This paleo, keto, and vegan peppermint hot chocolate recipe is made with coconut milk and cacao powder for a decadent dairy-free treat.

It's been cold and snowy the last couple of days. It's a perfect time to snuggle by the fire with a cup of paleo peppermint hot chocolate. It's rich, creamy, and completely dairy-free.
Unlike my drinking chocolate recipe, which is made with melted unsweetened chocolate, this is a hot chocolate made with cacao powder. I always have cans of coconut milk and cacao powder in the pantry, so I can whip up this hot cocoa any time. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
The coconut milk makes it extra creamy and decadent. I use BPA-free canned coconut milk with no guar gum or other additives --- the ingredients are just coconut and water. It can be pretty thick straight out of the can. So to make the hot chocolate, I dilute the coconut milk with just enough water to get it to the consistency of whole milk.
This is a really easy hot cocoa recipe to adapt to your own taste. I like it not too sweet, and with just a hint of peppermint. It makes a perfect keto hot chocolate sweetened with a touch of stevia. You can always add more sweetener (or use maple syrup for vegan), or more peppermint if you like. However you make it, it's sure to warm you up on a cold winter's day --- especially if you have it with low carb treats.
More dairy-free chocolate treats
- 10 Easy Ice Cream Recipes That Are Dairy-Free
- Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe (Paleo, Vegan, Keto)
- Easy Dark Chocolate Pots de Creme
- Mexican Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- One Bowl Coconut Flour Brownies
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk 13.5 ounce
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons organic cacao powder
- liquid stevia or honey, or maple syrup to taste
- 1-2 drops culinary peppermint essential oil to taste
Instructions
- Combine coconut milk, water, cacao, honey, and peppermint in a small sauce pan.
- Whisk over low heat until hot and completely smooth.
Kelly Smith
This looks so warm and delicious! Sharing this treat on social media this week! Can't wait to give it a try myself! 🙂
Lisa
Thanks Kelly! 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
This looks delicious! I'm going to have to try it when I'm up in the mountains over Christmas.
Lisa
That sounds wonderful! Have a great holiday! 🙂