Mrs. Claus’ Peppermint Hot Cocoa (Plus a Christmas Eve Cocoa Bar)

Hello, my dear friends,

It’s Mrs. Claus here, writing from my kitchen while a big pot of cocoa bubbles on the stove. Every Christmas Eve, before Santa climbs into the sleigh, I hand him a mug of my peppermint hot cocoa. He says it keeps his nose warm all the way to the first chimney. This year, I thought it was time I shared the recipe with you.

Mrs. Claus’ Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Makes 4 cozy mugs

What You’ll Need

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate (or chocolate chips)
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt
• Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for the top

How to Make It

1. Warm the milk in a pot over medium-low heat until it’s steaming. Don’t let it boil!
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the chopped chocolate and stir until it melts into silky ribbons.
4. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
5. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.

Set Up a Christmas Eve Cocoa Bar

At the North Pole, we set out a cocoa bar every Christmas Eve so every elf can make their mug just right. You can make one at home with a few bowls on the kitchen table:

• Toppings: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles.
• Stirrers: candy canes or cinnamon sticks.
• Something special: a little bowl of crushed peppermint for the brave.
• Name tags: write each person’s name on a paper tag and tie it to their mug with twine.

The secret ingredient isn’t peppermint at all. It’s the people you share your cocoa with.

Mrs. Claus

Then gather everyone, raise your mugs, and do what Santa does before takeoff: toast to the joy of the season. If you’d like, take turns sharing your favorite memory from the year. I promise the cocoa tastes even sweeter that way.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Santa just wandered into the kitchen sniffing the air like a reindeer who smells carrots. I’d better pour him a mug!

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With love and cinnamon,
Mrs. Claus
North Pole Lifestyle & Baking Columnist