Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect cozy holiday drink, combining rich milk chocolate, creamy heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk with the refreshing flavor of peppermint candy canes. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, it delivers a smooth, creamy, and festive hot chocolate ideal for gatherings or relaxing winter evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 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 candy canes)
Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Extra mini candy canes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate chips, and mini candy canes into your crockpot, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook and Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Stir the mixture every 20 to 30 minutes to help achieve a smooth, melted consistency.
- Melted and Smooth: Once the chocolate chips and candy canes have fully melted, and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy, it is ready to serve.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy cane for delightful presentation and extra peppermint flavor.
Notes
- Stirring regularly is key to preventing the chocolate from sticking to the crockpot and burning.
- You can adjust the amount of candy canes based on how strong you want the peppermint flavor.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but you may substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk respectively, and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Once cooked, keep the hot chocolate warm in the crockpot on the 'warm' setting until ready to serve.