☕Festive 10-Minute Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Paleo & Refined Sugar-Free)
Hot chocolate has always held a special place in my heart during the holiday season. From snuggling up under blankets and enjoying a cup after playing out in the snow, to hot chocolate and cookies while decorating our Christmas tree, there’s no denying hot chocolate is one of those simple traditions that instantly feels like comfort and celebration all wrapped into one.
When I first started following SCD, I recreated this cozy classic in a way that aligned with the diet, a white hot chocolate version I’ve loved for years. Now that I’m mSCD and able to reintroduce cocoa, I knew I wanted to bring back the rich, chocolatey version of this childhood favorite with a festive peppermint twist. This version is creamy, deeply chocolatey, lightly minty, and naturally sweetened. Everything a holiday hot chocolate should be.
And the best part? It comes together in just 10 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Quick & easy: ready in 10 minutes with minimal cleanup
Rich and creamy: thanks to real cocoa and melted chocolate
Naturally sweetened: no refined sugars
Perfectly festive: peppermint adds that unmistakable holiday flavor
Dairy-free & paleo-friendly: cozy without compromise
This is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again all December long. Whether it’s for a quiet evening at home or a special holiday moment.
mSCD Notes & Ingredient Tips
A few important notes to keep this recipe fully mSCD-compliant:
Be sure to use 100% cocoa chocolate chips with no added sugars. Pascha is a great option.
Choose unsweetened cocoa powder made from 100% cocoa. I’ve had great results with Ghirardelli.
Use unsweetened almond milk with no thickeners. Elmhurst is my go-to, but you can substitute another nut milk like cashew if preferred.
Peppermint extract goes a long way; start with the listed amount and adjust to taste.
As always, ingredient quality makes a big difference here.
(These are all non-affiliate recommendations)
✨Bonus Tip: Single-Serving Holiday Hack
If you’re just making this for yourself (because sometimes you deserve a cozy moment solo):
Add 8 oz almond milk and 1 Tbsp chocolate chips to a microwave-safe mug. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted. Carefully pour into a shake cup or small blender, add the remaining ingredients, blend, and enjoy immediately.
This is one of my favorite quick holiday treats when I want something special without pulling out extra dishes.
Serving Ideas
For an extra festive touch, try topping your mug with:
A sprinkle of cocoa powder
A drizzle of melted chocolate
I hope this peppermint hot chocolate brings a little extra warmth and magic into your holiday season. There’s something so comforting about slowing down with a warm mug in hand, especially when it’s made with simple ingredients you feel good about. Whether you’re sipping it by the tree, sharing it with family, or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, this recipe is meant to be savored.
Wishing you cozy moments, festive flavors, and a beautiful holiday season. 💜
Nutrition Facts: (without marshmallows)
Calories- 321
Carbs- 42.5 g
Fat- 12.9 g
Protein- 5.6 g