Nothings better than hot chocolate when it’s cold outside! At least that’s how everyone in our house feels. It’s been a little too cold outside lately for our liking to be outside playing these last few days. So, we had a little extra time to spend on our hot chocolate. We decided we’d try to make hot chocolate stirrers that are becoming more popular, and we’ve never had one.
To make the hot chocolate peppermint stirrers it’s not too complex. However, I must admit that with an 18-month-old and a 4-year-old I should’ve done more prep work! Between opening the peppermint sticks while trying not to break them and each step requiring some work and time; my children were getting into EVERYTHING and making a mess! Let me break down the supplies, steps, and a few what not to do so, you don’t end up in the same situation as us.
Supplies
- Peppermint candy canes
- Chocolate that can melt
- Mini marshmallows
- Hot chocolate
- Water or milk
- Mug
- Microwave
- Spoon
- Microwave safe bowl
- Parchment paper
- Plate
Step One—Get out all the supplies and get them ready.
Step Two—Place the parchment paper down on a plate and open the candy canes. Set the candy canes on the plate. We did not use a plate and later when we set them to cool in the freezer, we had to transition to one. Don’t make this mistake and use a plate from the beginning.
Step Three—Melt the chocolate in the microwave in your microwave safe bowl. Chocolate can be melted multiple other ways, and that works too. Just make sure that you can easily access the chocolate to apply to the peppermint candy canes.
Step Four—Apply the melted chocolate to the peppermint candy canes on the parchment paper.
Step Five—Apply the mini marshmallows to melted chocolate on the peppermint candy canes. This does need to be done before the melted chocolate sets.
Step Six—Allow the melted chocolate to set. You can leave them to set on the countertop, or if you want to speed up the process you can place the parchment paper on a plate or cookie tray and place it in the freezer. The kids were anxious to use our peppermint stirrers so, we placed our in the freezer and they were ready within minutes.
Step Seven—While the peppermint stirrers set, we made out hot chocolate.
Step Eight—Enjoy!
Stir you hot chocolate peppermint stirrer into your hot chocolate and see what all the magic is about. My kids loved to watch the chocolate melt and to see the mini marshmallows suddenly float into the hot chocolate. It’s a lot of fun to stir the hot chocolate and to also enjoy the peppermint candy cane.
Just a reminder that set up, sequence, and timing was key for this project! I was not prepared, and my kids dove into everything. A few of our candy canes were broken and the kids started to eat and touch all the supplies.
I’m trying to have a more positive mindset when it comes to doing arts and crafts or really any projects with the kids but, it can be hard at times. Hence, set up is key! If I would have prepared us for the project, it would have run smoother and been enjoyable for both the kids and myself. Also, the kids would’ve been able to participate more. You live and you learn!
11 More Ideas for Peppermint Stirrers That Will Make Your Hot Chocolate Even More Delicious!
Idea #1: Sprinkle a little bit of peppermint extract into your hot chocolate. This will give it a strong mint flavor that is perfect for winter.
Idea #2: Add some chopped up candy canes to your stirrer. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is irresistible!
Idea #3: Make a simple peppermint syrup by combining sugar, water, and peppermint extract in a saucepan. Then, add this syrup to your hot chocolate for an extra sweet and minty taste.
Idea #4: Get creative with your stirrers and add things like marshmallows, cookies, or even fruit to add flavor to your drink.
Idea #5: Make a peppermint whipped cream to top off your hot chocolate. This is a great way to add some extra decadence and sweetness to your drink.
Idea #6: Use crushed up candy bars or crushed up chocolate chips cookies as stirrers for an extra chocolatey flavor.
Idea #7: Make white hot chocolate for a change and add some peppermint extract for a refreshing winter treat.
Idea #8: Make a batch of peppermint flavored marshmallows to use as stirrers in your hot chocolate. These will add a delicious fluffy texture to your drink.
Idea #9: Try using peppermint bark as a stirrer in your hot chocolate. The combination of dark and milk chocolate with the mint flavor is amazing!
Idea #10: Add some peppermint oil to cocoa powder and then mix it with boiling water for a quick way to make hot chocolate. This is perfect for when you need something fast but want it to taste great too!
Idea #11: Try adding a little bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into your stirrer to give your drink an extra spice flavor. You could also add some cardamom if you like that kind of spicy flavor in order make this even more delicious.
I’m finding that when I’m selecting what project to work on it helps if I find projects with simple steps and supplies. I’ve been problem solving set up and how to engage my children for an enjoyable experience for all. Hopefully this helps you too and you can enjoy more arts and craft projects with your kids! Here’s to hoping your hot chocolate stirs out well!