chocolate mocha with peppermint!).
Ingredients
Make this hot cocoa with regular or non-dairy milk. The white chocolate chips add a smooth, velvety texture to this cocoa (you can also use chopped white chocolate or dairy-free white chocolate chips). Add vanilla extract and peppermint extract for incredible flavor. Natural red coloring is optional, but the pink color makes this drink more fun to drink!
How to Make White Hot Chocolate
Here's a quick look and tips to make this peppermint white hot chocolate happen:
- Melt the white chocolate chips into the milk in a saucepan to create a creamy hot cocoa consistency.
- Add the vanilla and peppermint extract after removing the saucepan from the heat. Vanilla quickly cooks down when heated; if you add it too soon, the vanilla will evaporate and the taste will not be as strong.
- Serve the cocoa into mugs with crushed peppermints, marshmallows, whipped cream, or your choice of toppings.
More Hot Cocoa Variations
If you can’t get enough of delicious mugs, try this dark hot chocolate, this gingerbread hot chocolate, and this spicy hot cocoa.
White Hot Chocolate with Peppermint

Ingredients
- 4 cups milk, of your choice
- 8 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, more or less to taste
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, crushed peppermints, marshmallows, etc.
Instructions
- Over medium-low heat, stir the milk and chopped white chocolate together in a medium saucepan, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the chocolate has melted.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and peppermint extract. Serve warm, with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- If you’d like to make this white peppermint hot chocolate a festive red, you can add 1-2 drops of natural red coloring.








Justine says
This was so delicious and super easy!
Angela says
Oh yum! This was so good. I made this with non dairy milk and it was heavenly. I can already tell that this will become a regular drink of ours once Fall starts. Great recipe – thanks!
kushi says
My classic holiday favorite. So delicious. Thanks for sharing.
chara says
Made this earlier this morning and this is delicious, thanks for sharing this recipe. I am saving this recipe for my family to try!
Kristen says
I made this yesterday and my kids and I loved it!