Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Mousse

Last updated on July 23rd, 2025

You’ll love this holiday dessert that mixes your favorite dark chocolate with cool peppermint in an easy-to-make mousse. Since it needs time to chill in your fridge, you can make it ahead – perfect when you’re busy planning your holiday meals. Once it’s ready, you’ll have a wonderful chocolate mousse with just the right hint of mint that your family and friends will adore. 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

For garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Crushed candy canes
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Recipe Steps

1. Prepare the Chocolate Base
   • Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water
   • Add chopped chocolate to the bowl
   • Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth
   • Remove from heat and let cool until just warm to touch (but still fluid)
2. Prepare the Cream
   • In a large bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form
   • Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until medium peaks develop
   • Carefully add peppermint extract, starting with 1/4 teaspoon
3. Combine and Chill
   • Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate to lighten
   • Gradually fold in remaining whipped cream until just combined
   • Avoid overmixing to maintain airiness
   • Divide mixture into serving glasses
   • Cover with plastic wrap
   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours

Top Tips for Success

From my experience making this dessert countless times, here are some helpful tips:

• The temperature of your ingredients matters a lot. I make sure my cream is very cold and my chocolate is just warm enough to be fluid
• When it comes to the peppermint extract, less is more. I always start with a small amount and taste as I go
• If your chocolate starts to seize (get grainy), don’t panic! Add a tablespoon of warm cream and stir – it usually smooths right out
• I like to chill my serving glasses beforehand – it keeps the mousse cold longer when served

How to Serve

Present this festive dessert in clear glasses to showcase its silky texture. Top each serving with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes just before serving. For extra elegance, add dark chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

The mousse pairs beautifully with:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Peppermint tea
• A glass of cold milk
• Sweet dessert wine

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For the best presentation, add toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and appearance. While the mousse can technically last longer, the texture is optimal within the first 24 hours.

A Chocolate-Mint Dream

You’ll impress your guests with this delightful peppermint chocolate mousse at your holiday table. It’s easy to prepare in advance, which gives you more time to focus on other holiday preparations. When I serve this smooth chocolate dessert with its fresh mint taste, I always see happy faces around the table, and I often get asked to share the recipe. I’m confident it will become one of your special occasion favorites too.

Print