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Cozy Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate | Best Easy Holiday Drink

Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate - featured image
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This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the easiest, most delicious way to make a big batch of rich, creamy hot chocolate with real ingredients and a customizable peppermint kick. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights, or a warm welcome for guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (340 g)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Prep the Crockpot: Rinse and dry your slow cooker. Set it to LOW.
  2. Make a cocoa slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder with about 1/2 cup of the whole milk until smooth and no lumps remain.
  3. Combine the liquids: Pour the remaining 5 1/2 cups of whole milk and the heavy cream into the Crockpot. Add the cocoa slurry and whisk gently to combine.
  4. Add the sweeteners and chocolate: Pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, scraping every last bit. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Do not stir yet.
  5. Season the pot: Add the vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and salt. Give everything a gentle stir.
  6. Cook on LOW: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. After about 30 minutes, give it a quick stir to help the chocolate chips melt evenly. Stir once or twice during cooking.
  7. Whisk until smooth: After 2 hours, remove the lid and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and deep brown. Any tiny lumps should dissolve.
  8. Taste and adjust: Taste the hot chocolate. If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, stir, and taste again.
  9. Keep warm for serving: Turn the Crockpot to the WARM setting. The hot chocolate will stay warm for up to 3-4 hours. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk.
  10. Serve and garnish: Ladle into mugs. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and mini marshmallows if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use room-temperature dairy. Do not cook on HIGH to avoid curdling. The hot chocolate thickens as it cools; reheat with a splash of milk. The flavor develops and becomes richer after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, holiday drink, easy hot chocolate, Christmas drink, hot chocolate for a crowd

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-crockpot-peppermint-hot-chocolate-best-easy-holiday-drink/