Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate made in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy treat on a chilly winter day. Added notes for a spiked version too!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the classic flavors of Christmas? If you are like me, you are likely reminded of the chocolate and peppermint flavors that came to be hallmarks of the season.
In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy the flavors of Christmas than when cozied up to a warm cup of Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The only way that it can get even better, is to make it the quick and easy way using your Instant Pot!
As the weather gets colder, hot chocolate becomes the comfort food of beverages. I enjoy serving it to family and friends as we enjoy each other’s company around the holidays.
However, it can be quite time-consuming to make enough hot chocolate for everyone. Some simply make it on the stovetop in a stockpot, others use popular slow cooker recipes to gain the added convenience of keeping the drink warm during a holiday gathering.
To solve this problem, using the Instant Pot to make hot chocolate saves a lot of time when preparing for visitors. Additionally, it is an excellent way to also keep it warm throughout the evening and makes whipping-up an extra batch a breeze!
For an adults-only spin on this seasonal recipe, you may opt to add peppermint schnapps or my candy cane vodka instead of peppermint extract! Either way, this recipe is a great way to enjoy this Christmastime classic.
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is “natural pressure release”?
Often, an Instant Pot recipe would call for you to release all the pressure at the end of the timed pressure cycle. However, the cooking process stops when the pressure is released.
For recipes that call for a natural pressure release, you would refrain from releasing the pressure from the unit for a set amount of time. This allows for a little extra cooking time as the pressure inside naturally goes down.
At the end of the natural pressure release cycle, you would then use the valve to release the remaining pressure and stop the cooking process.
I don’t care much for peppermint, can I substitute with something else?
Yes. You may substitute the peppermint extract for any of your favorite flavors. Another good alternative to peppermint is a cinnamon extract.
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
Why do I have to combine the ingredients before I use the pressure cooker setting on the instant pot? Don’t they all cook inside together?
Though they do cook inside together, the mixture would not mix very well inside the pot without a little help. Therefore, you have to combine all of your ingredients to get the smoothness of the hot chocolate when done.
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
How do you make Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
- Using your Instant Pot’s sauté setting, whisk to combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate, sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and set the machine to high pressure for 1 minute.
- After holding high pressure for 1 minute, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
- Remove lid, then give a quick whisk while adding the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
- Serve in a mug.
- Add marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and whipped cream for garnish.
Hot Chocolate Candy Cane
To make Peppermint Hot Chocolate You Will Need:
- milk
- heavy cream
- semi-sweet chocolate
- granulated sugar
- unsweetened cocoa powder – not Dutch Processed
- peppermint extract
- vanilla extract
- mini marshmallows
- crushed peppermint (optional)
- whipped cream (optional)
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Can I make this an adult beverage?
Yes, you can. Just replace the peppermint extract with ½ cup of peppermint schnapps or candy cane vodka to the whole pot of cocoa. Or you can add a 1/2 ounce per mug when serving.
Can I just add the marshmallows to the main pot rather than adding them to each individual drink?
It is not recommended because the marshmallows will likely dissolve over time in the main pot of hot chocolate.
Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate
What is the difference between Dutch-process cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder?
So Dutch-processed cocoa powder is also referred to as alkalized cocoa. This powder starts with cocoa beans that have been washed in an alkaline solution of potassium carbonate, also used in the production of soap and glass.
By doing this, it neutralizes the acidity of the beans, making the beans neutral. This is important because when they are neutral, they do not react with baking soda. Instead, it is often paired with baking powder.
So – long story short – using regular cocoa powder vs Dutch-process cocoa powder will yield a completely different rise and texture to any recipe you are making.
So I highly recommend paying close attention to the type of cocoa powder called for in each recipe and sticking to it for that reason.
Products I love when making peppermint hot chocolate…
This hot chocolate recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me this time of year, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made homemade hot chocolate before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this cocoa recipe.
- Instant Pot
- whisk
- peppermint extract
- vanilla extract
- mugs
- semi-sweet chocolate
- granulated sugar
- cocoa powder
- mini marshmallows
- crushed peppermint
If you love this Easy Hot Chocolate recipe, you’re going to love these other recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder – not Dutch Processed
- 1 tbsp peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- mini marshmallows
- crushed peppermint optional
- whipped cream optional
- 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps or peppermint vodka for spiked version for the whole pot or add just 1/2 ounce per mug
Instructions
- Using your Instant Pot’s sauté setting, whisk to combine milk, heavy cream, chocolate, sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and set the machine to high pressure for 1 minute.
- After holding high pressure for 1 minute, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
- Remove lid, then give a quick whisk while adding the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
- Serve in a mug.
- Add marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and whipped cream for garnish.
- If making the spiked version – stir in the schnapps or vodka just before serving.
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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