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Crowd-Pleasing Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: Best Easy Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha - featured image

This copycat Starbucks peppermint mocha recipe is quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect holiday drink that steals the show without stealing your time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
  • Whipped cream (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for topping)
  • Optional: chocolate shavings or chocolate syrup (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk. Pour the 2 cups of whole milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm gently until steaming but not boiling, about 3-4 minutes. Whisk occasionally.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar. Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons sugar. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until fully dissolved.
  3. Add the chopped chocolate. Add 1 ounce finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Reduce heat to low and whisk continuously until melted and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the peppermint extract. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and stir. Taste and add more if desired.
  5. Add the coffee or espresso. Pour in 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso. Whisk until combined and slightly frothy.
  6. Pour and top. Pour into a mug, leaving space for whipped cream. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and optional chocolate shavings or syrup.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk to avoid scorching. Use real chopped chocolate for a velvety texture. Make coffee ahead of time to keep everything hot. Crush candy canes in a zip-top bag to contain mess. This recipe doubles and triples well for a crowd.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint mocha, copycat Starbucks, holiday drink, easy recipe, homemade mocha