Article
Easy Maple Pecan Cookies Recipe
This holiday season, add these delicious Maple Pecan Cookies to your Christmas cookie baking list with our simple recipe.
Read More November 12, 2024 | Blain's Farm & FleetSlow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
When the temperature drops and you’re craving a cozy treat, few things hit the spot quite like a cup of peppermint hot chocolate. This recipe is the perfect companion for a Christmas movie night or any holiday gathering. And the best part? You can make it effortlessly in your slow cooker!
With just a handful of ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you can create a festive treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating your family, this rich and creamy peppermint hot chocolate recipe is the perfect choice. Follow this easy guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet to create your own.
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk (whole milk works best, but you can substitute with your preferred milk)
- 3 cups half & half
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 Hershey’s Chocolate Bars (1.55 oz each)
- 10 candy canes
Shop Ingredients
Hershey’s 8 oz Naturally Unsweetened Baking Cocoa
Price: $2.99
Was $5.99
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Candy Bar
Price: $1.49
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making peppermint hot chocolate in a slow cooker is simple! Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Add All Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the milk, half & half, cocoa powder, Hershey’s chocolate bars, and candy canes in your slow cooker. We used the Ninja 8.5 QT Foodi PossibleCooker PRO, but you can use any medium-sized slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker on low heat. Cover and allow the mixture to cook for at least two hours. During this time, the chocolate will melt, the peppermint will infuse the drink, and the flavors will blend together nicely.
Step 3: Stir Before Serving
Before serving, give everything a good stir to ensure it’s well combined and the texture is smooth. Use a ladle to serve it straight from the slow cooker into mugs. If you’d like, you can top with your favorite additions like whipped cream, marshmallows, or sprinkles. We added crushed candy canes to ours.
Shop Toppings
Spangler 40-Count Mini Candy Canes
Price: $4.99
Kraft 10 oz Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows
Price: $1.19
Was $2.39
Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate
To make your peppermint hot cocoa truly special, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality chocolate bars for a rich chocolate flavor. You can experiment with dark chocolate if you prefer a stronger taste.
- Prevent Burning: Avoid setting your slow cooker to high heat. This can cause the milk to scorch. Low and slow is the way to go.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your hot chocolate a little sweeter, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar or topping it with whipped cream.
- Stir Occasionally: While the slow cooker does most of the work, giving the mixture a quick stir every 30 minutes or so can help everything melt together nicely. Use a whisk to get rid of any clumps.
- Pre-Crush Candy Canes: Crushing the candy canes before adding them allows them to dissolve quicker and distribute the peppermint flavor evenly.
- Keep It Warm: If serving at a gathering, keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting, so guests can help themselves throughout the evening.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation is half the fun when it comes to serving hot chocolate! Here are some ideas to make your peppermint hot chocolate extra festive:
- Toppings: Go all out with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings. The more festive, the better!
- Peppermint Spoons or Stirrers: We served ours with peppermint candy spoons (you could also use candy canes). So guests can stir their drink with another hint of mint.
- Cute Mugs: Pour your hot chocolate in pretty or festive mugs to complete the cozy vibe. We used these nice glass mugs.
- Serve with Snacks: Pair the hot chocolate with treats like Christmas cookies for a little something extra on the side.
Why not give it a try this season? Gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and enjoy the coziest peppermint hot chocolate you’ve ever had. Once you try it, this drink recipe just might become a cherished holiday tradition.
Shop Slow Cookers
Hamilton Beach 3 Quart Slow Cooker
Price: $39.99
Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Program Slow Cooker
Price: $74.99
Ninja 8.5 QT Foodi PossibleCooker PRO
Price: $169.99
Hamilton Beach 6 Qt Stay Or Go Slow Cooker
Price: $64.99
Crock Pot 20 oz On The Go Personal Food Warmer
Price: $47.99
Hamilton Beach 10 Qt Black Slow Cooker
Price: $79.99
West Bend 5 Qt Versatility Cooker with Tote
Price: $69.99
Nesco 8 Qt Open Country Camo Slow Cooker
Price: $79.99
Presto Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
Price: $84.99
Crock Pot GO Electric Portable Food Warmer
Price: $59.99
For more festive recipes like this one, check out our other Cooking & Recipes articles.
