Ah, breakfast! It’s that magical time of day when you can indulge in something delightful and cozy. And let me tell you, my favorite way to start the day is with a twist on the classic French toast—Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast! Picture this: a cold winter morning, and the aroma of chocolate and peppermint wafts through the house. I remember the first time I made this during the holidays, and my family couldn’t get enough of it. We gathered around the table, laughter filling the air, as we topped our slices with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Trust me; it’s the perfect festive breakfast to warm your heart and soul!
Ingredients List
- 4 slices of thick bread (I love using brioche or challah for that perfect texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (you can also use almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (this is where the chocolate magic happens!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (to sweeten things up just right)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to your taste if you’re a peppermint lover)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better)
- Butter for frying (don’t be shy with it; we want that golden brown goodness!)
How to Prepare Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast
Getting started on your Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring this delicious breakfast in no time. Let’s get whisking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the milk, eggs, cocoa powder, sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; you want a lovely chocolatey batter that’s smooth and inviting. It should look rich and creamy!
- Next, take your slices of thick bread and dip each one into the mixture. Make sure both sides get coated well; I like to let them soak for just a few seconds to absorb all that flavor!
- Now, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter. You want it to melt and start bubbling, but not browning too quickly—this is key for that perfect golden crust.
- Once the butter’s ready, place your soaked bread slices in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s beautifully golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. You’re looking for that lovely crispy exterior!
- Finally, when all your slices are cooked, serve them warm! Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even crushed candy canes for that festive flair. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings or festive brunches.
- The rich combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a cozy, indulgent flavor that feels like a warm hug.
- It’s a delightful twist on the classic French toast, bringing a fun holiday vibe to your breakfast table.
- Kids and adults alike will adore the whimsical toppings, like whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
- It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish, so everyone can enjoy it without any fuss!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast turns out perfectly, start with thick slices of bread like brioche or challah—they absorb the mixture beautifully! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a flavored bread to add another layer of taste. Adjust the peppermint extract to your liking; I recommend starting with a teaspoon and adding more if you’re a peppermint enthusiast. And don’t skimp on the butter in the skillet; it helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all crave! Lastly, feel free to get creative with toppings—anything from whipped cream to a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a delightful touch!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast: about 220 calories, 8g of fat, 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always nice to have a sweet treat that’s still a bit balanced, right?
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the bread?
Absolutely! While I love using brioche or challah for their rich texture, you can use any thick bread you have on hand. Sourdough or even a gluten-free bread works nicely too!
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! You can replace it with almond extract for a different flavor or simply omit it. The chocolate flavor will still shine through beautifully!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast (which is rare in my house!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in a skillet or toaster to bring back that crispy goodness!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before dipping your bread the next morning!
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Once cooked and cooled, wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze them. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the toaster or heat in a skillet until warmed through. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast is super simple! Just place any uneaten slices in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, don’t worry; you can easily bring back that delicious crispy texture!
To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium-low heat. Just warm them for a few minutes on each side until they’re heated through and crisped up again. Alternatively, you can pop them in the toaster for a quick and easy option. Either way, they’re going to taste fantastic! Enjoy your cozy breakfast treat all over again!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on the health benefits of peppermint, visit Healthline.
For more information on the nutritional value of cocoa powder, see NCBI.
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast: 5 Cozy Delights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic French toast with peppermint and chocolate flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, cocoa powder, sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
- Cook the bread slices until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- Use thick bread for better texture.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Can be served with crushed candy canes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Peppermint Hot Chocolate French Toast
