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Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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This slow cooker peppermint hot chocolate is a rich, creamy, and festive drink perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Real chocolate and peppermint create a decadent treat that’s easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (for topping, optional)
  • Extra crushed peppermint candies (for topping, optional)
  • Chocolate shavings (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker insert lightly with nonstick spray for easier cleanup (optional).
  2. Pour in whole milk and heavy cream. Whisk to blend together.
  3. Add semi-sweet chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Stir well to break up any lumps.
  4. Stir in granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
  5. Set the slow cooker to LOW. Cover and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30–40 minutes. (Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring often.)
  6. After 1 hour, stir to check if the chocolate is fully melted. Whisk to break up any remaining chips. The mixture should look smooth and glossy.
  7. In the final 15 minutes, stir in peppermint extract and, if desired, crushed peppermint candies.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness or mintiness as needed. Add more milk if too strong, or more extract (1/4 teaspoon at a time) if not minty enough.
  9. Switch the slow cooker to WARM. Ladle hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, extra crushed candies, or chocolate shavings.
  10. For easy cleanup, fill the slow cooker with hot soapy water and let it soak while you enjoy your drink.

Notes

For dairy-free, use almond milk and canned coconut milk with dairy-free chocolate chips. Add peppermint extract at the end for the freshest flavor. Stir every 30–40 minutes to prevent scorching. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for extra-smooth hot chocolate. Adjust peppermint extract to taste—too much can be overpowering. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, crockpot hot chocolate, holiday drink, Christmas beverage, party drink, festive hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate, winter drink, chocolate peppermint

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate-recipe-easy-festive-drink-for-parties/