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Cozy Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Easy Homemade Treat

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This easy crockpot peppermint hot chocolate is a velvety, rich, and perfectly balanced treat that fills your house with the smell of chocolate and mint. It’s the ultimate cozy drink for holiday gatherings, made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 grams)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (175 grams)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (plus more to taste)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes (for serving, optional)
  • Marshmallows or whipped cream (for serving, optional)
  • Chocolate shavings (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Add about ½ cup of the whole milk and whisk until you have a smooth, thick paste.
  2. Pour the remaining 5 ½ cups of whole milk and the heavy cream into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add the cocoa-sugar paste, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. After about 1 hour, stir to ensure the chocolate chips are melting evenly.
  4. After 2 hours, stir in the peppermint extract. Taste and add more if desired, ¼ teaspoon at a time.
  5. Switch the slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting. Ladle into mugs and top with crushed candy canes, marshmallows, or whipped cream as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer version, substitute 2 cups of the whole milk with half-and-half. Do not use skim milk. Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother flavor. Start with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and adjust to taste. To avoid graininess, always make the cocoa paste first and cook on LOW. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator 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, hot cocoa, easy hot chocolate

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/cozy-crockpot-peppermint-hot-chocolate-easy-homemade-treat/