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Baby, it’s freaking freezing outside!
Seriously. Once again, I am in the midst of my Very Serious Annual Introspection asking why on earth I still choose to live in a place where my hands go numb literally just walking next door to the coffee shop. As The Weepies would say, I’m convinced “I was made for sunny days”. Or to be specific, I’m pretty sure I was made for sunny-and-80-degree-weather days. :)
Still, over the past few years, I have adopted three essential ways of staying warm over the winter months:
1. Baths — Or, as my friend Heidi likes to say, “taking a tub”. I used to be a mega water conservationist, but I will confess, I have come to adopt the pretty much daily ritual of taking a tub instead of a shower when it is freezing outside. And I enjoy every second of it. Especially on those days when you feel frozen down to your bones and still can’t warm up after having been inside for an hour, a bath is the most fabulous way ever to warm up. And read a nice book. Or, if you really want to kick up your tub time, prop up your laptop with Hulu near the tub, pop a batch of popcorn, maybe pour a glass of wine, and continue binge-watching House Of Cards. Judge away. (Although I know you’re going to try it.) ;)
2. A Ridiculously Puffy, Furry Coat — My friends finally talked me into this last year, and I swear that finally having a Serious Coat has changed my winter months. I look like a cross between an eskimo and the kid from A Christmas Story when I go outdoors anytime it’s below 40 degrees, but I could care less.
3. Hot Drinks — Hot tea, hot coffee, hot chai, hot toddy, hot cider, hot steamer, and of course, today’s recipe for Peppermint White Hot Chocolate…I’ll take them all, please. Hot drinks are the most delicious way to warm up from the inside out. And — bonus!! — they make excellent hand warmers too while you hold them close. And if you feel like an extra warm kick with this recipe, you can always add in some peppermint schnapps to kick things up a notch.
Who’s with me?!
Ok, part of the honest truth behind why I’m posting this recipe? For some reason, I bought a humongous bag of peppermints last year to make a recipe for a client. And a year later, I’m still trying to use them up! So. Many. Peppermints.
This may not be the last of them you’ve seen this season.
Still, I will admit that peppermint has been one of my favorite drink flavors since I very first began ordering drinks at a coffee shop. In fact, I do believe that at a “chocolate peppermint steamer” was the first drink that I ordered in a coffee shop back in middle school, when my friend Maggie took me to a little hole-in-the-wall neighborhood place in Wichita called The Perk. (Yes, it was during the time of “Friends”.) Ironically, Maggie now actually owns that coffee shop. And I also still love chocolate peppermint steamers, although I now know that I was really just ordering peppermint hot chocolate. When made with white hot chocolate, though, this drink still feels like a special treat.
All you need are a few minutes and a few ingredients to make it. So if you love hot chocolate, I highly recommend giving it a try. It will definitely help keep you warm all season long. ;)
Stir the milk and chopped white chocolate together in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the chocolate is melted. (Do not let it come to a boil or let the chocolate burn on the bottom.) Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
I’m with you on all three!! I wish I could take a bath everyday–oh the luxury! I usually sneak one in once a week in the winter months. This recipe looks perfect for those chilly days when I need a warm drink in the afternoon!
I just moved to Seattle from FL, and I have been MAJORLY wondering why. Being able to feel my toes with such a nice little life pleasure you know?
BUT, white hot chocolate is my FAV, so I’ll gladly chug this to keep warm! Pinned!
I love peppermint hot chocolate. I hopefully have my own version coming to the blog here soon. Love the white chocolate against the pop of red. So pretty!
Beautiful white hot chocolate! Tip from MOM: wear your NEW cute gloves when walking next door to coffee shop! And…use some of those peppermints for holiday decor.
I ask myself these same questions EVERY winter here in WI, along with “WHY DID PEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE HERE.” I need to get my tub on WITH a glass of this hot chocolate. TMI?
My husband and I built a house 2 summers ago and don’t have running water yet…or a bathtub…and I used to take a bath every 2 days when we had a tub…! Needless to say, I miss my tub-baths! :) I may have to make a cup of this cocoa to console myself. :) Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Stop. The Perk? Hahaha! I’m totally with you that peppermint just lends so perfectly to drinks. And white hot chocolate IMO can be even better than regular hot chocolate! Stellar combo :)
Why do we decide to live here in KC when there is perfectly warm weather spots just a few hours away?! But then we wouldn’t value the importance of peppermint white hot chocolates nearly as much as we do when its 20 degrees out :)
Okay, Smudge is going to be ALL over this! We had the most amazing hot chocolate the other night at a local restaurant, but it wasn’t white chocolate, nor did it have peppermint. And those are both her fave, and I just bought a huge bag of white chocolate apeels in need of a recipe to go into. And yes, tubbing is essential in the winter, and every day of the year! :)
This looks so perfect! Instead of frezzing I am melting in the beging of sumer, but still I am definitly going to try this out one of this nights =) It looks so good! And is there anyone who can resist the combination of chocolate and mint!? I think not hehe
SO FESTIVE!!! Love this Ali! Connor is actually heading to KC this weekend for a residency interview at Univ. of Kansas! I’ll tell him to pack some gloves ;)
Oh my goodness, you poor thing!! I would die in snow. I’m such a baby when it comes to cold weather, so I complain when it’s cloudy and 40° here in CA. You can come visit whenever you want to warm up! :) And I’m absolutely loving this peppermint hot chocolate. Peppermint-anything drinks are my favorite during the holidays! Pinned!
My dream is to one day have a house with a big ol’ soaking tub. Because ours right now is so small that it’s not even relaxing. :) But I can totally get behind the idea of drinking one of these every day to warm up!!
Oh my goodness this looks delicious!! I have been in a peppermint mood lately and just made this iced peppermint mocha smoothie which came out great: https://www.homemadenutrition.com/2014/12/10/iced-peppermint-mocha-smoothie/
I will definitely be giving this peppermint white hot chocolate a try! My husband will love it, thanks for sharing!
Sure, you can microwave it all very slowly on low until the milk is simmering and the chocolate is melted, stirring frequently. Just be very careful that the milk doesn’t boil and the chocolate doesn’t burn.
Ali, this sounds AWESOME! I have never had a WHITE hot chocolate, but it sounds like it would be perfectly paired with peppermint, yummy! Because we loved this recipe so much we featured it in our Mega Christmas Guide, thank you so much for your awesome content! Here is the post if you’d like to check it out: https://www.diyjustcuz.com/the-mega-christmas-guide/
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Thanks Sam, we’re so happy you like the recipe! And thanks for your sweet shout out in your Christmas guide – love it! :)
I just found this by searching different kinds of hot Chocolate on Pinterest cuz I’ve made vegan gingerbread spiced hot Chocolate with a tiny pinch of Habanero powder from home grown peppers and a little bit of sea salt to lift the chocolate taste with almond milk and whipped Coconut cream with Cinnamon and Habanero powder on top.
It’s great for staying warm during Swedish winters!
But I need some new kinds to alternate between so I need to try this one with peppermint, a Pumpkin spiced, one with salted caramel sauce on the top and my other go to hot drink – 50/50 dark hot Chocolate and extra spicy chai latte with whipped cream and Marshmallows and some extra chai spices sprinkled on top.
Hot drinks is my “secret” to survive these dark and cold Swedish winters!
This is such a delicious drink!! Just made it this morning to warm me up on a snowy day! I made an individual amount and it was so quick to warm up. Tastes like the Starbucks drink without breaking the bank or feeling the insane sugar rush in my heart haha. So happy I can make it at home now!
Ah that looks fabulous! Wish I had a mug right now :)
I’m with you on all three!! I wish I could take a bath everyday–oh the luxury! I usually sneak one in once a week in the winter months. This recipe looks perfect for those chilly days when I need a warm drink in the afternoon!
Hello, my new favorite thing to drink! This looks amazing!
I just moved to Seattle from FL, and I have been MAJORLY wondering why. Being able to feel my toes with such a nice little life pleasure you know?
BUT, white hot chocolate is my FAV, so I’ll gladly chug this to keep warm! Pinned!
That’s a gorgeous drink right there :) Perfect for a freezing winter night!
I love peppermint hot chocolate. I hopefully have my own version coming to the blog here soon. Love the white chocolate against the pop of red. So pretty!
Beautiful white hot chocolate! Tip from MOM: wear your NEW cute gloves when walking next door to coffee shop! And…use some of those peppermints for holiday decor.
I ask myself these same questions EVERY winter here in WI, along with “WHY DID PEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE HERE.” I need to get my tub on WITH a glass of this hot chocolate. TMI?
This is positively perfect for the holidays! Love it!
My husband and I built a house 2 summers ago and don’t have running water yet…or a bathtub…and I used to take a bath every 2 days when we had a tub…! Needless to say, I miss my tub-baths! :) I may have to make a cup of this cocoa to console myself. :) Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Stop. The Perk? Hahaha! I’m totally with you that peppermint just lends so perfectly to drinks. And white hot chocolate IMO can be even better than regular hot chocolate! Stellar combo :)
Why do we decide to live here in KC when there is perfectly warm weather spots just a few hours away?! But then we wouldn’t value the importance of peppermint white hot chocolates nearly as much as we do when its 20 degrees out :)
Okay, Smudge is going to be ALL over this! We had the most amazing hot chocolate the other night at a local restaurant, but it wasn’t white chocolate, nor did it have peppermint. And those are both her fave, and I just bought a huge bag of white chocolate apeels in need of a recipe to go into. And yes, tubbing is essential in the winter, and every day of the year! :)
Ohhh I am loving this! And your list of ways to stay warm!
I will take white chocolate over any other kind of chocolate any day of the week! This looks amazing.
This looks so perfect! Instead of frezzing I am melting in the beging of sumer, but still I am definitly going to try this out one of this nights =) It looks so good! And is there anyone who can resist the combination of chocolate and mint!? I think not hehe
thank you! Enjoyed your post and am licking off my spoon at the moment. Lovely! Just right peppermint !
this hot chocolate looks amazing! I can’t wait to get my first peppermint hot chocolate of the season from starbucks!
I wanna snuggle up in a blanket with a mug of this and not move until spring. :)
SO FESTIVE!!! Love this Ali! Connor is actually heading to KC this weekend for a residency interview at Univ. of Kansas! I’ll tell him to pack some gloves ;)
I am SO making this ASAP and I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one who watches TV off their laptop while in the tub! Hahaha!
Absolutely gorgeous drink!!!
The colors in this drink are just so stunning. Don’t you just love red and white together?
This sounds amazing and looks just gorgeous!
Oh my goodness, you poor thing!! I would die in snow. I’m such a baby when it comes to cold weather, so I complain when it’s cloudy and 40° here in CA. You can come visit whenever you want to warm up! :) And I’m absolutely loving this peppermint hot chocolate. Peppermint-anything drinks are my favorite during the holidays! Pinned!
My dream is to one day have a house with a big ol’ soaking tub. Because ours right now is so small that it’s not even relaxing. :) But I can totally get behind the idea of drinking one of these every day to warm up!!
Looks delish. Never had white hot chocolate before but I’ll be trying this soon!
Oh my goodness this looks delicious!! I have been in a peppermint mood lately and just made this iced peppermint mocha smoothie which came out great: https://www.homemadenutrition.com/2014/12/10/iced-peppermint-mocha-smoothie/
I will definitely be giving this peppermint white hot chocolate a try! My husband will love it, thanks for sharing!
Mmmmmmmm!!!! Yummy!!!! :-)
Mmmm, sounds so good! Can’t wait to try
This looks absolutely delicious, definitely making this for my husband this year. He’s a white chocolate-aholic : )
Thanks Tanya, we hope you and your husband enjoy this! :)
is there any way to make this in a microwave?
Sure, you can microwave it all very slowly on low until the milk is simmering and the chocolate is melted, stirring frequently. Just be very careful that the milk doesn’t boil and the chocolate doesn’t burn.
so cool! I saw that at Starbucks and it looked and smelled super delicious and now I can make it at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YAY
Yay, we hope you enjoy! :)
Ali, this sounds AWESOME! I have never had a WHITE hot chocolate, but it sounds like it would be perfectly paired with peppermint, yummy! Because we loved this recipe so much we featured it in our Mega Christmas Guide, thank you so much for your awesome content! Here is the post if you’d like to check it out: https://www.diyjustcuz.com/the-mega-christmas-guide/
Thanks Sam, we’re so happy you like the recipe! And thanks for your sweet shout out in your Christmas guide – love it! :)
Uuuggghhh it’s so cold here in Colorado too! Definitely making this ASAP! ?❤️
We hope you enjoy it, Lanae — stay warm!
Amazing better with andys mint marshmellows
Ohhh!!! I am loving this! And your list of ways to stay warm!
I made this tonight and my sister and I loved it! I used almond milk unsweetened and it was delicious. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Thank you for the recipe, it’s really good but I adding a packet of hot cocoa to it and my son and I loves it. Again thank you
Very cool combination of tastes and looks delicious, children will go crazy! :)
I just found this by searching different kinds of hot Chocolate on Pinterest cuz I’ve made vegan gingerbread spiced hot Chocolate with a tiny pinch of Habanero powder from home grown peppers and a little bit of sea salt to lift the chocolate taste with almond milk and whipped Coconut cream with Cinnamon and Habanero powder on top.
It’s great for staying warm during Swedish winters!
But I need some new kinds to alternate between so I need to try this one with peppermint, a Pumpkin spiced, one with salted caramel sauce on the top and my other go to hot drink – 50/50 dark hot Chocolate and extra spicy chai latte with whipped cream and Marshmallows and some extra chai spices sprinkled on top.
Hot drinks is my “secret” to survive these dark and cold Swedish winters!
Wow, I was sitting in the office and found that article, I can not wait till coming home and cook it!
This is such a delicious drink!! Just made it this morning to warm me up on a snowy day! I made an individual amount and it was so quick to warm up. Tastes like the Starbucks drink without breaking the bank or feeling the insane sugar rush in my heart haha. So happy I can make it at home now!
I made this years ago and this was a holiday hit!!!