There’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate—especially when it’s rich, comforting, and made with real, nourishing ingredients. If you love a classic holiday peppermint twist but want to skip the refined sugar, this recipe is about to become your new winter favorite.
This hot chocolate is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, giving it a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements dark cocoa. The addition of vanilla and peppermint extracts makes every sip taste like something you’d get from a festive café—without the artificial ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No refined sugar — sweetened gently with real maple syrup
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Creamy + rich, thanks to raw or whole milk
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Holiday-friendly peppermint flavor
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Ready in under 10 minutes
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Kid-approved and adult-approved
Ingredients
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1.5 cups raw milk (or whole milk)
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1 tablespoon dark unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tablespoons real maple syrup
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
How to Make It
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Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. You want it hot but not boiling—just enough to steam.
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Whisk in the cocoa powder, breaking up any clumps as you go.
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Stir in the maple syrup, letting it dissolve fully into the milk.
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Remove from heat, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
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Whisk until velvety smooth, pour into your favorite mug, and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
✨ Extra rich version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of butter or cream for a mocha-like richness.
✨ Dairy-free option: Swap the milk for coconut milk, cashew milk or almond milk for a silky texture.
✨ Mocha twist: Add a shot of strong coffee or espresso.
✨ Kid-friendly: Cut the peppermint extract in half for a subtler mint flavor.
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