Cozy Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Best Kid-Approved Recipe
This easy crockpot peppermint hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfectly minty. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly, kid-approved treat that fills your home with a cozy holiday aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270 grams)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (about 6–8 candy canes)
- Mini marshmallows (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until no lumps remain.
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Whisk in the cocoa-sugar mixture until smooth.
- Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes if possible, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and steaming.
- While the hot chocolate cooks, place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin into small pieces.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Avoid cooking on HIGH to prevent scorching. The hot chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheats well. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk and coconut cream. For an adult version, add a shot of peppermint schnapps to each mug before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, kid-friendly hot chocolate, holiday drink, easy hot chocolate recipe