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Lighter Crockpot Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Lighter Crockpot Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate - featured image
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A creamy, lighter hot chocolate made in the slow cooker with peppermint and an optional boozy kick. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • ½ cup peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe (optional, for spiked version)
  • Whipped cream, for serving
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar until well combined.
  2. Pour the whole milk and half-and-half into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Turn to low heat.
  3. Whisk the cocoa-sugar mixture into the milk until smooth and uniform.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Start with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, taste, then add remaining ¼ teaspoon if desired.
  5. If using, add the semisweet chocolate chips. Stir occasionally.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until steaming and chocolate chips are melted.
  7. Just before serving, stir in the peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe (if using).
  8. Ladle into mugs, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the peppermint schnapps. For dairy-free, use oat milk or full-fat canned coconut milk and dairy-free half-and-half. Add the alcohol at the end to preserve the alcohol content. The hot chocolate can be kept on warm for up to 4 hours. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot chocolate, peppermint, slow cooker, crockpot, spiked, lighter, holiday, Christmas, drink

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/lighter-crockpot-spiked-peppermint-hot-chocolate-easy-slow-cooker-recipe/