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The Best Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate for a Crowd

crockpot peppermint hot chocolate - featured image
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This crockpot peppermint hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Set it and forget it, then let guests customize their cups with a toppings bar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (340 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Mini marshmallows (optional, for serving)
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for garnish)
  • Whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
  3. Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the crockpot. Add the dry ingredient mixture and whisk thoroughly until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved.
  4. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours. After 1 hour, give it a stir to help the chocolate chips melt evenly. At the 2-hour mark, whisk everything until smooth and glossy.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or peppermint intensity as desired.
  7. Switch the crockpot to the ‘warm’ setting to keep the hot chocolate at serving temperature.
  8. While the hot chocolate is warming, crush candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Whip cream if making homemade.
  9. Set up a toppings bar with small bowls of crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
  10. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, leaving room for toppings. Let guests add their preferred garnishes and enjoy.

Notes

Don’t let the hot chocolate boil; keep on low or warm. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk and canned coconut cream. For a spiked version, set out peppermint schnapps or dark rum for adults. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, holiday drink, Christmas hot chocolate, crowd-pleasing hot chocolate

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/the-best-crockpot-peppermint-hot-chocolate-for-a-crowd/