“Healthy” Peppermint Hot Cocoa

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The kids have their very own homemade healthy hot cocoa recipe and I think it’s time us adults have one too, don’t you?

My husband agrees with me that this homemade Peppermint Hot Cocoa recipe is phenomenal. And just like the kids’ version, this recipe is quick and easy to make and uses healthy ingredients that will energize you instead of the sugar crash you might get from other hot cocoas.

This Peppermint Hot Cocoa recipe is Paleo-friendly, so it’s dairy-free, soy-free, and refined-sugar free. But don’t worry: this recipe is so rich, creamy, and satisfying, you won’t believe it’s “healthy!”

If you’re not a peppermint fan (though I have yet to meet anyone who isn’t), you can just leave out the peppermint extract and enjoy this Paleo Hot Cocoa as is. It still tastes amazing!

If you are a peppermint fan, amp up the minty flavor and make some healthy mint chocolate balls too!

I never made homemade hot cocoa until recently and I can’t believe what we were missing!

What You’ll Need for this Peppermint Hot Cocoa Recipe:

• coconut milk
• water
• maple syrup or your preferred natural sweetener
• cacao or cocoa power
• peppermint extract

I’m all about using simple, as-inexpensive-as-possible ingredients when-you-have-food-restrictions so I’ve tried this peppermint hot cocoa with almond milk and refrigerated coconut milk (you know the kind in a carton.) It’s definitely do-able, but if you really want an over-the-top amazing hot cocoa, you’ll want the canned coconut milk, because that’s what gives this tasty beverage it’s rich creaminess.

Related: Have you seen my quick and easy recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix? It’s dairy-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free too (and delicious!)

Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 2 reviews

This Peppermint Hot Cocoa is rich, creamy, and so satisfying, you won’t believe how easy-to-make it is!

• Author: Erika Bragdon
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 5 mins
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/3 cup water
• 2–3 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup cacao or cocoa power
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

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Instructions

1. Spoon the coconut milk – cream and all – into a small saucepan. Warm on medium-heat and whisk occasionally until the cream is melted. Add the water, maple syrup, cacao, and peppermint extract.
2. Whisk well, heating until steaming, but not boiling.
3. Optional: blend in a non-glass blender to completely remove any lumps.