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Quick Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Easy Homemade Recipe

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This quick slow cooker peppermint hot chocolate is creamy, rich, and bursting with holiday flavor—all with almost zero effort. Set it and forget it for a cozy, decadent treat that tastes like you’ve been stirring for hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk (960 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270 g)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20 g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • a pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (2.5 ml)
  • ¼ cup crushed candy canes (about 4 small candy canes)
  • Optional: fresh peppermint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients: Add whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to your slow cooker. Do not stir yet.
  2. Cook on low for 20 minutes: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low heat. Do not open the lid during this time.
  3. Stir until smooth: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until completely smooth and glossy. If lumps remain, whisk gently for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the peppermint extract: Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Taste and adjust if desired, adding up to another ¼ teaspoon.
  5. Stir in the vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir well.
  6. Keep warm until serving: Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. The hot chocolate will stay perfect for up to 2 hours. If it thickens, stir in a splash of warm milk.
  7. Crush the candy canes: Place 4 small candy canes in a Ziploc bag, seal, and gently tap with a rolling pin until you have small pieces and some powder.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with crushed candy canes and a fresh peppermint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not use high heat; low and slow is essential. Crush candy canes in a Ziploc bag to avoid mess. Adjust sweetness to taste based on chocolate chips used. Peppermint extract strength varies; start with ¼ teaspoon and add more. This hot chocolate can be made ahead and kept warm for up to 2 hours. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, holiday drink, Christmas hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/quick-slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate-easy-homemade-recipe/