Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Warm up with creamy and rich Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate! Perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter nights.
Hi there, it’s Jodi from 5 Boys Baker. I’m so excited today to share this homemade hot cocoa recipe with you. This is the most delicious Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate ever. This stuff is absolutely divine and so incredibly simple to make. We are a hot chocolate loving household and drink it almost every day in the winter. There is just something about a drinking a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter morning. It’s warm, cozy, and oh so comforting. I’m pretty sure that warm soups and hot chocolate are the only good things about winter. If you love Holly’s Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate, you will fall in love with this recipe, too!
SLOW COOKER PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE
My family does a big breakfast Christmas morning and I can’t wait to make this for them. But don’t worry, this peppermint hot chocolate isn’t just for Christmas time. You can drink it all winter long. It’s perfect for those cold, snowy days, or after you’ve been skiing or sledding. It’s amazing any cold night, or anytime of the year for that matter. In fact, it’s so good, I bet I could make this when it’s 90 degrees outside and my boys would devour it! I had to fight them off while photographing this. That’s how creamy and delicious this peppermint hot cocoa is! Ha.
I love that you can throw this in your slow cooker and not worry, but if you need it sooner, it can easily be done on your stovetop. This stuff is decadent. I’m confident you’re going to love it! Make this for your next Christmas party or DIY hot cocoa bar to wow guests. It’s an easy festive drink that is timeless and contains all the best flavors of Christmas!
Find my expert tips on how to make homemade peppermint hot cocoa below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe:
- Easy-To-Make-Ahead: Prepare in advance and keep warm, giving you more time to enjoy the season without standing over the stove.
- Rich & Creamy: Made with cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream for an indulgent, velvety texture.
- Festive Peppermint Flavor: Finely crushed peppermint adds a refreshing holiday twist to classic hot chocolate.
- Perfect For Holiday Hosting & Entertaining: Made in the slow cooker, it’s easy to serve a crowd and stays warm for hours.
- Customizable Toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, or extra crushed candy canes make each mug of warm hot cocoa more festive and fun.
Ingredients
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 5 cups whole milk (Or use 2%. Don’t use skim milk).
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup finely crushed peppermint
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy cane
- Marshmallows
Instructions
Combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, vanilla, milk, and cream in your slow cooker and whisk together until combined. (This will take a few minutes for the cocoa to mix in.)
Cook on low for 2 hours or until heated through, stirring about every 20 or 30 minutes.
Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows, or more crushed peppermint candy (or all three!).
Note
This can also be done on your stovetop by combining all ingredients in a large saucepan and whisking until combined. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (don’t let boil).
Servings
This recipe yields roughly 7-8 servings. This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
Storage and Reheating
Let the peppermint hot chocolate cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the slow cooker on low or warm, on the stove over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. If it thickens after storing, whisk in a splash of milk or cream to restore its smooth, creamy texture.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate:
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: For the richest, smoothest flavor, choose a good-quality or Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Whisk Thoroughly: Mix the cocoa, milk, cream, and sweetened condensed milk well before cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a creamy texture.
- Don’t Overheat: Cook on low for 2 hours and switch to warm once hot to avoid burning or curdling.
- Enhance: Adjust the amount of crushed peppermint to your taste or stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for a stronger flavor.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Substitute part of the milk with half-and-half or more heavy cream for a richer, velvety hot chocolate.
- Stir Occasionally: To keep the hot chocolate smooth and evenly heated, stir every 20–30 minutes while cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can prepare it up to 4 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Add more or less crushed peppermint depending on your taste. For a stronger flavor, a few drops of peppermint extract can be added. I would taste test it before serving.
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and heat over medium-low, whisking frequently until hot. Avoid boiling to prevent scorching.
Classic toppings include whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or chocolate shavings. Feel free to mix and match!
To make Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate dairy-free, replace the milk and heavy cream with unsweetened non-dairy options like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk such as coconut-based or soy-based versions. For toppings, choose coconut whipped cream and ensure any chocolate or candy additions are also dairy-free. These swaps keep the hot chocolate rich, creamy, and full of festive flavor.
This Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients. Make sure your cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are labeled gluten-free, and check toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes for any gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination warnings.
Similar Recipes
Can’t get enough of hot chocolate? Try my Hot Cocoa Cookies next.
Craving something similar? My Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a classic holiday beverage.
Looking for something more refreshing? My Sparkling Cranberry Cider is made with Martinelli’s cider, Sprite, and cranberry juice.
In the mood for something different? My Christmas Punch is another holiday party drink, made with cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon-lime soda, fresh cranberries, and rosemary.
Have you made this Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe? ☕️
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #SlowCookerPeppermintHotChocolate #PeppermintHotChocolate #LifeInTheLofthouse
Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 5 cups whole milk (Or use 2%. Don’t use skim milk)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup finely crushed peppermint
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy cane
- Marshmallows
Instructions
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, vanilla, milk and cream in your slow cooker and whisk together until combined. (This will take a few minutes for the cocoa to mix in.)
- Cook on low for 2 hours or until heated through, stirring about every 20 or 30 minutes.
- Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows, or more crushed peppermint candy (or all three!).
Notes
Recipe from: 5 Boys Baker.com.
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