Cozy Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Easy Kid-Friendly Recipe
This easy crockpot peppermint hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfectly minty. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a kid-friendly treat that fills your home with the cozy scent of Christmas.
- 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 (25 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- a pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, peppermint sticks
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to prevent lumps.
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Turn the crockpot to LOW.
- Slowly pour the cocoa and sugar mixture into the milk while whisking constantly until fully dissolved.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir to submerge them in the liquid.
- Add the vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract (start with less, taste later). Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. After 1 hour, whisk well to ensure chocolate chips are melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or peppermint flavor as desired. Add more peppermint extract ⅛ teaspoon at a time.
- Ladle into mugs and serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
Always start with less peppermint extract and add more to taste, as extracts vary in strength. Do not cook on HIGH to avoid scorching the milk. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened oat milk or full-fat canned coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, kid-friendly hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, Christmas hot chocolate, winter drink