Keto Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Published November 30, 2019 • Updated March 3, 2026
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A creamy, minty peppermint white hot chocolate I make every holiday season and most cold weekends through March. Two steps, sugar-free, and nobody can tell it's keto.
I started making this keto peppermint white hot chocolate a few years ago when I wanted something richer than my usual hot chocolate recipe. Regular hot cocoa is great, but there’s something about white chocolate melted into cream with a hit of peppermint that makes it feel like an actual holiday treat.
The base is simple: sugar-free white chocolate chips melted into heavy cream, then thinned with macadamia nut milk. I use macadamia specifically because it has the highest fat content of any nut milk, so you get that rich, full mouthfeel instead of a watery drink. Almond milk works in a pinch, but you’ll notice the difference.
What I love about this recipe is how well it works for mixed households. One of my readers, Diane, told me she made this for her family and “forgot” to mention it was keto. Her non-keto son loved it so much he started making his own. That’s the kind of feedback that tells me the recipe actually works, not just for people who are used to sugar-free swaps, but for everyone at the table.
If you want a coffee version, another reader (Nancy) mixes this with a shot of espresso for a peppermint white mocha. I tried it after she mentioned it and she’s absolutely right. It’s my go-to afternoon pick-me-up in December.
For a low carb holiday drink lineup, I usually rotate between this, my keto white hot chocolate (no peppermint, just pure white chocolate), and keto eggnog depending on the night. The peppermint version wins with the kids every time.
Two steps, about 10 minutes, and the whole house smells like a candy cane melted into something warm. I make a double batch most weekends because it reheats perfectly the next day and nobody fights over the last mug.
How to make peppermint white hot chocolate
The key with this recipe is patience with the white chocolate. I melt the chips into the heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly, because white chocolate burns faster than regular chocolate. If you step away for even a minute, you’ll get grainy clumps instead of a smooth base. Once the chips are fully melted and the mixture is silky, I stir in the macadamia nut milk, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
One thing I learned the hard way: peppermint extract and peppermint oil are not the same thing. Oil is about four times more concentrated, so if you substitute oil for extract at the same amount, your drink will taste like mouthwash. Stick with 1/4 teaspoon of extract. If you only have oil, use a tiny drop and taste as you go.
I like to serve this in mugs with a little sugar-free whipped cream on top. If you’re looking for something similar but without the peppermint, my dairy-free hot chocolate is a good starting point.
Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar-free white chocolate chips -
1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 cup unsweetened macadamia nut milk or other nut milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla
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1/4 teaspoon peppermint
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros + Recipes →Frequently Asked Questions
Is white chocolate keto-friendly?
Regular white chocolate is loaded with sugar, so no. But I use sugar-free white chocolate chips (sweetened with stevia or erythritol) and they melt and taste almost identical. I've been using them in my keto hot drinks for years and the texture is spot on. Just check the label for maltitol, which spikes blood sugar more than other sugar alcohols.
What brand of sugar-free white chocolate chips works best?
I've tested both Lily's and ChocZero in this recipe. Lily's melts smoother and has a milder sweetness, which is what I use most of the time. ChocZero works too but can be slightly grainier when melted. Either way, stir constantly over medium heat and you'll get a good result.
What's the difference between peppermint extract and peppermint oil?
I made this mistake early on. Peppermint oil is about four times more concentrated than extract, so using the same amount will overpower the drink completely. My recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of extract. If you only have oil, start with one small drop, stir, and taste before adding more.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I've swapped the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and it works well. Use the thick part from a chilled can (not the watery liquid). The coconut flavor is subtle and actually pairs nicely with the peppermint. I'd still use macadamia nut milk for the rest since it has the richest body of any nut milk.
How does this compare to a Starbucks peppermint white hot chocolate?
I looked it up and a grande Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate has around 60g of sugar. My version has under 3g net carbs per serving. The flavor profile is really close because the sugar-free white chocolate chips and peppermint extract hit the same notes. I've served this to people who drink the Starbucks version and they couldn't tell the difference.
Can I mix this with coffee for a peppermint white mocha?
One of my readers, Nancy, does exactly this and I started doing it too. Just brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee and pour this hot chocolate over it. It makes an incredible peppermint white mocha. I also have a dedicated keto white mocha recipe if you want the full version.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
I store mine in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring as it warms. The microwave works too but I find stovetop gives a smoother result since the white chocolate can separate if heated too fast. I usually make a double batch on weekends so I have it ready to reheat.
Can I use white chocolate peppermint chips instead of plain white chocolate chips?
My reader Jane B did this and said it turned out great. If your chips already have peppermint in them, just skip the peppermint extract entirely. I tried it her way and it's a nice shortcut. Just make sure they're sugar-free if you're keeping it keto. You can also try my frozen hot chocolate in the summer with the same chip swap.
I love white hot chocolate! But to add a little flavor of Christmas, I like to throw in a couple splashes of peppermint extract. This makes the perfect peppermint white hot chocolate for snow days or while decorating the Christmas tree. It tastes like a white chocolate candy cane!
Plus, this low carb peppermint white hot chocolate is really easy to make – it takes less than 5 minutes. Just add the ingredients and heat on the stove top until the chocolate is melted.
I like to add a mixture of heavy cream and macadamia nut milk to my hot chocolate. The cream makes it creamy and the nut milk thins it out without adding extra calories. The nut milk I prefer is 
I like to top my sugar free peppermint white hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a tablespoon of erythritol and a teaspoon of vanilla. Whip until thick and fluffy.
Another option is to turn it into an alcoholic beverage. Instead of peppermint extract, add a shot of peppermint schnapps!
Other toppings for your white cocoa include:
I've made this many times now and we love it! In fact, our oldest son doesn't do keto and I "forgot" to let him know it was keto. He loved it too and now makes his own. Thanks for another great recipe ❤
I used white chocolate peppermint chips instead, since that’s what I had on hand & omitted the peppermint extract. Next time, I’ll add instant espresso to make a white peppermint mocha. Delicious!!!
Good call skipping the extract when the chips already have peppermint. Yes to the espresso - Nancy does the same thing with this one and it's a great mocha.
I mix this with coffee for an amazing white chocolate peppermint latte! ☕️ yum ?
You're the one who got me hooked on it this way. I've been doing espresso in mine almost every morning since you mentioned it.