The crisp winter air has arrived, and with it comes the sweet scent of peppermint and chocolate swirling together in your cozy kitchen. Picture this: a warm mug of Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate resting in your hands, steam dancing upward as you take a moment to soak in the holiday spirit. The rich, velvety texture coats your tongue, while the refreshing, minty essence tickles your senses, instantly lifting your mood. On those chilly nights, there’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket, letting the warmth of this indulgent drink melt all your worries away.

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 recall the excitement of our family holiday gatherings, where the sweet aroma of this wintertime treat would fill the room, drawing everyone together. Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate was the star of the show, effortlessly elevating our evenings spent sharing stories around the fire. Now, I can’t wait to make it for my loved ones because each batch seems to weave new memories with every sip. Enjoying this heartfelt drink makes the season feel extra magical, and I’m thrilled to share this delightful recipe with you. Let’s make some cups of joy together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just ten minutes of prep and it’s hands-off in the crockpot for a cozy treat.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, chocolatey goodness balanced with a refreshing hint of peppermint.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Impress your guests with this delightful blend, topped with whipped cream and mini candy canes.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for Christmas parties, movie nights, or just because you deserve a special treat!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt it to suit dietary needs, making it gluten-free or dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup heavy cream: This adds rich creaminess that makes your hot chocolate luxuriously smooth. For a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half, but the texture may not be as rich.
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This sweetens the drink while contributing to its velvety texture. You can try evaporated milk if you’re in a pinch, but it won’t be as sweet.
6 cups whole milk: Using whole milk gives a thick, satisfying mouthfeel. For a lighter version, 2% milk works, just note it may not be as creamy.
2 cups milk chocolate chips: They melt perfectly, offering a deep chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate chips can be substituted for a more intense taste.
12 mini candy canes (or 4 large): These offer a festive touch as they melt into the hot chocolate, imparting a delightful minty flavor. You can also use peppermint extract if you prefer a more concentrated mint flavor.
Whipped cream & chocolate sauce & extra mini candy canes for garnish: These toppings add visual appeal and an extra layer of indulgence. Don’t skip these—they make every cup feel special.

How to Make Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Combine Ingredients: Start by adding the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate chips, and mini candy canes into your crockpot. Just toss them in; it’s as easy as that! The ingredients will meld together beautifully as they heat up. You’ll be tempted to lick the spoon, and I won’t judge you if you do!

Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 4 hours or high for just 2. Make sure to give it a stir every 20–30 minutes; this helps everything blend smoothly. As it cooks, you’ll notice the delightful aromas wafting through the house, setting the perfect ambiance for a cozy evening.

Check for Doneness: Once the hot chocolate is thick, smooth, and the chocolate chips and candy canes are fully melted, it’s ready to serve. The mixture should be beautifully creamy, with that enticing mint aroma filling the air. Don’t hold back when it comes to tasting—you deserve it!

Garnish and Serve: Ladle your delicious hot chocolate into your favorite festive mugs. To make it even more special, top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a swirl of chocolate sauce, and, of course, a mini candy cane for a picture-perfect presentation. It’s the final touch that everyone loves!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have more than you can finish, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, stirring until it’s evenly warmed. Keep in mind that the texture may change a touch, but you can easily refresh it with a splash more milk.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When incorporating the candy canes, be sure they’re crushed well to enhance the mint flavor throughout the drink.
Stirring frequently is key to a smooth hot chocolate; it prevents any clumping of the chocolate chips or settling at the bottom.
For the creamiest texture, use room temperature ingredients; this allows them to heat uniformly.
If you like your hot chocolate on the sweeter side, add an extra tablespoon or two of sweetened condensed milk.
Consider making a double batch for gatherings; this popular drink tends to disappear quickly!
For a fun twist, swap in some flavored chocolate chips or even add a splash of coffee for a mocha sensation.

The holiday season brings a cozy warmth that we all cherish, and making this Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a delightful way to embrace that. With its rich flavors, festive touch, and the joy of sharing, you’re sure to feel the holiday spirit in each sip. I encourage you to experiment—mix in different toppings or flavors if you’re feeling adventurous! Grab those mugs, gather your friends, and enjoy every blissful drop of this chocolaty goodness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give your Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate a richer, more sophisticated flavor. Just remember that dark chocolate can be less sweet, so adjust the sweetened condensed milk if you’re looking for that classic sweetness.

How can I make this hot chocolate dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Coconut cream can also be a great alternative for an extra creamy texture. Add a little maple syrup for sweetness if needed!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate and keep it warm in the crockpot for your holiday party. Just remember to stir it occasionally, and if it thickens too much, add a touch of extra milk when it’s time to serve.

What can I use instead of candy canes?

If candy canes aren’t your thing, peppermint extract is a fantastic alternative. Just use about ½ teaspoon to start, and taste before adding more. You could also try peppermint-flavored syrups, which can add sweetness and flavor in one go.

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Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up with Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate, a rich blend of creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

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, milk chocolate chips, and mini candy canes in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
Once thick and smooth, serve by ladling into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and mini candy canes.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.