This cozy Crockpot Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate is a sweet treat that warms you up from the inside out! It mixes creamy white chocolate with peppermint for a festive twist.
It’s the perfect drink for chilly days, and making it in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it. I love topping mine with whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of extra candy canes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This is the base for your hot chocolate, providing creaminess and a rich texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk. Just remember, the flavor and creaminess may change a little!
Half-and-Half Cream: This adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel. You can substitute it with coconut cream for a dairy-free option or simply use more milk if you want to lighten it up. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste great!
White Chocolate Chips: These are key for that creamy sweetness. If you can’t find them, try using white chocolate bars broken into chunks or even vanilla baking chips. Just ensure they are high-quality for the best flavor!
Peppermint Extract: Essential for that candy cane flavor! If you prefer a more natural option, you can crush up peppermint candies and add them in place of the extract, adjusting to your taste.
How Do You Make the Creamiest Hot Chocolate?
Achieving that creamy texture in your hot chocolate is all about the slow cooking process. A crockpot helps meld the flavors beautifully and ensures creamy, melted chocolate without burning. Here are some easy tips:
- Always stir your mixture occasionally; this helps prevent any ingredients from settling at the bottom and burning.
- Don’t rush the melting process. Let everything heat up gently. High heat may scorch the chocolate and ruin the flavor.
- For an extra creamy texture, consider blending the final mixture lightly before serving, which can also make it look fancy!
Crockpot Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hot Chocolate:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for garnish
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Mini candy canes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful hot chocolate recipe takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, followed by 2 hours of cooking in the crockpot, and a final 20 minutes to mix in the flavoring and let everything meld. Perfect for warming up during those chilly days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Start by pouring the whole milk and half-and-half cream into your crockpot. Next, add in the white chocolate chips. Use a spoon to give it a gentle stir, combining everything well.
2. Cook and Stir:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 2 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally to help the chocolate melt evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
3. Add Flavor:
Once the white chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, add in the peppermint extract and 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes. Stir it all together and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour and Serve:
After the final cooking time, pour your delicious hot chocolate into mugs. Top each one with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes and add a mini candy cane as a colorful garnish.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your Crockpot Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate warm, and enjoy the sweet, festive flavors that make this drink a perfect treat for the holidays!
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk for whole milk, but keep in mind that the richness and creaminess will be reduced. For a still creamy texture, consider combining it with a bit of cream or using full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Store Leftover Hot Chocolate?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats through evenly. You may want to add a splash of milk to restore some creaminess!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in place of the whole milk and half-and-half. For the white chocolate, look for dairy-free white chocolate chips to keep the whole recipe vegan-friendly!
Can I Add More Peppermint Flavor?
Certainly! If you love a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to increase the amount of peppermint extract or add more crushed candy canes. Just add gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the chocolate!
