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Kid-Friendly Crockpot Hot Cocoa with Easy Peppermint Cream

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A rich, velvety hot cocoa made in the slow cooker with a cool peppermint whipped cream topping. Perfect for family movie nights, snow days, and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for peppermint whipped cream)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for peppermint whipped cream)
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint whipped cream)
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Bloom the cocoa powder: In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and 1/2 cup hot water until smooth (about 30 seconds).
  2. Combine everything in the crockpot: Pour the bloomed cocoa into your slow cooker. Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and chocolate chips. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve.
  3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours: Set your crockpot to low and stir every 45 minutes. After about 2 hours, the chocolate chips should be fully melted and the cocoa steaming hot. Alternatively, cook on high for 1-1.5 hours.
  4. Make the peppermint whipped cream: About 20 minutes before serving, pour cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  5. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the cocoa. Add more sugar or chocolate chips if desired.
  6. Serve and top: Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs. Top each with a dollop of peppermint whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t boil the milk—if the crockpot runs hot, switch to warm. Blooming the cocoa powder prevents graininess. Room temperature milk and cream help the chocolate chips melt evenly. The cocoa can sit on warm for up to 2 hours; stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if it thickens. The whipped cream is best made fresh but can be made up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa, crockpot, slow cooker, peppermint, whipped cream, kid-friendly, winter, holiday, chocolate

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/kid-friendly-crockpot-hot-cocoa-with-easy-peppermint-cream/