A five-ingredient, dairy-free hot chocolate recipe perfect to cozy up with. This peppermint hot chocolate is made with minimal ingredients and sweetened with maple syrup. Keep warm this winter with a rich and creamy cup of your favorite hot cocoa.
As a kid, I loved hot cocoa (who doesn't?!). You know the one I'm talking about. The instant, pre-packaged one with those little marshmallows that expand?
It was one of my absolute favorite things about winter (well that and candy canes!).
Unfortunately, though, those hot chocolate packages are centered around poor quality oils and sugar and as a Certified Nutrition Coach they're not something I want to have regularly.
As I grew older I also found the taste watery and not delicious at all (this was actually pretty devastating).
Which is why these days, I simply whip up my own peppermint hot chocolate and enjoy not only the indulgence but the deliciousness too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dairy-free hot chocolate isn't just delicious. It also comes with a host of healthy perks too!
- Lower in sugar than store-bought
- Contains calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants
- If using fortified milk it will boost Vit. D intake
- It’s creamy and indulgent
- A hit with kids
Ingredients
This mug of hot cocoa uses only five ingredients (that you probably already have on hand!).
Using plant-based milk as the base (almond or hemp milk work the best) and sweetened naturally with maple syrup.
This helps create a rich chocolate flavor and keeps the sugar intake to a minimum.
Coconut milk is then added as a dairy-free alternative (here are tips on how to go dairy-free) to create a creamy, decadent consistency
The Benefits Of Pure Cacao Powder
You may not have noticed, but there's a difference between the two!
Cacao powder is probably one of my favorite ingredients in my cupboards. It is the least processed of chocolate powders and comes with a host of healthy benefits.
- 40 times the antioxidants than blueberries
- the biggest source of plant-based iron
- It contains a host of minerals
- more calcium than cow's milk.
However, given it is the least processed of the two, it is also the slightly more bitter one.
Learn more about the differences between cacao and cocoa powder and when to use them.
Personally, I use cacao powder for absolutely everything. However, if you want a sweeter dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, opt for cocoa powder instead.
How To Make This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe Gut Healing
I am always looking for ways to make recipes more gut-friendly. Since our immune system stems from our gut, this is a top priority to me. If you want to add a nutrient boost to this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe, add in a hint of collagen.
Collagen is a protein in its purest form. It is the structural protein found in bones, ligaments, and joints. From a nutrient perspective, it helps fill you up, improve your skin and nails, heal your gut, and much much more.
Personally, I use collagen powder to give things an extra boost. I mix it into yogurts, oatmeal, and smoothies when I'm not using protein powder (learn how to build healthier smoothies).
While I am also an avid user of bone broth, it's kind of hard to work into things like this (HA). This is why I always have collagen packs from Perfect Supplements on hand. They're handy in a pinch (especially when traveling) and a great nutrient boost.
If you want to ease bump up the healing benefits of this dairy-free, peppermint hot chocolate recipe, simply whisk a pack of collagen into it when boiling and enjoy!
Other Christmas recipes You'll Love
- Hot chocolate bombs
- Almond flour sugar cookies
- Healthy caramel popcorn
- Coconut flour sugar cookies
- Peppermint patties
- Salted chocolate fudge
- White chocolate fudge
- Healthy dessert recipes
Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
The kind of milk you choose will affect the flavor and texture of the hot chocolate. For creamier hot chocolate, opt for hemp or cashew milk. While almond milk is an easy choice, it will cause the hot chocolate to be less smooth.
Adding peppermint extract to hot cocoa is an easy and fun way to make the drink a bit more festive. However, it's not essential. Instead, you can use vanilla extract if you're looking to add a new flavor.
It's important while pregnant to monitor caffeine intake and strive not to consume more than 200 milligrams per day. Hot chocolate made with cacao powder has roughly 12 milligrams per tablespoon of cacao powder making it a safe choice for pregnancy. However, expecting moms will want to watch or omit the peppermint extract in later stages of pregnancy as peppermint can cause a reduction in the production of breastmilk.
Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 2.5 tbs cacao powder or cocoa powder for a sweeter taste
- 3 tbs maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut cream see notes
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a small pot, heat the almond milk over medium heat.
- Once the milk is starting to really warm up, whisk in the cacao powder, syrup, and vanilla until no clumps remain.
- You want the milk to heat but not boil so be patient! Once mixed, add in the coconut cream and peppermint.
- Heat a minute or two more until creamy looking without letting it burn.
- Remove from heat, top with more coconut cream or crushed candy caned, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Make sure to use coconut cream for a creamier texture. Coconut milk and powder may work but not as well.
- Make the hot chocolate more indulgent and top it with 2-minute coconut whip cream
- The recipe is best enjoyed immediately after making. However, it will store in the fridge for 1-2 days
Nutrition
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A healthy, homemade, dairy-free hot chocolate recipe that's creamy and indulgent. It's the only hot chocolate I feel comfortable giving my kids as it contains nourishing ingredients while still managing to taste delicious.
Thus, it's become a tasty treat on a winters day... and even more delicious with a shot of dairy-free Bailey's 😉
Shelby aka Mama Bear
Sara at MagicalMamaBlog
This sounds absolutely incredible and I don't think I would feel guilty gulping multiple cups! Thank you for this recipe!
fitasamamabear
You most definitely don't feel guilty! lol It's soo creamy 😀
Amanda RIpsam
As soon as it starts to get cold here in Michigan we stock up on hot chocolate I love the dairy free option you shared I'll be sure to give it a try
fitasamamabear
I'm in Canada so hot chocolate is a necessity! Let me know what you think when you try it 🙂
jhilmil
From Young sweet kids to the so called Grown one's , everyone has the desire for hot chocolate ... Easy to make and with coconut milk , sounds good for health too .. Going to try out this one soon
fitasamamabear
Let me know what you think! I adore coconut milk because it makes it healthy and so so creamy!
James Smith
Looks great and super thick and creamy. Yum!
fitasamamabear
It's definitely a thick one- I like that so I can't drink TOO much lol
Marcie
I just read another recipe for hot chocolate that contains maple syrup. I've never heard of doing that until today! Now I'm definitely going to try this recipe!
fitasamamabear
So confession... I have a serious obsession with maple syrup! It's my go-to sweetener because it works in EVERYTHING lol #canadian
Esse D
Peppermint hot chocolate actually sounds interesting. I think the hint of peppermint would be a welcomed little surprise.
fitasamamabear
It's like dipping a candy cane into it!
Oh to Be a Muse
Wow, what a recipe! I haven't had hot chocolate in so long. Even though I'm not into peppermint, I do love that this is dairy free.
fitasamamabear
It's tasty without the peppermint too 🙂 It;s super creamy which is always nice!
Renee
Going to have to make this for hubby. Peppermint anything is his favorite!
fitasamamabear
Chocolate peppermint is always a win!
Aarika
This is a wonderful recipe!!! I love hot chocolate, and I am always looking for natural dairy-free recipes. Wahoo! Cacao powder is a staple in my home, so I am going to make this delightful drink asap. Thanks!
fitasamamabear
I love that cacao powder is a staple for you- I think I live off the stuff lol Let me know what you think when you try it!
Blu
Everything tastes better homemade! Nice and easy recipe ?
fitasamamabear
Haha yes homemade is better!
Bianca
Omg this looks and sounds delicious! I need to try it
fitasamamabear
It's a tasty one! Perfect on a chilly day 🙂
Cori @ Sweet Coralice
Ooh this sounds delish and I can almost taste the creaminess of the chocolate. I've never tried using coconut milk in mine but it's something I'll do soon 😉
fitasamamabear
Love love LOVE coconut milk because it makes everything so decadent!
Farrah
Those mugs are so cute! I have pretty much everything I need to make this, so I think I know what I'll be curling up with this weekend!
fitasamamabear
Haha they're our Christmas morning mugs! Make it and let me know what you think! Stay cozy xx
selina
I want to try this but I dont see the recipe. 🙁
fitasamamabear
Selina, you so rock for telling me- thank you! I've gone in and I think I fixed it (I can see it on my end) so let me know that you can see it on yours. If not, I'll screenshot the recipe while I fix it so that you have it. Sorry for mix-up but I do REALLY appreciate you letting me know!
Summer
Does this really have 5 tablespoons of cacao powder? I'm confused because you abbreviate it for the cacao but spell out tablespoons for the syrup. I made it with 5 tablespoons and it is really good but so so chocolately. Maybe I should have put 5 teaspoons?
fitasamamabear
I have a sneaking suspicion that's supposed to be 2.5tbs of cacao powder. Off to check my notes now and give the typo a fix. My apologies though, really thank you for letting me know! I swear I do double and even triple read but typos will be the death of me. I really appreciate you dropping by and giving it a try!