Peppermint Hot Chocolate Dip
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Dip is a festive Christmas treat that brings all the cozy flavors of hot cocoa into an easy party treat.
Chocolate, marshmallow creme, and peppermint make every bite taste like Christmas. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for any Christmas party, holiday potluck, or a cozy night at home watching Christmas movies.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday crowd pleaser: Creamy, chocolatey, and festive with peppermint flavor.
- Easy to make: Only 10 minutes of prep before chilling.
- Perfect for Christmas parties: Easy to serve with cookies, pretzels, or fruit.
- Customizable flavors: Adjust the mint or try other cocoa variations.
- Make ahead friendly: Prepare the day before and chill until ready to serve.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Dip Ingredients
- Cream cheese, softened
- Marshmallow creme
- Hot chocolate mix packets
- Peppermint extract
- Frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Mini chocolate chips for garnish
- Mini marshmallows for garnish
- Crushed peppermints for garnish
- Cookies for dipping
How To Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Dip
This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add the marshmallow creme, hot chocolate mix, and peppermint extract, then mix until completely combined and creamy.
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and well blended. Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and smooth the top.
Garnish with mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermints for a festive finish. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve with an assortment of cookies, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Peppermind Hot Cocoa Dip Variations
- Extra chocolatey: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for even more chocolate flavor.
- Peppermint Oreo: Stir in crushed Oreo cookies along with the crushed peppermint candies.
- White chocolate peppermint: Add melted white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier peppermint dip.
- Mocha hot cocoa: Mix in a little instant espresso powder for a chocolate-coffee twist.
- S’mores hot cocoa: Fold in mini marshmallows and top with crushed graham crackers and chocolate chips.
- Mexican hot chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne for a warm, slightly spicy version.
- Double peppermint: Fold crushed candy canes into the dip and sprinkle more over the top before serving.
- Dark chocolate: Use dark chocolate hot cocoa mix for a richer, less-sweet dip.
Christmas Hot Cocoa Dip FAQs
Can I make peppermint hot cocoa dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dip up to 4 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the best texture and freshest flavor, I recommend making it 1–2 days ahead. Add crushed peppermint or whipped cream toppings closer to serving.
How long does peppermint hot cocoa dip last?
Store leftover peppermint hot cocoa dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the dip settles while chilling, give it a quick stir to fluff it back up before serving.
Does peppermint hot cocoa dip need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because this dip contains cream cheese and whipped topping, it should be kept refrigerated. It also tastes best served chilled.
Can I freeze peppermint hot cocoa dip?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture can change once the dip is frozen and thawed. For the best creamy texture, store it in the refrigerator instead.
Can I make this without peppermint extract?
Yes. You can leave out the peppermint extract and use crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a milder mint flavor.
Vanilla extract can also be used if you want more of a classic hot cocoa flavor.
Why is my hot cocoa dip lumpy?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. It also helps to mix the cream cheese, hot chocolate mix, and peppermint extract together until smooth before folding in the whipped topping.
What can I serve with peppermint hot cocoa dip?
Serve it with graham crackers, chocolate graham crackers, shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, pretzels, strawberries, or marshmallows.
You can offer a few different dippers for an easy Christmas party dessert.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 4 packets hot chocolate mix
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
- mini chocolate chips for garnish
- mini marshmallows for garnish
- crushed peppermints for garnish
- cookies for dipping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip your cream cheese until fluffy.
- Whip the marshmallow cream, hot chocolate mix, and peppermint extract into the cream cheese.
- Fold in the whipped topping until well blended.
- Top with mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermints for garnish.
- Serve with a variety of cookies.
