Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Peppermint hot chocolate is a creamy combination of decadent chocolate and peppermint flavor. It’s the perfect cocoa recipe to sip on during the holiday season or all winter long.
Post may contain affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon affiliate program, I may earn a small commision from qualifying purchases. To read my affiliate policy, click here.
Peppermint just means Christmastime to me. Especially when it is mixed into a cozy warm beverage that you can sip on slowly while enjoying the glow of the holiday lights and the warmth of the fire.
Doesn’t that just sound like holiday perfection?
While life doesn’t give me the opportunity to enjoy that brand of holiday magic often, this drink is absolutely holiday perfection.
Ingredients
To make this slow cooker hot chocolate recipe you need
- Milk– Go for whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk– Adds sweetness and extra creaminess to the cocoa.
- Vanilla extract– This is optional but it adds a little extra flavor and goodness.
- Peppermint Bark– I used a blend of chocolate and peppermint bark. If you can’t find a combination bark, you can get milk chocolates and soft peppermint candies.
- Garnish– What is hot chocolate without whipped cream, marshmallows and extra peppermint?
How to Make
1. Mix the milk and condensed milk.
Start by stirring together the milk, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk in a small slow cooker or small pot.
2. Add in the peppermint bark.
Unwrap your peppermint bark, I used DOVE peppermint bark, but many other brands are available around December when Christmas stuff starts to appear all over stores.
3. Heat over low heat for 2 to 3 hours.
Cook the milks and peppermint bark for about 2 to 3 hours over low heat.
Stir it occassionally to help melt the bark and blend it into the milk.
Cook until it reaches your desired level of heat.
Serve hot with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint candies as desired.
Storing and Serving
Peppermint hot chocolate is a set and forget treat, particularly if you use a slow cooker.
Serve it hot with your favorite toppings, like:
- marshmallows
- candy canes
- crushed candy canes
- crumbled peppermint bark
- M&Ms or other chocolate candies
- whipped cream
- a dollop of peppermint icing
You can store peppermint hot chocolate in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
Reheat over low heat until it reaches the temperature you like.
Tips and Tricks
- Want to make this recipe on your stove? You can! Just put in a medium sauce pan over medium low heat and stir until the candy has melted and the mixture is warm.
- To up the peppermint flavor even more, add a 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Peppermint extract is a very strong flavor, so start small and add more if it is not enough.
- For added minty fun, garnish it with these candy cane hearts and serve with these candy cane dipped sugar cookies.
Other Hot Chocolate Recipes You Might Enjoy
Looking for other hot chocolate recipes? These are a few of our other favorites:
- Salted caramel hot chocolate is an over the top treat you’ll love all fall and winter long.
- This Easy Hot Chocolate Coffee Recipe will let you enjoy the best of both the coffee and hot cocoa worlds!
- White Hot Chocolate is a creamy, lightly sweet white cocoa recipe that will keep you cozy any time you make it.
- Frozen hot chocolate floats are the summer answer to your cocoa cravings.
- Instant Pot hot chocolate will having you enjoying a sweet treat in no time at all.
Other Peppermint Recipes to Try
For some other festive peppermint recipes, try these:
- Peppermint Frosting
- Candy Cane Brownies
- Homemade candy cane vodka is a peppermint infused libation you can gift or enjoy in your favorite cocktails.
- White chocolate candy cane martinis combine white chocolate liqueur and peppermint vodka for a festive drink.
- Candy cane hearts are adorable treats to serve up any time.
- Candy cane milkshakes are a cool treat you’ll love.
- Homemade Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer
Did you make this? Let me know!
Did you make peppermint hot chocolate or any other recipe on my site? Leave me a comment below and let me know how you liked it. And make sure you follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to see everything we’ve got going on.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of Whole Milk
- 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract*
- 1.5 bags of DOVE Peppermint Bark or similar product (about 45 candies)
For Garnish (optional)
- Whipped Cream
- Mini Marshmallows
- White Peppermint Chocolate M&M'S
- Candy canes or crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Stir together 4 cups of milk, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk in a small slow cooker.
- Add in the unwrapped DOVE Peppermint Bark or similar product.
- Heat on low for 2 to 3 hours or until the hot chocolate reaches the desired temperature, stirring occasionally to incorporate the chocolate.
- Serve hot. Garnish with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and White Peppermint Chocolate M&M’S® if desired.
One of our Christmas eve traditions is to watch Christmas movies and drink hot chocolate. But, we have never done peppermint hot chocolate. This sounds delightful, and I love all Dove chocolate.
Ahhhh sounds like such a cozy Christmas tradition!! Isn’t DOVE yummy? #addicted
Looks so yummy! Going to make this for the kids the next time they come in from playing in the snow.
Ohhh do you have snow? We have only had a little so far but are supposed to get our first good storm this weekend! This would be perfect for Christmas snow!!
This sounds amazing! I love doing crockpot hot chocolate. Easy, quick, and a whole vat of hot chocolate… How could anything be wrong about that? #client
A vat of chocolate is ALWAYS a good thing, right?? I mean really! Thanks for showing the post a little extra love. #clientappreciation <3
These look so delicious! Definitely making these on Christmas Eve while we wait for Santa! 🙂
Ohhh yes a perfect Santa-waiting drink. Maybe you should save a cup for the guy in red?
Oh yum! This looks delicious!
Thank you Cara!
Yummy!! I love hot chocolate and this looks delicious! I’m going to get the stuff to make it tonight! Looks great!
Enjoy Melanie!
Oh, this looks extra good and so festive. I love hot chocolate around the holidays and adding peppermint is even better. You’ve decorated it so nicely, too.
Thank you Kimberly!
Nice job on the peppermint hot chocolate. It is just perfect for this time of year and guests dropping in.
Thank you Mark! It’s always good to have something on hand to offer those unexpected guests, isn’t it?
this looks soooo good.
Thank you!
This looks absolutely amazing, and we are going to have to try IMMEDIATELY! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you Amber! Enjoy!
This looks soooo yummy and beautiful!
Thanks Michelle! <3
Peppermint is the staple of holiday baking! Peppermint + Hot cocoa is a win in my book! This looks simple enough – yum!
For sure, peppermint everything at Christmas! It’s super simple!
Oh my gosh this looks like such a delicious recipe!!! I gotta try this one out!!
Thank you!
The perfect hot, holiday beverage! Peppermint and chocolate are my favorite flavor combinations, and I love how pretty and festive this hot chocolate looks. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Thanks Cait!! <3
This looks so delicious! Definitely going to be making it this weekend!
xo
jen
effortlesseverydaystyle.com
Thank you Jen <3
I am a HUGE fan of peppermint anything!! I am going to try this.
oh! and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures! 🙂
Thank you Latasha!
YUM!!! Perfect and decadent hot beverage for a cold day. I could use one right now 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Right? It’s so cold out!! Thanks for stopping by Kristine!
Love this! It looks so yummy.
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
Wow, this look so delicious! Also, I had no idea how to make hot chocolate without an instant cocoa packet which probably explains why I’ve never been a huge fan of hot chocolate. I’m going to have to try this. I’m thinking this is going to be a hot chocolate game changer for me!
OMG totally. You’ll never go back to powdered cocoa again!
Mmmmmm that looks awesome. I think I might add a little bit of peppermint schnapps to mine 🙂
I bet this hot chocolate is so rich and creamy – perfect for a cold evening! I love the addition of the peppermint chocolate pieces too!
Oh my goodness! We’re getting feet upon feet of snow here in Ohio, and this looks delightful! I’m going to the kitchen now to see what ingredients I have!
Ohhh perfect drink for all that snow.
Yum!! This looks like the perfect treat while the snow is piling up outside!
This looks perfect for the holidays!
Those look so good! Good work on the food photography 🙂
Why thank you 🙂
Wow! That looks delicious and perfect for the holidays!
Thanks!
This looks so yummy! I have to make during the holidays! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
This looks delicious! I LOVE hot chocolate this time of year!
I LOVE hot chocolate! This looks delicious:) Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
This looks so good! I’ve been craving hot chocolate since I made hot chocolate play dough today for the kiddos.
This looks soooo yummy!
This recipe sounds so incredibly decadent. I love how easy it is too!
This looks awesome! My kids love hot chocolate so I will have to try this version!
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out. Especially given the very cold weather we are experiencing right now.
Thank you!
Photos look fantastic. I love hot chocolate… so perfect for cold winter days
This looks absolutely amazing! And I could add coffee for some caffeine Thanks lady!
Kayla
http://Www.runningwithstrollers.com
Word. Caffeine makes everything better.
This looks so good! I love me some hot choc!
Yummy this looks and sounds so good!! I love hot chocolate.
Wow, this looks amazing! Perfect holiday drink to keep things cozy. Can’t wait to try it!
Oh my gosh this sounds perfect! I have been wanting to find a quality hot chocolate to indulge in this season and I think I found it! I love hot chocolate, but I just started counting macros…I really didn’t want to have that much used up on low-quality hot chocolate! If I’m going to indulge, it’s gotta be tasty 🙂 Any idea how this might turn out with almond milk?
I have no idea how this would turn out with almond milk tbh. I would imagine it would be good. Could you use chocolate almond milk for extra flavor?
Ooooh tough time of year to start tracking macros. I agree. Indulgences need to be worth it.
Very festive! We are in the hot chocolate mood after seeing this post!
Hope you made some and enjoyed!
I love a good homemade hot chocolate this time of year! This one looks delicious with the added peppermint, thanks for the recipe!
These hot chocolates look amaaaaazing! I love how you garnished them. I never thought to put M&Ms on top. So festive!
Thanks Sharon!
This looks scrumptious! I may eat all the M & M’s before I make the cocoa but I can always add more:)
Haha I won’t tell you how many M’s were consumed in the making of this cocoa!
This is a great Christmas drink recipe. Pinning to my Christmas board! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you!
Such a fun festive recipe!
Thank you!
This looks like the perfect recipe for the holidays!
Thank you! Or all winter long really!