Spoon University Logo
IMG 1441
IMG 1441
Recipes

You’d Never Guess That This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Is Dairy-Free

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Wake Forest chapter.

In the winter, I always want to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. The problem? I’m dairy-free, and packaged mixes like Swiss Miss always have dairy in them. Instead of missing out on this seasonal favorite, try this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet and bitter hot chocolate with a hint of peppermint.

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 8 minutesTotal time: 13 minutesServings:5 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Allison Curley

    Add the cocoa powder and chocolate chips to a large saucepan on medium heat.

  2.  Allison Curley

    Add both milks and the vanilla extract to the saucepan and mix slowly until all the ingredients are blended.

  3. Allison Curley

    Once all is blended, warm for at least 3 more minutes and serve warm. (Optional) Stir with a candy cane and enjoy a hint a peppermint this holiday season.

Lactaid milk can be found at any grocery store. I chose 1% and fat-free to make this hot chocolate recipe creamy, yet healthier than using heavy cream. The dairy-free chocolate chips I used can be seen below. They are dairy-, nut-, soy-, and gluten free. If you can’t find this specific kind, other types of dairy-free chocolate (especially dark) can be found at specialty stores like Whole Foods.

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate milk coffee
Allison Curley

The combination of chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder gives this recipe a perfectly bitter yet sweet taste. I love stirring hot chocolate with a candy cane this time of year, not only for holiday festivity, but also because it adds another hint of sweetness. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to really taste both the mint and the chocolate. With this awesome dairy-free recipe, I never feel like I’m missing out around winter time. 

Allison Curley

Wake Forest '20

I am a water-skier, runner, and writer. My favorite tv shows of all time are Friends, Seinfeld, and Gilmore Girls. My idol is Audrey Hepburn, and my dream job is to write books all day while sitting on the deck of my Paris apartment.