Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing quite like a mug of peppermint hot chocolate when the holidays roll around, especially when your crockpot does all the work! This version is rich, creamy, and perfectly minty thanks to a mix of milk, cream, chocolate chips, and melted candy canes. Everything warms low and slow until it turns into the coziest Christmas drink, ready for parties, hot chocolate bars, or a quiet movie night at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
The crockpot keeps it warm for hours, so it’s perfect for gatherings and entertaining.
-
Ultra–rich and creamy with the perfect amount of peppermint.
-
Just stir everything together and let it melt. No stovetop babysitting!
-
Easy to customize with different chocolates or mix-ins.
-
Festive, fun, and guaranteed to make your house smell like Christmas!
While you’re here, I think you’ll also love my crockpot apple cider!
Ingredients
You’ll find the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
-
Heavy cream: Makes the hot chocolate extra rich and velvety.
-
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and gives the drink that ultra–creamy holiday feel.
-
Whole milk: The base of the hot chocolate — whole milk gives the best flavor and texture.
-
Milk chocolate chips: Melt down into a smooth, sweet chocolate base. Use your favorite brand for the best taste.
-
Mini candy canes (or full-size): They melt right into the hot chocolate and infuse it with peppermint flavor.
-
Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, mini candy canes: Optional, but highly recommended for the full festive mug.
How To Make Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
-
Add the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and mini candy canes to your crockpot.
-
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2, giving it a stir every 20–30 minutes as everything melts together.
-
Once the chocolate and candy canes are fully melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy, ladle it into your favorite mugs.
-
Finish with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy cane for the cutest holiday touch.
Recipe Notes
-
Mini candy canes melt faster, but full-sized ones work just as well. Just break them into pieces before adding.
-
Stirring every 20–30 minutes helps the chocolate melt evenly and keeps it from settling on the bottom of the crockpot.
-
If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra candy cane or a tiny splash of peppermint extract (go slow — a little goes a long way).
-
Want it richer? Swap some of the whole milk for more heavy cream.
-
If the hot chocolate is thicker than you like, whisk in a little extra milk at the end to thin it out.
-
This recipe stays warm beautifully on the crockpot’s “keep warm” setting, making it perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
Variations
-
Extra Minty: Add a small splash of peppermint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor. Start with just a drop or two.
-
White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, candy-cane–latte vibe.
-
Dark Chocolate Peppermint: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet mug of hot chocolate.
-
Peppermint Mocha: Stir in a cup of brewed coffee or espresso for a holiday coffeehouse twist.
-
Marshmallow Melt: Add a handful of mini marshmallows straight into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes for a fluffy, creamy layer.
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or oat milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Still rich, still cozy, still delicious.
Serving Ideas
This crockpot peppermint hot chocolate is made for cozy winter moments — whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, setting up a hot chocolate bar, or settling in for a holiday movie night.
Try serving it with:
-
Whipped cream — big, fluffy dollops that melt right into the mug.
-
Chocolate sauce or hot fudge drizzle — extra decadent for parties.
-
Mini candy canes — the perfect festive garnish.
-
Crushed peppermint — great for sprinkling over whipped cream.
-
Marshmallows — classic and cozy.
-
Holiday sprinkles — fun for Christmas gatherings and dessert tables.
Keep the crockpot on warm and let everyone serve themselves!
Troubleshooting
Even though this recipe is wonderfully simple, here are a few easy fixes if anything comes up:
-
Hot chocolate too thick? Whisk in a little extra milk until it reaches your perfect sipping consistency.
-
Too sweet? Add more whole milk or a splash of heavy cream to mellow it out.
-
Not sweet enough? Stir in an extra spoonful of sweetened condensed milk or a bit more chocolate.
-
Peppermint flavor too mild? Add another mini candy cane or a tiny drop of peppermint extract (it’s strong!).
-
Peppermint flavor too strong? Add a splash of milk or cream. It softens the mint without diluting the richness.
-
Chocolate not melting evenly? Make sure to stir every 20–30 minutes so the chocolate chips don’t settle on the bottom.
-
Grainy texture? Turn the heat to low, whisk well, and let it warm gently. Overheating can make chocolate seize.
Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini candy canes or 4 large
- Whipped cream & chocolate sauce & extra mini candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Add the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and mini candy canes to your crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2, giving it a stir every 20–30 minutes as everything melts together.
- Once the chocolate and candy canes are fully melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy, ladle it into your favorite mugs.
- Finish with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a mini candy cane for the cutest holiday touch.
There’s just something magical about a crockpot full of peppermint hot chocolate. It makes the whole house smell like Christmas and instantly puts everyone in a good mood. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or curling up on the couch with a movie, this recipe is the perfect mix of festive and comforting. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment so other readers can find and enjoy it too.
