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This Peppermint Mocha gives you that cozy, coffee-shop feeling right at home. It's quick to make, easy to customize, and costs a fraction of the cafe price.
You'll love this peppermint mocha recipe it is rich, creamy, and kissed with just the right amount of peppermint. Perfect for a quiet moment in the midst of holiday chaos, especially when paired with a piece of shortbread or peppermint bark.

Kristen's Keys for Homemade Peppermint Mochas
- Use Strong Coffee. You don't need an espresso maker to enjoy a homemade peppermint mocha. Simply brew extra strong coffee.
- Froth the Milk. To replicate a coffee house experience, you want to froth the milk to make it light and airy. You don't need anything more than a whisk to froth your milk. Simply take a small whisk and vigorously whisk back and forth for 15-30 seconds until the milk forms large bubbles and is frothy.
- Finish Strong. Topping your mocha with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and/or crushed candy canes will make you feel like you are treating yourself
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha at Home
- Dissolve sugar and cocoa powder. Add strong coffee or espresso to a small saucepan. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar and heat gently until the sugar is fully dissolved, whisking constantly.
- Add vanilla and peppermint. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the extracts.
- Heat and froth milk. Heat milk of your choice milk in a heat-safe measuring cup for 45-60 seconds. Use a frother or whisk to froth the milk until bubbly.
- Combine. Add coffee mixture to a mug of your choice and top with frothed milk. Garnish with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate if you are feeling fancy.
Recipe Modifications
- Lower-Fat: For a lighter version of this Peppermint Mocha, feel free to use skim milk or lower-fat milk.
- Non-Dairy: Make a dairy-free peppermint mocha by using your favorite non-dairy milk in place of the whole milk.
- Adjust the Sweetener: Feel free to use your favorite sugar alternative or increase or decrease the added sugar as desired.
- Decaf Peppermint Mocha: Simply make with decaf coffee, keeping in mind that cocoa powder has a small amount of caffeine.
- Use Peppermint Syrup: If you happen to have peppermint syrup on hand, omit the sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Whisk cocoat powder into the coffee until dissolved and then stir 1-2 teaspoons of the peppermint syrup into your hot coffee and top with frothed milk.
More Warming Beverages
Homemade Peppermint Mocha

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, +/- to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup strong coffee, or espresso
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk, any variety
- whipped cream, chocolate shavings, candy canes, , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ cup strong coffee. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edges and the sugar has dissolved, whisking constantly.
- Remove the coffee mixture from the heat, add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and pour into a coffee mug of choice.
- Heat ½ cup milk in a heat-safe measuring cup for 45-60 seconds. Use a frother or whisk to froth the milk until bubbly.
- Pour the frothed milk over top the coffee mixture. Stir lightly to combine. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and crushed candy canes if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
















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