Dunkin’ and Starbucks Inspired Peppermint Mocha Copycat

Sometimes I think it’s a blessing that I live so far from any drive-thru coffee shops. It’s really not an option for me to just run and grab an expensive coffee drink (Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, anyone???) or to think that I would have the self-control to only purchase these seasonal faves only once in a while. I am human, after all. So, I have discovered a great compromise – DIY. Here is our Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Copycat Recipe.

No, we’re not demolishing any walls in our homes or creating a zen garden for our office space. I’m talking about taking on the big shop’s signature recipes. For me, my favorite is Peppermint Mocha, so that’s where I’m starting.

What Coffee Is Best in Peppermint Mocha?

Depending on the day, I tend to use my regular coffee maker, Keurig, or French press for strong coffee or espresso, and in a pinch even instant espresso granules will do (I feel you judging…stop it till you tried it).

Traditionally, espresso is used in most of the fancy coffee shop drinks, but you have to decide how picky you want to be about that.  If you’re a true coffee snob (no judging), fresh-brewed espresso will be your go-to.

What Is Mocha?

Mocha is a combination of some sort of coffee and chocolate.

Often it is a mix of espresso and hot chocolate or chocolate syrup, and can be served hot or iced, in a latte (with frothed milk), or with a variety of other flavors added in like peppermint or white chocolate.

Variations Of This Peppermint Mocha

• You can use more coffee or more chocolate mixture, depending on your tastes. If you’re not a big coffee lover, use a little less. If you don’t like your coffee too sweet, use a little less sugar or chocolate syrup.
• For a White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, throw in some white chocolate chips with the milk while heating, stir, and let melt. A great variation!
• You can easily make a dairy-free version of this by using non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) instead of regular milk.
• For a skinny Peppermint Mocha, feel free to use lower fat milk(1% or 2%), and a sugar replacement or natural sweetener.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Copycat

Yield: 16 ounces

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Mocha is a combination of some sort of coffee and chocolate.

Often it is a mix of espresso and hot chocolate or chocolate syrup, and can be served hot or iced, in a latte (with frothed milk), or with a variety of other flavors added in like peppermint or white chocolate.

Print

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon mint extract or ½ peppermint candy cane or peppermint syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, add milk, cocoa and sugar. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge and sugar has dissolved.
2. Stir in espresso, mint extract and vanilla and remove from heat (if using a candy cane, be sure to let melt completely.)
3. Serve in a large mug and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

1. You can use more coffee or more chocolate mixture, depending on your tastes. If you’re not a big coffee lover, use a little less.
2. If you don’t like your coffee too sweet, use a little less sugar or chocolate syrup.
3. For a White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, throw in some white chocolate chips with the milk while heating, stir, and let melt. A great variation!
4. You can easily make a dairy-free version of this by using non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) instead of regular milk.
5. For a skinny Peppermint Mocha, feel free to use lower fat milk(1% or 2%), and a sugar replacement or natural sweetener.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 16 ounces
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 14g

How To Make A Dunkin/Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon mint extract or ½ peppermint candy cane or peppermint syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, add milk, cocoa and sugar. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge and sugar has dissolved.
2. Stir in espresso, mint extract and vanilla and remove from heat (if using a candy cane, be sure to let melt completely.)
3. Serve in a large mug and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.