Easy High-Protein Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Makes: 1 Serving
Per Serving: 33g Protein | 260 Cal

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This time of year, treats are everywhere. And while you don’t want to miss out on all of the fun of the season, you also don’t want to completely abandon your goals. This cozy, wintery drink strikes the perfect balance. Packed with protein, but also sweet and indulgent, my Peppermint Hot Cocoa is a festive, chocolatey treat you’ll enjoy all season long.

Each mug of cocoa contains 33g of protein, making this the perfect treat for warming up after a snowy afternoon, wrapping gifts, or just curling up on the couch. Made in minutes with a handful of ingredients you likely already have in the house, this high-protein peppermint cocoa is sure to be your new favorite seasonal sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Peppermint Hot Cocoa Recipe

• Packed with protein: Each serving contains a whopping 33g of protein for a snack that’ll stick with you.

• Sweet seasonal treat: This cozy drink tastes like the perfect mix of a peppermint mocha and a mug of hot chocolate.

• Quick and easy to make: Made with a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand, this peppermint hot cocoa comes together in about 5 minutes.

• Easy to customize: Use your favorite milk (dairy, non-dairy, whatever you love) and your favorite protein powder to make the recipe work for you.

 Ingredients

• 1.5 cups milk of choice (I used almond)

• 1.5 scoops chocolate protein powder

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• ½ tablespoon maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

• Toppings: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or seasonal sprinkles
  

Instructions

1. Make the cocoa mix: Add all of the ingredients of your cocoa to a mug or a small bowl.

2. Mix the cocoa: Use a hand frother or immersion blender to blend the cocoa until smooth and frothy.

3. Heat the peppermint hot cocoa: Warm the cocoa in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until it’s warmed through or add it to a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until warmed through.

4. Garnish and serve: Transfer your cocoa to a mug (if necessary) and top with a sprinkle of mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candy. If you’d like, add a small dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving - Makes 1 Serving)

• Calories: 260

• Protein: 33g

• Carbs: 23g

• Fat: 5g

Swaps & Substitutions

• Make it creamier (or amp up the protein): Use Fairlife milk or oat milk to make your cocoa even creamier. The Fairlife milk will also add some extra protein.

• Make it a little sweeter: If you’re working with an unsweetened protein powder, you might want to add a little extra sweetener to your cocoa. Add a little extra maple syrup or even a bit of honey or coconut sugar.

• Make it extra chocolatey: If you want a super chocolatey cocoa (who doesn’t?), add a little unsweetened cocoa powder to your mixture.

• Make it a mocha: Transform your hot cocoa into a peppermint mocha and get a protein-packed coffee drink at home. Just add a little instant espresso.

• Add whipped cream: Because it’s the holidays and you deserve it!

FAQs

• What can I add instead of peppermint extract?

  If you don’t like peppermint extract, no problem! Use the rest of the recipe for a classic hot cocoa (with a protein twist) and add a little vanilla extract instead for more richness.

• What’s the best protein powder for this hot cocoa recipe?

  You can use your favorite protein powder for this recipe. If you’re using a plant-based protein powder (or even if you’re not), you may want to add an extra splash of milk. It’ll make your cocoa mixture a bit thinner.

• Do I have to make this recipe in the microwave or can I make it on the stove top?

  You can definitely make your peppermint hot cocoa on the stove if you’d prefer. Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan, froth, then gently heat over medium or low heat, whisking continuously, until warmed through. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

• Can I double or triple this peppermint hot cocoa recipe?

  You sure can! Just scale up all of the ingredients, use a medium saucepan, and you’ve got a batch for a crowd.

For a comforting, cozy, indulgent drink you can enjoy throughout the holiday season (or all winter long), give this peppermint hot cocoa a try. Packed with protein and ready in minutes, it’s the perfect sweet treat for cold winter nights.

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Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Yield: 1

Author: Ashley aka The Protein Snack Queen

Packed with protein and ready in minutes, my high-protein peppermint hot cocoa is the perfect sweet treat for cold winter nights.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups milk of choice (I used almond)
• 1.5 scoops chocolate protein powder
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Toppings: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or seasonal sprinkles

Instructions

1. Make the cocoa mix: Add all of the ingredients of your cocoa to a mug or a small bowl.
2. Mix the cocoa: Use a hand frother or immersion blender to blend the cocoa until smooth and frothy.
3. Heat the peppermint hot cocoa: Warm the cocoa in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until it’s warmed through or add it to a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Garnish and serve: Transfer your cocoa to a mug (if necessary) and top with a sprinkle of mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candy. If you’d like, add a small dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

260

Fat

5 g

Carbs

23 g

Protein

33 g