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Easy Crockpot Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Whipped Cream

crockpot hot cocoa with peppermint whipped cream - featured image

This rich and creamy crockpot hot cocoa is made with simple ingredients and topped with a cloud of homemade peppermint whipped cream. It’s the perfect cozy drink for holiday gatherings, snow days, or any time you need a warm hug in a mug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and sweetened condensed milk in the crockpot. Whisk until fully dissolved.
  2. Add the chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt. Whisk again.
  3. Set the crockpot to LOW. Cover and cook for 2 hours. Do not lift the lid frequently.
  4. After 1 hour, whisk the mixture. Replace the lid and cook for the remaining hour.
  5. Check consistency at the 2-hour mark. If thin, cook for another 30 minutes on LOW. If thick, whisk in a splash of milk.
  6. Make the peppermint whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes).
  7. Crush candy canes in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin.
  8. Ladle hot cocoa into mugs. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use full-fat dairy for the richest texture. Do not cook on HIGH as it can curdle the milk. The cocoa tastes even better the next day. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat canned coconut milk and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. For an adult version, add a shot of peppermint schnapps, bourbon, or dark rum to each mug.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot cocoa, slow cooker hot chocolate, peppermint hot cocoa, hot chocolate with whipped cream, winter drink, Christmas drink, cozy drink