Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the ultimate winter treat, combining creamy, rich hot chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint.

This easy, hands-free recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, keeping your hot chocolate warm and ready to serve straight from the slow cooker. Topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, it’s a holiday favorite you’ll want to enjoy all season long.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Milk and Cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy base.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds a refreshing minty touch; a little goes a long way.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens and thickens the hot chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Pour the milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Add the Chocolate: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the liquid mixture.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
4. Add Flavorings: Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Serve: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies if desired.
6. Keep Warm: Switch the crockpot to the “warm” setting to keep the hot chocolate ready for refills.

Recipe Tips

• Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your hot chocolate will taste.
• Be careful with peppermint extract: Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Too much can overpower the flavor.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or oat milk with dairy-free chocolate chips for a lactose-free version.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair your peppermint hot chocolate with cookies, brownies, or a slice of cake for a cozy dessert combo. It’s also delightful with marshmallows or a peppermint stick for stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the hot chocolate in advance, refrigerate, and reheat in the crockpot on low.
Can I use white chocolate? Absolutely! Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet variation.
How do I make it less sweet? Use unsweetened almond milk or adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate during holiday parties, movie nights, or as a warming treat after a day in the snow. Garnish with festive toppings like colored sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or mini marshmallows to elevate the presentation.

Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

s the ultimate winter treat, combining creamy, rich hot chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. This easy, hands-free recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, keeping your hot chocolate warm and ready to serve straight from the slow cooker. Topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, it's a holiday favorite you'll want to enjoy all season long.

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Equipment

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ingredients Overview
• Milk and Cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy base.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds a refreshing minty touch; a little goes a long way.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens and thickens the hot chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream optional, for topping
• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Crockpot: Pour the milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
• Add the Chocolate: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the liquid mixture.
• Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
• Add Flavorings: Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
• Serve: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies if desired.
• Keep Warm: Switch the crockpot to the "warm" setting to keep the hot chocolate ready for refills.
• Recipe Tips
• Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your hot chocolate will taste.
• Be careful with peppermint extract: Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Too much can overpower the flavor.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or oat milk with dairy-free chocolate chips for a lactose-free version.
• What to Serve With This Recipe
• Pair your peppermint hot chocolate with cookies, brownies, or a slice of cake for a cozy dessert combo. It's also delightful with marshmallows or a peppermint stick for stirring.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the hot chocolate in advance, refrigerate, and reheat in the crockpot on low.
• Can I use white chocolate? Absolutely! Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet variation.
• How do I make it less sweet? Use unsweetened almond milk or adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your preference.
• Serving Suggestions
• Serve Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate during holiday parties, movie nights, or as a warming treat after a day in the snow. Garnish with festive toppings like colored sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or mini marshmallows to elevate the presentation.