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Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha: Easy Copycat Starbucks Recipe

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This homemade peppermint mocha is richer, more chocolaty, and way more forgiving than any coffee shop recipe. It costs pennies per serving and comes together in 10 minutes using pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for whipped cream)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder and sugar until no lumps remain. Add about 1/4 cup of the milk and whisk into a smooth paste.
  2. Pour in the remaining milk and whisk until combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally with a whisk.
  3. Heat until steaming, about 4-5 minutes. Small bubbles will form around the edges, but do not let it come to a full boil.
  4. Pour in the brewed coffee or espresso and stir to combine.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Taste and adjust if needed.
  6. While the mocha is heating, make the whipped cream: Pour heavy cream and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until soft peaks form.
  7. Crush 2-3 candy canes in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or heavy pan into small pieces.
  8. Pour the hot mocha into mugs, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the paste step to avoid lumps. Keep heat at medium to prevent scalding. Start with less peppermint extract as it is potent. The mocha base can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and coconut cream. For a kid-friendly version, omit the coffee and add extra milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint mocha, copycat Starbucks, homemade mocha, winter drink, Christmas drink, hot chocolate coffee

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/best-homemade-peppermint-mocha-easy-copycat-starbucks-recipe/