This warm and creamy hot chocolate is a cozy treat during chilly days! With white chocolate and a hint of peppermint, it’s like a warm hug in a mug.
Making it in a crockpot means you can relax while it warms up. Just sit back and let the sweet smell fill your home—who can resist that? 😊
I love serving it with whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of candy cane bits for that festive touch. It’s perfect for movie nights or chilly afternoons!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Chocolate Chips: These provide the creamy sweetness. If you can’t find them, use white chocolate bars, chopped up. Just make sure they are high-quality for the best flavor.
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich and creamy texture. You can swap it with 2% milk for a lighter version, or use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Half-and-Half: This adds extra creaminess. Heavy cream makes a great substitute if you want it extra rich, or use a non-dairy creamer if you’re avoiding dairy.
Peppermint Extract: This is key for that refreshing minty flavor. If you don’t have it, crushed peppermint candies can be used, but add them slowly as they can be sweeter.
Crushed Candy Canes: Not just for flavor, they add a lovely holiday garnish! You could use crushed peppermint candies if candy canes aren’t available.
How Can You Ensure the Perfect Creamy Texture?
To achieve that smooth and creamy consistency, pay close attention to a few steps:
- Mix the white chocolate chips, milk, and half-and-half thoroughly in the crockpot before cooking.
- Stir gently every 30 minutes while cooking to help the chocolate melt evenly.
- Don’t rush the process! Cooking on low for 2-3 hours lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes the chocolate wonderfully creamy.
Your patience will pay off with a rich and delightful hot chocolate that everyone will love!
Crockpot Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (12 oz) package white chocolate chips
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks on low for 2 to 3 hours. After that, it’s ready to serve warm! So overall, set aside around 2 hours and 20 minutes for a delightful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by placing the white chocolate chips into your crockpot. Then, pour in the whole milk and half-and-half. Give it a good stir to mix everything together so that the chocolate chips are well distributed.
2. Cook Until Melty:
Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours. Remember to stir occasionally; this helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom. You want a nice, smooth mixture!
3. Add Flavor:
Once the white chocolate is melted and everything is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract and the crushed candy canes. This will give your hot chocolate that festive minty flavor. Mix it well until the candy canes are evenly distributed.
4. Keep Warm:
You can leave the hot chocolate in the crockpot on the warm setting until you’re ready to serve. This way, it will stay piping hot and ready for everyone to enjoy!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of more crushed candy canes for an added festive touch. Enjoy your cozy and delicious treat!
Everyone will love this rich and creamy Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet moment to yourself!
Can I Use Other Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste and sweetness of the hot chocolate.
How Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using non-dairy milk like almond milk or coconut milk, and opting for coconut cream instead of half-and-half. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully dairy-free treat!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot chocolate in advance and keep it warm in the crockpot. If you need to make it even earlier, let it cool after cooking and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
