There’s something utterly delightful about a mug filled with Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate on a chilly winter evening. The rich chocolate aroma swirls through the air, blended beautifully with the comforting scent of peppermint, making every moment feel like a cozy embrace. Picture this: it’s snowing outside, and you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket, the warm glow of your home creating a perfect atmosphere. You take a sip and feel the smooth, creamy texture melt in your mouth, with just the right hint of minty goodness. It’s a drink that captures all the whimsy of the holiday season, and your taste buds can’t help but dance in delight.

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

This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe isn’t just a drink; it’s a delicious, nostalgic experience that brings back memories of evenings spent by the fireplace or gatherings with family and friends around the table. Imagine serving this sweet, decadent treat at your next holiday party or movie night. With minimal prep and a hands-free cooking method, you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time in the kitchen. Are you excited to make this magical drink? Let’s dive into the recipe that’s bound to become a seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just 10 minutes to prep, then let the crockpot do the work for about 2 hours!
Irresistible Flavor: You’ll savor the creamy texture and delightful mix of chocolate and peppermint.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Each cup looks festive, perfect for impressing guests or just your family.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for Christmas parties, cozy nights in, or even a delightful breakfast treat!
Diet-Friendly Options: Adjust ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free versions if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup heavy cream: This adds a luxurious richness to the hot chocolate, making it ultra-creamy. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This sweetens your hot chocolate and provides a thick, creamy base. If you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, check out sugar-free condensed milk options.
6 cups whole milk: A must for that velvety texture. You can use any milk of your choice—almond milk works well too.
2 cups milk chocolate chips: These create rich chocolate flavor. If you prefer dark chocolate, swap for dark chocolate chips or even a chocolate bar, chopped.
12 mini candy canes (or 4 large): Infuse the drink with peppermint flavor! Crush them before adding to make the infusion easier.
Whipped cream & chocolate sauce & extra mini candy canes for garnish: These are optional but make your drink look festive and inviting, adding an irresistible finish.

How to Make Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips. Add the mini candy canes, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Stir gently to mix the ingredients, allowing them to start melding together into a luscious blend. What you’re creating is the base for a heavenly, chocolatey experience.

Set and Let Heat: Cover your crockpot and choose the cooking setting. For a thoughtful, slow melt, cook on low for about 4 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, set it to high for about 2 hours. Remember to give it a gentle stir every 20 to 30 minutes. This stirring helps achieve that smooth, silky texture everyone craves, ensuring everything blends perfectly.

Check for Smoothness: After the cooking time, check the mixture. It should be thick, velvety, and fully melted with no visible chocolate chips or chunks. If it’s still looking chunky, give it a couple more minutes and stir again. This final stirring will reveal the creamy goodness you’ve been creating.

Serve with Joy: Ladle the finished **Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate** into your favorite mugs. Top generously with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Don’t forget to add a mini candy cane or two as a garnish for that cute holiday touch. Each sip will remind you of festive joy!

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate at room temperature for about 2 hours. After that, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warm and comforting, restoring its creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid letting the mixture boil as it may affect the texture, making it grainy.
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure everything blends easily and melts uniformly.
If your hot chocolate thickens too much, add a little extra milk while reheating to loosen it up.
Experiment with flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Make it ahead of your gathering for stress-free entertaining; it holds well in the crockpot for serving!

As you sip on this Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate, you’ll find warmth and joy bursting through each cup. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment alone. Don’t be afraid to play around with toppings or add in your favorite flavors; after all, this recipe is all about personal touches.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Swapping in dark chocolate adds a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint. Just remember, if you choose dark chocolate, adjust the sweetness to your preference since dark chocolate can be less sweet than milk chocolate.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the crockpot’s insert in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently the next day before serving, stirring well to mix everything back together.

How can I make this dairy-free?

You can easily make a dairy-free version by swapping the whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Also consider using dairy-free chocolate chips, which are readily available in stores.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions. Just remember to stir well after thawing to bring back that creamy texture!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate for Christmas

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Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 - 4 hours
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the delightful flavors of Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate, a simple and rich drink infused with chocolate and peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Extra mini candy canes for garnish

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Instructions

Combine whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and mini candy canes in a crockpot; stir gently.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
Check for smoothness; stir until thick and velvety.
Serve into mugs with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and garnished with mini candy canes.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and whole milk with almond milk.
Adjust sweetness by using dark chocolate if preferred.