Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Delicious crockpot peppermint hot chocolate is an indulgent treat to serve at your holiday gathering. Super easy to make, you just throw chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, milk, and vanilla into a slow cooker and you’ll end up with this amazing drink full of wonderful chocolate flavor.

Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients

This crockpot peppermint hot chocolate offers a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.

The key ingredients are chocolate chips and crushed candy cane bits, creating a velvety, mint-infused cocoa base.

A touch of vanilla extract, milk, whipped cream, and mini candy canes complete the experience.

Substitutions And Additions

MILK: We use whole milk for this simple recipe. You can instead use reduced-fat or plant-based milk such as coconut milk or almond milk if you prefer.

You could even make it extra rich and creamy by replacing one or two of the eight cups of milk with heavy cream.

CRUSHED CANDY CANE BITS: You can use store-bought candy cane bits or crush your own peppermint candy canes using a food processor or in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin. 

PEPPERMINT EXTRACT: For an extra-minty hot chocolate, you could add half a teaspoon of peppermint extract if you wish.

EXTRA TOPPINGS: Mini marshmallows, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa are always welcome additions to a cup of good hot chocolate.

ALCOHOL: Make this delicious recipe into a spiked adult version by adding a shot of Bailey’s, Kahlua, rum, or peppermint schnapps to your mug. 

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even a combination of milk and white chocolate chips would all work in this tasty treat.

How To Make This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Let your slow cooker do all the work in making this decadent and delicious hot chocolate.

STEP ONE: Place the chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, vanilla extract, and milk into a slow cooker.

STEP TWO: Heat on high for 45 minutes or low for 90 minutes.

STEP THREE: Whisk well. Use a ladle to decant into mugs.

STEP FOUR: Top with whipped cream and a mini candy cane stir stick.

How To Serve

This creamy hot cocoa would be the ideal way to warm up on Christmas Eve. Set up a hot chocolate bar so that your guests can add their favorite extras to the top of the hot chocolate.

Include mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries. Pair them with our Grinch cookies!

Of course, don’t limit this tasty recipe to Christmas. It’s the perfect way to keep you warm throughout those cold winter days when you need a warm drink.

For another fun way to enjoy rich hot chocolate this winter season, take a look at our frozen hot chocolate recipe or this homemade hot chocolate on a stick. 

Storing This Recipe For Peppermint Hot Chocolate

If you do have extra hot chocolate, here are a few tips for storing it.

IN THE CROCKPOT: You can keep hot chocolate on the warm setting in the crockpot for three to four hours so your guests can help themselves during your holiday party.

Give it a good stir every once in a while to make sure it stays nice and creamy.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you need to store crockpot hot chocolate, place it in a sealed container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing this hot chocolate. It is best made fresh.

Why We Love This Recipe

DECADENT CHOCOLATE: The recipe uses chocolate chips, creating a luxurious and intensely chocolatey flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.

REFRESHING PEPPERMINT: With crushed candy cane bits, it introduces a delightful burst of peppermint freshness, adding a unique and invigorating dimension to traditional hot chocolate.

CREAMY AND COMFORTING: Thanks to lots of milk, this hot chocolate is incredibly creamy and smooth, providing ultimate comfort and warmth on a chilly day.

Warm, sweet, and minty, your party guests are sure to love this homemade crockpot peppermint hot chocolate. While making hot chocolate for a number of people can be time-consuming, making it in a slow cooker takes no effort at all. Plus, it’ll make your home smell great and get you into the holiday spirit!

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