This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a cozy drink that warms you from the inside out. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with a delightful burst of peppermint flavor!
Perfect for chilly days, I love serving it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top. Trust me, you’ll want this on repeat all winter long! ☕️🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This gives a creamy base to our hot chocolate. If you want a lighter option, try using 2% milk or almond milk for a dairy-free choice. I personally love how whole milk makes it rich!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add deep flavor. Dark chocolate chips offer a richer taste, while milk chocolate will sweeten it up more. Choose what matches your preference!
Heavy Cream: This helps create a velvety texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a non-dairy twist.
Peppermint Extract: This gives that distinct peppermint flavor. If you don’t have it, try crushed peppermint candies or even a splash of peppermint schnapps if you’re making it for adults!
How Do You Make Sure Your Hot Chocolate is Always Creamy?
To maintain that smooth and rich texture, warming the mixture slowly in the crockpot is key. Here are some tips to achieve that dreamy hot chocolate:
- Mix the ingredients in the crockpot thoroughly at the start.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- If it starts to thicken too much, simply add a bit more milk to adjust the consistency.
With these steps, you’ll have hot chocolate that’s perfectly creamy every time! Enjoy the cozy taste and aroma!
Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 2 to 3 hours to cook in the crockpot. Perfect for setting up ahead of the time and enjoying with family or friends when they arrive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In your crockpot, start with combining the whole milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Use a whisk or a spoon to stir everything together until well blended. It should look creamy and chocolaty!
2. Cook on Low:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally to help everything melt evenly and get super creamy. You might start to smell that delicious hot chocolate aroma wafting through your kitchen!
3. Add Flavor:
Once the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot, carefully stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. This is where the magic happens! The peppermint will give it that lovely festive flavor.
4. Serve Up the Hot Chocolate:
Using a ladle, carefully pour the hot chocolate into mugs. You can use a strainer if you’d like it extra smooth! Don’t forget to leave some space at the top for delicious toppings.
5. Top It Off:
Now for the fun part! Top your hot chocolate with a generous amount of whipped cream and sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top. It’s not only delicious but also looks festive!
6. Enjoy Immediately:
Share with friends and family as you savor this creamy, minty hot chocolate. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy this perfect treat on a cold day!
Can I Use Alternative Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly depending on the alternative milk you choose!
How Long Can I Keep Leftover Hot Chocolate?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then heat it in the crockpot when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before heating to combine everything again!
What Can I Use Instead of Peppermint Extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candies or candy canes can work as a substitute. You can also try using a different flavored extract like vanilla or almond for a unique twist, just be careful not to overpower the chocolate flavor!
