If you’re a fan of Peppermint AND coffee, this Peppermint Mocha Affogato will be your go-to dessert this holiday season.

Imagine hot, rich espresso poured over creamy vanilla ice cream, with a hint of peppermint and crushed candy canes sprinkled on top.

It’s basically Christmas in a cup—decadent, festive, and super easy to make!

What is Affogato?

Affogato is an Italian dessert that’s all about simplicity. Typically, a shot of espresso is poured over a scoop of ice cream, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both warm and cool at the same time.

While the traditional version sticks to vanilla ice cream and hot espresso, we’re adding a holiday twist with peppermint syrup and hot chocolate. Trust me, it’s the perfect balance of flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: All you need is a few ingredients, and this dessert comes together in under 10 minutes.
Perfectly festive: The peppermint-chocolate combo is a holiday classic, making this treat ideal for your Christmas gatherings.
Endless customizations: Feel free to swap out the vanilla ice cream for chocolate, or even try it with hazelnut spread for a hazelnut mocha affogato next time.

Ingredients

1 oz Torani Puremade Peppermint Syrup
3 TBS hot chocolate powder + ⅔ cup hot water
2 brewed espresso shots
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

How to Make It

1. Prepare the peppermint mocha:

Start by adding the Torani Peppermint Syrup to a glass. Brew a shot of espresso right into the glass or make your strong coffee if you’re skipping espresso.

2. Make the hot chocolate:

Stir your hot chocolate powder with hot water until smooth. Pour this into the glass with the peppermint espresso.

3. Scoop the ice cream:

In two dessert bowls or coffee cups, place a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Want a richer twist? Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or even a layer of whipped cream before pouring in the coffee.

4. Assemble your affogato:

Pour the peppermint mocha mixture over the ice cream and watch it slowly melt into creamy, chocolatey goodness.

5. Top it off:

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top for a festive finish.

Make It Yours

Go for hazelnut: Not feeling the peppermint? Swap it out for a hazelnut syrup or Hazelnut spread to create a deliciously nutty version. You’ll have your very own hazelnut mocha affogato!
Change the ice cream: Don’t limit yourself to just vanilla! This recipe works great with instant coffee or even chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent twist.
Whipped cream and extras: Want to make this dessert even more decadent? Add a swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before you sprinkle on the candy canes.

Why It Works

The magic of an affogato is in its simplicity. Hot espresso melting into creamy ice cream scoops creates a beautiful blend of flavors and temperatures.

The addition of peppermint gives it that holiday cheer, while the hot chocolate brings extra warmth. It’s rich, refreshing, and perfect for both dessert lovers and coffee aficionados.

Pro Tips for Serving

Scoop ahead of time: If you’re making this for a crowd, pre-scoop and divide ice cream, and place it on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. That way, all you have to do is brew the hot coffee and pour!
Cold brew alternative: Not in the mood for hot espresso? Try using cold brew or strong coffee to create a more refreshing affogato.

Other Festive Recipes to try!

Looking to spread more holiday cheer? Check out these delightful festive recipes from my site that are sure to impress:

Vanilla Bean Christmas Cookie Cake: A two-layer cake with a festive Christmas tree design, enhanced by LorAnn Oils Vanilla Bean Powder. Check it out here!
Red Velvet Cupcakes: Moist and rich cupcakes that are perfect for any celebration. Discover the recipe here!
Toffee Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies: A scrumptious twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, loaded with toffee bits. Find the recipe here!
Cookie Butter Iced Chai Latte: A delightful blend of cookie butter and chai, perfect for a cozy treat. See the recipe here!

Peppermint Mocha Affogato

This Peppermint Mocha Affogato combines the warmth of espresso, the richness of hot chocolate, and a festive touch of peppermint, all poured over creamy vanilla ice cream. It's a simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.

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Author: Kala Boulard

Ingredients

2 oz Torani Puremade Peppermint Syrup
3 tbsp hot chocolate powder
2/3 cup hot water
2 brewed espresso shots
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
crushed candy canes (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the peppermint mocha

Pour 2 oz Torani Peppermint Syrup into your serving glass. Brew 2 shots of espresso directly into the glass or use hot coffee if you prefer a lighter version. Set aside.

Make hot chocolate

In a small bowl, stir together 3 TBS hot chocolate powder and ⅔ cup hot water until fully dissolved and smooth. Combine this with your peppermint espresso mixture.

Scoop ice cream

Grab two dessert bowls or coffee cups and add a large scoop of vanilla ice cream into each.

Assemble the affogato

Slowly pour your peppermint mocha mixture over the scoops of ice cream, letting the hot liquid slightly melt the cold dessert, creating that signature creamy texture.

Garnish

Top the affogato with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an extra festive crunch, and if desired, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an even more indulgent treat.