Step away from the store-bought powders and grab your favorite holiday mug – it’s time to brew up a cozy, comforting peppermint mocha that’s as easy as pressing a button. This no-fuss, single-serve mug brew comes together in just minutes, making it the perfect pick-me-up for busy holiday mornings. With real cocoa, peppermint, and a splash of coffee, it’s a decadent treat that’ll have you feeling festive and energized, no matter how hectic your day gets.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Peppermint Mocha Mug Brew for Holiday Mornings
As the temperatures drop and the to-do lists grow, a steaming mug of peppermint mocha is the perfect way to warm up and recharge. This easy homemade version skips the long lines and hefty price tags of coffee shops, giving you a rich, flavorful sip anytime you need it. With just a few simple ingredients and zero mess, it’s a holiday indulgence you can feel good about. Plus, the festive peppermint-chocolate combo is guaranteed to put you in a jolly mood, no matter how crazy your schedule gets.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
You only need 5 basic ingredients to craft this cozy peppermint mocha: coffee, milk, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and sweetener. Opt for dark cocoa powder for a deep, chocolatey flavor, and use your favorite type of milk – dairy, oat, almond, or anything in between. A touch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon also make tasty additions.
- 1 cup (8 oz) – Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 cup (8 oz) – Milk of your choice
- 2 tablespoons – Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon – Peppermint extract
- 1-2 teaspoons – Granulated sugar or your preferred sweetener
Ingredient Substitutions
- Coffee/Tea Base: Use brewed coffee, espresso, or strongly brewed tea in place of the coffee (flavor will vary)
- Peppermint Flavor: Swap peppermint extract for mint, vanilla, or even a dash of cinnamon (dietary swap)
How to Make Cozy Peppermint Mocha Mug Brew for Holiday Mornings
This peppermint mocha mug brew is a breeze to whip up in just a few simple steps. Gather your ingredients, grab a microwave-safe mug, and get ready to enjoy a cozy, comforting sip in no time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Gather your ingredients and a microwave-safe mug. You’ll also need a spoon for mixing.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In your mug, combine the coffee, milk, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and sweetener. Stir until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Microwave the mixture for 60-90 seconds, until hot and steaming. Give it another good stir, then enjoy your cozy peppermint mocha!
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Toppings: Top your mug brew with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra-special treat.
- Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe ahead of time and store the dry mix in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go mornings. Just add the hot coffee or milk when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Peppermint Twist: For a festive twist, rim the mug with crushed candy canes or a peppermint-flavored syrup before pouring in the mocha mixture.
- Customize It: Feel free to play around with the flavors – add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon, or try a different type of sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra-festive touch.
Storage: This recipe makes one cozy, single-serve mug of peppermint mocha. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, simply multiply the ingredients to make as many mugs as you need. For the best taste and texture, enjoy your mug brew immediately after microwaving. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the peppermint flavor may fade over time.
Microwave Reheat: For the best texture, reheat your peppermint mocha in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through. Avoid boiling or simmering, as this can curdle the milk.
Make-Ahead: The dry mix can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add the hot coffee or milk and microwave.
Nutrition Info
This homemade peppermint mocha clocks in at just 130 calories per serving, with 5 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. It’s a comforting, indulgent sip that won’t weigh you down, making it the perfect pick-me-up for busy holiday mornings.
- Serving Size: 1 mug (16 oz)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 19 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond, oat, or coconut milk. The peppermint and cocoa flavors will shine just the same.
Is there caffeine in this peppermint mocha?
Yes, the coffee or espresso in this recipe does contain caffeine. For a caffeine-free version, use strongly brewed decaf coffee or herbal tea instead.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Start by reducing the amount of sweetener, or use a non-nutritive sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder and skip the added sugar altogether.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The dry mix can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add the hot coffee or milk and microwave.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat your peppermint mocha in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through. Avoid boiling or simmering, as this can curdle the milk.
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Cozy Peppermint Mocha Mug Brew for Holiday Mornings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Specialty Coffee & Tea
- Method: Brew
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm up your holiday mornings with this cozy peppermint mocha mug brew, combining rich espresso, creamy milk, and a hint of peppermint for a festive treat.
Ingredients
2 cups brewed espresso
1 cup steamed milk
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream for topping
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
1. Brew the espresso and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the steamed milk, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm, stirring gently.
4. Pour the espresso into a large mug.
5. Add the chocolate and milk mixture to the mug and stir well.
6. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
Notes
For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon.
This recipe can be easily doubled for sharing with friends and family.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg