The Ultimate Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix for Winter Mugs

Winter’s cold front has officially met its match.

If winter has you feeling a little brrr-eakable, this homemade Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix is your mug’s new best friend. With rich instant chocolate drink mix, silky nonfat dry milk powder, and a cool burst of crushed peppermint candies, this cozy blend transforms a regular cup of warm milk into a holiday-worthy treat.

It’s the pantry MVP for cold nights, last-minute guests, or when you just need a sweet moment of peace. Unlike store-bought packets, this mix delivers bold chocolate flavor and a refreshing minty finish—like a candy cane hug in liquid form. Whether you’re sipping it while wrapping gifts or pairing it with mini eclairs, this cocoa mix is about to become your winter staple.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix

• One-Bowl Wonder: Comes together quickly with basic pantry staples.
• Long Shelf Life: Stores beautifully for up to six months.
• Minty Magic: Crushed peppermint candies add a cool, refreshing twist.
• Perfect for Gifting: Jar it up with marshmallows for instant holiday cheer.
• Cozy Pairings: Try it with mint puff pastry trees or root beer buttercream cupcakes.

Ingredients

Cocoa Mix Ingredients

• 1 (30 oz) package instant chocolate drink mix
• 1 (25.6 oz) package nonfat dry milk powder
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 25 peppermint candies, crushed

Per Serving

• 1 cup milk

How to Make The Ultimate Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix for Winter Mugs

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the instant chocolate drink mix, nonfat dry milk powder, confectioners’ sugar, powdered nondairy creamer, and crushed peppermint candies.
2. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined with no streaks of cocoa or sugar.
3. Transfer the prepared cocoa mix to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
4. When ready to serve, heat 1 cup of milk until steaming.
5. Stir in 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
6. Serve warm and enjoy.

Yield: About 17 2/3 cups of mix (approximately 53 servings)

Expert Tips

• Finely crush peppermint candies for a smooth texture that dissolves easily.
• Use whole milk or steamed half-and-half for the richest flavor.
• Add mini marshmallows when gifting to elevate the presentation.
• Stir with a peppermint stick for an extra burst of mint.

If festive drinks are your thing, check out cold brew vs iced coffee or cozy pairings like cheesy beer bread for a warm afternoon treat.

Variations & Creative Twists

• Swap peppermint candies with crushed toffee for a caramel-inspired twist.
• Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder per 2 cups of mix for peppermint mocha flavor.
• Mix in dehydrated marshmallows for a classic cocoa feel.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm holiday spice.

Serving Suggestions

Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or cocoa powder. This cocoa mix pairs beautifully with mini eclairs, indulgent pastries like the mint chocolate cream puff pastry tree, or even a cozy spoonful of maple granola.

FAQs

How long does the mix last? Up to six months in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place.

Can I use water instead of milk? Yes, though milk creates a much creamier cocoa.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—simply keep ingredient ratios consistent.

Does the peppermint dissolve completely? Yes, finely crushed peppermint will melt into the hot milk.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix is the kind of recipe that makes winter feel sweeter. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for gifting or sipping solo. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of crushed peppermint candies, you’ll have a cozy cocoa blend ready whenever the chill sets in.

If you’re into homemade pantry mixes, don’t miss our maple granola, how to make popping boba, or Cheesy Beer Bread for more DIY deliciousness.

Continue to Content

Yield: 53 servings (about 17 2/3 cups)

The Ultimate Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix for Winter Mugs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This easy Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix is a rich, creamy, mint-kissed homemade drink blend that’s perfect for winter sipping, holiday gifting, and cozy nights in. Made with instant chocolate drink mix, nonfat dry milk powder, and crushed peppermint candies, this homemade cocoa mix stays fresh for up to six months and comes together in one bowl. Warm a cup of milk and stir in this festive cocoa blend for a deliciously smooth holiday treat. It also pairs beautifully with desserts like mini eclairs or flaky Christmas pastries like mint chocolate cream puff pastry trees.

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Ingredients

Cocoa Mix Ingredients

• 1 (30 oz) package instant chocolate drink mix
• 1 (25.6 oz) package nonfat dry milk powder
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 25 peppermint candies, crushed

Per Serving

• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Add the instant chocolate drink mix, nonfat dry milk powder, confectioners’ sugar, powdered nondairy creamer, and crushed peppermint candies to a large mixing bowl.
2. Stir until everything is evenly combined with no streaks of cocoa or sugar remaining.
3. Transfer the finished peppermint cocoa mix to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
4. To make a serving, warm 1 cup of milk until steaming.
5. Add 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved.
6. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

NOTES

For the smoothest texture, crush the peppermint candies into a fine powder before mixing. Whole milk or steamed half-and-half creates the richest and creamiest hot cocoa. Add mini marshmallows when gifting for a festive touch. This cozy drink also pairs wonderfully with recipes like homemade marshmallows or warm winter bakes such as cheesy beer bread.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

53

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 70Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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