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Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whipped Cream

crockpot hot chocolate with peppermint whipped cream - featured image

A rich and creamy slow cooker hot chocolate topped with homemade peppermint whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers deep chocolate flavor with a cool mint finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (340 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (45 grams)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (15 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (about 4–5 candy canes)

Instructions

  1. Prep your slow cooker (5 minutes): Lightly spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or wipe with butter for easy cleanup.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients (3 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to prevent lumps.
  3. Add the liquids (2 minutes): Pour whole milk and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Add the dry ingredient mixture and whisk until smooth. Drop in the cinnamon stick if using.
  4. Add the chocolate chips (1 minute): Pour chocolate chips into the milk mixture and stir briefly.
  5. Cook on low (2 hours): Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. After about 45 minutes, stir to help chocolate chips melt evenly.
  6. Add vanilla and whisk (2 minutes): After 2 hours, remove lid and stir in vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until smooth and combined.
  7. Make the peppermint whipped cream (5 minutes): In a chilled mixing bowl, beat cold heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, then beat until stiff peaks form.
  8. Crush the candy canes (3 minutes): Place candy canes in a ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy pan into small pieces.
  9. Prepare for serving (2 minutes): Transfer slow cooker to serving area and set to WARM. Ladle hot chocolate into mugs, leaving space for whipped cream. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
  10. Garnish and serve (2 minutes): Add optional mini marshmallows or cinnamon sticks. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t cook on HIGH to avoid scorching. Whisk halfway through cooking. Taste before serving and adjust sweetness. Keep whipped cream cold until serving. Peppermint extract is not the same as mint extract. For a party, set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, holiday drink, hot chocolate with whipped cream, easy hot chocolate recipe