Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the perfect cozy treat for chilly days and festive gatherings. Rich, creamy, and infused with a refreshing peppermint twist, it’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini candy canes (or 4 large)
- Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and extra mini candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and mini candy canes to your crockpot.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes as everything melts and combines.
- Step 3: Once the chocolate and candy canes have fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy, ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
- Step 4: Top each serving with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy cane for a festive and charming finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a less sweet, richer flavor.
- For an extra peppermint kick, add a few drops of peppermint extract in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and a plant-based condensed milk alternative.
Storage
Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess. Add extra milk if the mixture thickens too much when chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this hot chocolate without a crockpot?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly until the chocolate and candy canes melt and the mixture is smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Can I use other types of candy besides candy canes?
While candy canes are ideal for the peppermint flavor, you can experiment with peppermint bark or peppermint candies. Avoid using hard candies that don’t dissolve well to avoid texture issues.
PrintCrockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe creates a rich, creamy, and festive holiday drink infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint candy canes. Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines milk chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk with melted candy canes for a smooth and indulgent treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) / 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) / 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini candy canes (or 4 large candy canes)
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Extra mini candy canes
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Combine the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate chips, and mini candy canes into the crockpot, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed for even melting.
- Cook and Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for approximately 4 hours or on high heat for about 2 hours. Stir the mixture every 20 to 30 minutes to help the chocolate chips and candy canes melt smoothly and prevent any scorching on the bottom.
- Check Consistency and Serve: Once the chocolate chips and candy canes have fully melted, and the hot chocolate is creamy and smooth, ladle the mixture into mugs to prepare for serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top each mug of hot chocolate with a generous amount of whipped cream, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top, and add an extra mini candy cane for a festive and decorative touch. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy, minty flavor.
Notes
- Stirring frequently during cooking prevents burning and ensures a smooth texture.
- Use mini candy canes for more even peppermint flavor distribution.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sweetened condensed milk or chocolate chips.
- Keep hot chocolate warm in the crockpot on the ‘warm’ setting if serving over time.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract instead of or in addition to candy canes.
Keywords: peppermint hot chocolate, crockpot hot chocolate, holiday drink, slow cooker hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate
