As the winter chill sets in and festive lights twinkle in every window, there’s something magical about the aroma of cocoa wafting through the air. Imagine curling up with a steaming cup of creamy hot chocolate, with hints of refreshing peppermint dancing on your taste buds. This is the heartwarming essence of Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The velvety texture and rich flavors intertwine to create the ultimate cozy drink, perfect for chilly nights spent with loved ones or during holiday gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

I still remember the first time I made this delightful treat; it was a snowy December afternoon. My family gathered around the crackling fireplace, laughter and chatter filling the room. As the hum of the crockpot filled the air, I felt an undeniable warmth in my heart. This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate not only filled our bellies but also created precious moments. So this season, treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, creamy hot chocolate that will warm your spirits and inspire joyful memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep! Cook on low or high for a no-fuss beverage.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy chocolate melds beautifully with minty freshness for a drink that’s pure bliss.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those cute candy cane garnishes make it a showstopper for any holiday gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, or a relaxing evening by the fire.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free with simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup heavy cream: This adds a luscious richness to the drink. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version.
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, try coconut milk, though it will alter the flavor.
6 cups whole milk: The base of our hot chocolate! You can use skim or almond milk, but the creaminess will be affected.
2 cups milk chocolate chips: These melt beautifully, creating a rich cocoa experience. Dark chocolate works if you prefer a bittersweet taste.
12 mini candy canes: A delightful peppermint infusion is essential. If you can’t find candy canes, peppermint extract is a great substitute—just use sparingly.
Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, & extra mini candy canes for garnish: These add a festive flair and make the drink irresistible.

How to Make Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Add Ingredients: Begin by gathering your crockpot and adding in the 6 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 cups of milk chocolate chips. Don’t forget to toss in the crushed mini candy canes to infuse that peppermint kick! As the ingredients mingle together, the anticipation builds for that final creamy concoction.

Cover and Cook: Set your crockpot to low and cover it up. Let it cook for about four hours or on high for two hours. Make sure to stir it every 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures all those delicious flavors meld together perfectly and prevents any scorching on the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when the chocolate chips have fully melted and the hot chocolate is luxuriously smooth.

Serve and Garnish: Once everything is melted and blended, it’s time for the fun part! Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite festive mugs. It’s great at this point, but don’t stop there—top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy cane. The garnish adds that cute holiday touch while enhancing the flavor with a bit of crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Once you’ve whipped up this delightful Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate, you can store any leftovers at room temperature for a few hours. If you have more than that, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze your hot chocolate for up to three months, but be mindful that the texture may vary slightly upon reheating. To enjoy again, simply warm it in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently, until warmed through.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Keep an eye on cooking times; if you live in a high-altitude area, first check for the right cook temperature for optimal melting.
Avoid lumpy hot chocolate by whisking in the chocolate chips and candy canes gently until fully melted.
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
If you want to spice it up, try adding a dash of cinnamon for a warm, comforting flurry of taste.
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead; prepare it earlier in the day and keep it warm for guests throughout your holiday party!

As you gather around for cozy moments this season, may this Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate become a cherished tradition. Let the rich flavors and warm hugs of mint bring comfort and joy to your home. Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with friends, enjoy diving into this festive, delightful drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this hot chocolate dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk as substitutes for the whole milk and heavy cream. For a rich texture, opt for the creamier non-dairy alternatives like full-fat coconut milk.

How do I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate, start by reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk. Taste it as you go while it cooks, and feel free to add a little more milk or cocoa powder to balance the flavors.

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Definitely! White chocolate will give a sweet, creamy flavor that pairs wonderfully with peppermint. You may want to use a bit less sweetened condensed milk to avoid it becoming overly sweet.

How can I make it more minty?

If you want an extra hit of mint, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract towards the end of the cooking process. Always taste as you go, as a little goes a long way!

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Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy a creamy and rich Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate that combines smooth cocoa with refreshing mint. Perfect for cozy nights and holiday parties!

Instructions

Add all ingredients to the crockpot: whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
Once melted and blended, serve in mugs and garnish with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and mini candy canes.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat on low heat in the microwave or on the stove, stirring gently.