Santa’s Snuggler

If Santa made himself a nightcap, I’m guessing it would taste something like this. Santa’s Snuggler is creamy homemade hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and plenty of crushed peppermint candies. Guaranteed to bring lots of good cheer!

Spreading Good Cheer

If there was ever a year that we could all use a little more cheer, I’d say it’s this one. Don’t you agree? So, to lift spirits and also share some fun ideas and recipes with you, my best blogger friends and I are teaming up today. We are calling ourselves the #GoodCheerSquad, and all sharing recipes and DIYS to help you enjoy the season. I’m linking to everyone’s posts at the end of this recipe so make sure to keep reading!

Santa’s Snuggler Cocktail

Santa’s Snuggler is everything that’s good and delicious about creamy homemade hot chocolate made into an adult drink with a spike of Peppermint Schnapps. Perfect for sipping while you wrap presents or sitting tree side.

The twins have been on a major hot chocolate kick this year and it’s even given me the craving. From Hot Chocolate Linzer Cookies to Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, we love that classic flavor in the wintertime.

What is a Snuggler?

A Snuggler is hot chocolate spiked with Peppermint Schnapps. There are many variations of this cocktail but all are simple and delicious! The Rumplesnuggler is made with hot chocolate, Baileys and Rumple Minze which is a brand of peppermint schnapps liqueur. The classic Snuggler is hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. Both are delicious served with whipped cream on top. 

Ingredients in a Snuggler

• Cocoa Powder – I use Ghirardelli Dutch Process Cocoa Powder because I find it has the best flavor.
• Sugar – granulated white sugar works best!
• Milk – whole milk is what I like to use. 
• Half & Half – to make my hot chocolate extra creamy I add just 1/2 cup of half & half.
• Water – this helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa.
• Vanilla – I love adding a splash of vanilla extract to hot chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Salt – just a pinch to enhance the chocolatey flavor.
• Peppermint Schnapps – this is what makes it a “snuggler” and not just regular old hot chocolate.

How to Make a Snuggler

Make Hot Chocolate:

1. In a small pot combine cocoa powder, salt and sugar. Add boiling water and whisk to combine.
2. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add in milk and half & half and bring to a simmer. Heat until nice and warm.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Transfer to mugs.

To Make a Snuggler:

1. Add in 2 oz of Peppermint Schnapps. 
2. Top with homemade whipped cream & crushed candy canes. 
3. Enjoy warm!

Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe

There is really no comparison between store bought whipped cream and homemade. If you have the time to whip up a batch of homemade whipped cream for your Snuggler, you will truly not regret it. Here’s how easy it is to make:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer add 1 cup heavy whipping cream. (or more if you want to make more…it really depends on how much whipped cream you want!)
2. Start whipping cream on high until it begins to stiffen.
3. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar and a small splash of vanilla extract.
4. Continue whipping on high until the cream comes together and you achieve soft peeks.
5. Dollop on top of your Snuggler and pile it high! It’s Christmas after all.

Possible Variations:

• Hot Chocolate Mix – if you don’t have time to make home
• Alcohol – substitute the Peppermint Schnapps for Peppermint Vodka!
• Extract – if you want to add even MORE peppermint flavor (you wild elf,) you can substitute the vanilla extract for peppermint extract. If you do substitute peppermint extract, cut the amount to 1/4 teaspoon.
• Marshmallows – of course you can always pile your snuggler high with marshmallows.
• Dairy – need a non-dairy option? You can use your favorite non-dairy milk: coconut, almond, hemp, whatever you like best! For the half & half you may want to substitute your favorite non-dairy creamer.

More Recipes & Ideas to Bring Good Cheer: 

Inspired By Charm – Orange-Almond Mushroom Sugar Cookies

The Proper Blog – Modern Woodland Holiday Tablescape

Pizzazzerie – Pomegranate Christmas Punch

The Sweetest Occasion – Christmas Cheesecake

If you are making or doing something this season to spread good cheer, feel free to join us and tag our group on Instagram #GoodCheerSquad! We’d love to see it. 

More Holiday Recipes to Make:

• Peppermint Sugar Cookies
• Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Linzer Cookies
• Salted Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Frosted Cutout Sugar Cookies
• Moscow Reindeer Cocktails
• Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls
• Christmas Cheese Board

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to come back and leave a comment and review in the box below! It’s so helpful to my readers and to me. Thank you for being here and for trying my recipes. Cheers, Leah

Continue to Content

Santa's Snuggler

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Santa's Snuggler is creamy homemade hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and plenty of crushed peppermint candies.

Print

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup Dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, just a pinch
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half & half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• homemade whipped cream
• crushed candy canes, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small pot or sauce pan combine cocoa powder, salt and sugar. Whisk in boiling water.
2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high and add in the milk and half & half.
3. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract.
4. Ladle hot chocolate into serving mugs and add 2 oz Peppermint Schnapps to each mug. Stir to combine.
5. Top with homemade whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
6. Drink immediately while warm.

Notes

Homemade Whipped Cream:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer add 1 cup heavy whipping cream. (or more if you want to make more...it really depends on how much whipped cream you want!)
2. Start whipping cream on high until it begins to stiffen.
3. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar and a small splash of vanilla extract.
4. Continue whipping on high until the cream comes together and you achieve soft peeks.
5. Dollop on top of your Snuggler and pile it high! It's Christmas after all.

Possible Variations:

• Hot Chocolate Mix - if you don't have time to make home
• Alcohol - substitute the Peppermint Schnapps for Peppermint Vodka!
• Extract - if you want to add even MORE peppermint flavor (you wild elf,) you can substitute the vanilla extract for peppermint extract. If you do substitute peppermint extract, cut the amount to 1/4 teaspoon.
• Marshmallows - of course you can always pile your snuggler high with marshmallows.
• Dairy - need a non-dairy option? You can use your favorite non-dairy milk: coconut, almond, hemp, whatever you like best! For the half & half you may want to substitute your favorite non-dairy creamer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 169mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 1gSugar: 50gProtein: 8g