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Cozy Crockpot Peppermint Hot Cocoa Recipe for Winter

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This rich, velvety crockpot peppermint hot cocoa is made with real chocolate, cream, and pure peppermint extract. It’s the perfect winter warmer that converts even the biggest peppermint hot cocoa skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional for serving: crushed candy canes, whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or peppermint sticks

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder with about 1 cup of the whole milk until smooth and no lumps remain.
  2. Pour the remaining 5 cups of milk and the heavy cream into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the cocoa-milk mixture, chocolate chips, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once at the 1-hour mark, until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  4. Turn off the slow cooker (or switch to warm). Stir in the peppermint extract. Taste and add more if desired.
  5. Prepare toppings: crush candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, and whip cream if desired.
  6. Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs, top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and/or mini marshmallows. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add peppermint extract at the end to preserve its flavor. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and coconut cream. For a spiked adult version, add a shot of peppermint schnapps to each mug before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot cocoa, peppermint hot chocolate, slow cooker hot cocoa, winter drink, Christmas drink, peppermint hot cocoa, hot chocolate recipe

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/cozy-crockpot-peppermint-hot-cocoa-recipe-for-winter/