As you enter your cozy kitchen, the sweet, creamy aroma of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint fills the air, wrapping you in warmth and festive cheer. Each time the crockpot bubbles, you can almost hear the playful whispers of holiday gatherings just waiting to happen. The soft texture of this Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate tantalizes your taste buds, promising a velvety sip that perfectly balances sweetness with a refreshing hint of mint.

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 fondly remember the chilly winters spent with loved ones, huddled under blankets, sharing stories and laughter, with steaming mugs of hot chocolate in our hands. This drink warms both your body and your heart, making it an essential recipe for those magical cold evenings. Whether for a holiday party, a family movie night, or just because it’s cold outside, this delightful drink is perfect for any occasion. Get your crockpot ready and let’s make some holiday magic with this Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only ten minutes of prep time and just a couple of hours on low heat, you’ll have a fantastic drink ready to impress.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy chocolate and cool peppermint creates a decadent flavor that’s perfect for winter.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright red and white candy cane garnish adds a festive touch that’s sure to be the star of any hot drink station.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a delightful afternoon snack, at holiday parties, or even as a treat for breakfast on a cold winter morning.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for dietary needs; just swap the dairy with your favorite alternatives!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Heavy Cream: This adds a luscious richness that makes the hot chocolate creamy and indulgent. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half and half.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient sweetens the drink while contributing to its velvety texture. If you prefer, try using coconut milk sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
Whole Milk: This is essential for a creamy base. You can substitute it with almond milk or oat milk if you need a non-dairy version.
Milk Chocolate Chips: They melt beautifully, adding deep chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate chips can give a richer taste if that’s more your style.
Mini Candy Canes: These provide that quintessential peppermint flavor! If you can’t find mini ones, regular ones chopped into pieces work just as well.
Whipped Cream, Chocolate Sauce & Extra Mini Candy Canes for Garnishing: These are the finishing touches that not only enhance flavor but also make the presentation festive and enjoyable.

How to Make Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Add Ingredients: Begin by pouring the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and the delightful milk chocolate chips into your crockpot. Toss in the mini candy canes, letting their festive essence infuse the mixture. Choose a crockpot that also retains heat well, as this will help the chocolate melt perfectly.

Set Temperature: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about four hours, or on high for two hours. Adjusting the time based on the temperature setting is crucial for achieving a smooth blend. Every 20–30 minutes, be sure to gently stir the mixture. This not only helps blend the flavors together but ensures that nothing sticks to the bottom.

Check Consistency: Keep an eye on it as the chocolate and candy canes melt. When everything looks beautifully smooth and creamy, you know it’s ready. The inviting smell should be tempting enough to distract you from waiting!

Serve the Hot Chocolate: Once done, ladle the luscious hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. The colors should swirl invitingly, tempting everyone around. Feel free to garnish each mug with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy cane for that festive finish!

Storing & Reheating

You can keep any leftovers in the crockpot or transfer them to an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a day. For longer storage, refrigerate in a well-sealed container for up to three days. If you want to freeze your Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate, pour it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for about three months. To serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring gently to maintain that creamy texture. You might find the flavors mellow when reheated, so consider a sprinkle of fresh mini candy canes to refresh the festive flair!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to scorch the chocolate by stirring consistently while it melts; this keeps the texture smooth.
If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, crush and add a few more candy canes directly to the crockpot.
For a more adult version, try adding a splash of peppermint schnapps for an extra holiday kick!
Always taste before serving. Depending on your preference, this might call for a little extra sweetness.
Remember, you can double the recipe for a larger crowd easily by adjusting the cooking time to make sure everything blends well.

The joy of sipping Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate with loved ones—full of laughter and warmth—is simply unmatched. Crafted with care, this cozy drink not only brings us together but envelops us in the heart of the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to play around with the flavors and find what makes your heart sing. Warm your mugs and invite your taste buds on a delightful journey—let the festive spirit shine through!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While milk chocolate offers a gentle sweetness, you can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even white chocolate for a unique twist. Just keep an eye on the sweetness levels and adjust if needed—dark chocolate may need a touch more sweetened condensed milk.

Can I make this hot chocolate in a regular pot instead of a crockpot?

Yes! If you don’t have a crockpot, simply use a large pot over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and allow the ingredients to melt and blend together in about 20-30 minutes. It’ll be just as delicious!

How can I make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream and use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of whole milk. There are also great dairy-free chocolate chips available to ensure that everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.

What other garnishes can I use?

Besides whipped cream and candy canes, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, or even a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Explore and let your creativity guide your presentation!

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Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-4 hours
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate boasts a smooth blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making it a perfect cozy drink for any cold occasion.

Instructions

Pour whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips into the crockpot.
Add mini candy canes and set the crockpot to low for four hours or high for two hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
Once smooth and creamy, ladle into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and mini candy canes.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
For longer, freeze in safe containers for up to three months.
Stir gently while reheating to maintain creaminess.