If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat to warm up chilly days, look no further than this Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe. It’s a luscious and creamy delight that blends rich milk chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting cup at home, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate and mint cravings with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential in creating the perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and peppermint freshness. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing depth and that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this hot chocolate truly special.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Adds creamy richness that makes the drink silky smooth and indulgent.
- 5½ cups skim milk: Keeps things light while providing the classic milky base for the chocolate.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens naturally and contributes a velvety sweetness that chocolate adores.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Delivers the refreshing peppermint flavor that elevates this hot chocolate to festive perfection.
- 2 cups good quality milk chocolate chips: Melts beautifully to give you that rich, chocolatey foundation every hot cocoa deserves.
- Marshmallows: For a soft, cloud-like topping that’s fun to eat and melts slightly into the hot chocolate.
- Mini candy canes: Add a delightful crunch and visual festivity, plus an extra peppermint punch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Simply pour the heavy cream, skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and milk chocolate chips into your slow cooker. It’s as easy as that! No mess, no complicated steps—just throw everything together and get ready for magic.
Step 2: Let It Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker to low and allow the mixture to cook gently for 2 hours. During this time, stir it occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt evenly and blend seamlessly with the milks. The slow cooking method ensures every sip will be luxuriously warm and perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Once the chocolate is fully melted and the drink is piping hot, it’s ready! Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs and get creative with your toppings to make it even more delightful and fun.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows is a classic must—they melt slightly to create little pockets of sweetness. Adding mini candy canes isn’t just for decoration; they also offer a peppermint crunch that complements the drink’s flavor beautifully and keeps the presentation festive.
Side Dishes
This hot chocolate pairs perfectly with a variety of treats. Think warm chocolate chip cookies, buttery shortbread, or even a slice of moist gingerbread. These sides add texture contrasts and make your hot chocolate experience feel like a special celebration in a cup.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the mug! Serve in clear glass mugs so the beautiful swirls of creamy chocolate and marshmallows are visible. You can also rim your mugs with crushed candy canes or drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring the cocoa for that professional café vibe at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which might be rare given how delicious this is, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat when you want another cozy cup.
Freezing
While freezing hot chocolate isn’t usually recommended due to texture changes when thawed, you can freeze the base mixture (without marshmallows or candy canes) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in your slow cooker.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the hot chocolate slowly over low heat on the stove or in your slow cooker on a warm setting. Stir frequently to maintain that silky texture, and top with fresh marshmallows and candy canes to make it feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate chips will give the hot chocolate a richer and slightly more intense chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind it may be a bit less sweet, so you might want to adjust the sweetness with a bit more sweetened condensed milk or sugar if desired.
Is peppermint extract necessary, or can I substitute something else?
Peppermint extract is key to achieving that classic minty freshness in this recipe. If you don’t have it, you could experiment with candy cane or mint-flavored syrups, though the pure extract gives the best authentic flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, with a few swaps! Substitute the dairy milks and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For sweetened condensed milk, try canned coconut milk mixed with maple syrup as a stand-in. The slow cooker method still works wonders here!
How spicy or strong is the peppermint flavor?
The peppermint extract amount in this recipe offers a bright but balanced mint flavor that isn’t overpowering. However, if you prefer a stronger peppermint kick, feel free to add a bit more, tasting as you go to suit your palate.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
This slow cooker recipe is very flexible. You can easily halve it to make fewer servings or double it to serve a crowd, just be sure your slow cooker has enough capacity and adjust cooking time slightly as needed to ensure everything melts and heats evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about gathering around a warm slow cooker filled with homemade peppermint hot chocolate that comforts the soul. This Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe is not just easy to make, it’s packed with flavor and festive cheer you’ll want to share again and again. So grab your slow cooker, invite your favorite people, and cozy up with a cup of this creamy, minty bliss—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 drinks
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy holiday treat perfectly infused with peppermint flavor. Made with a combination of heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and quality milk chocolate chips, this warm beverage is slow-cooked to perfection, making it a cozy and festive drink for gatherings or quiet winter nights. Topped with marshmallows and mini candy canes, it’s a delightful seasonal favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 2 cups heavy cream (454 grams)
- 5½ cups skim milk (1,249 grams)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (396 grams, 1 can)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (4 grams)
- 2 cups good quality milk chocolate chips (340 grams)
Garnishes
- Marshmallows (quantity as desired)
- Mini candy canes (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and milk chocolate chips into a slow cooker or crockpot. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly before heating.
- Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the chocolate fully melts and incorporates smoothly into the milk mixture. The hot chocolate is ready when it is hot to the taste and completely blended.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs or cups. Top each serving with marshmallows and mini candy canes for a festive touch. Enjoy immediately alongside your favorite cookies.
Notes
- Use good quality milk chocolate chips for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- This recipe serves approximately 10 standard drink-sized portions.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
- Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
