This creamy candy cane hot chocolate is simple to prepare in a slow cooker and makes a cozy treat for chilly afternoons or holiday gatherings. The rich chocolate base with a hint of peppermint is perfect for entertaining—prepare it ahead of time and keep warm in the crockpot for guests. Scroll below the recipe card for step-by-step photos and helpful notes on making this slow cooker candy cane hot chocolate. You may also enjoy other warm drink recipes on the site such as homemade chai tea lattes, classic eggnog, and a homemade mocha frappuccino.
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Slow Cooker Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
marilynpeight
Pin Recipe
10
2
Equipment
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4 quart crockpot
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Whisk
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Measuring cups with a pour spout
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Mugs
Ingredients
- 9 oz. Hershey’s chocolate bar, broken into chunks
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
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Place the chunked chocolate bars, crushed candy canes, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to help the cocoa dissolve and to prevent scorching. Continue until the chocolate and candy cane pieces have fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Taste and, if desired, stir in up to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor. The crushed candy canes usually provide a noticeable peppermint note on their own, so the extract is optional.
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Ladle into mugs and top with mini marshmallows, extra crushed candy cane, and whipped cream if you like. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Adjust the heavy cream to change texture: omit it and add an extra cup of whole milk for a lighter drink, or increase heavy cream by 1/2–1 cup and reduce milk for an extra-creamy version. The hot chocolate will thicken as it cools.
Additional step-by-step photos appear below the recipe.
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Equipment needed for this crockpot candy cane hot chocolate:
- 4 quart crockpot — a four-quart crockpot holds the quantity this recipe yields and works well for keeping it warm during serving.
- Whisk — useful for combining melted chocolate and candy canes with the milk and cream while heating.
- Measuring cups with a pour spout — helpful for pouring milk and cream into the slow cooker and measuring cocoa, sugar, and candy cane pieces.
- Mugs — festive mugs make serving extra special; you can decorate rims with honey and crushed candy cane.
Ingredients needed: Chocolate, crushed candy canes, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, whole milk, and heavy cream. Peppermint extract is optional for extra mint flavor.
Can the amount of sugar be adjusted?
Yes. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if you choose bittersweet or dark chocolate. If unsure, start with less sugar and add more after the chocolate melts and the mixture is heated. Stir well so the sugar dissolves before serving.
Step 1: Place the chunked chocolate bars, crushed candy canes, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to help the cocoa dissolve and to prevent scorching along the sides of the crockpot.
Step 2: When the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy, add peppermint extract to taste if you want a stronger mint flavor. You can also add marshmallows to the slow cooker to let them soften or partially melt into the drink.
Adjusting thickness:
To thin the hot chocolate, add more milk. To make it richer and thicker, add more heavy cream. Remember it will thicken slightly as it cools.
Step 3: Pour into mugs and top with mini marshmallows, extra crushed candy cane, and whipped cream if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Festive candy cane rims:
To decorate mug rims, brush a thin strip of honey around the rim, press crushed candy cane into the honey, and chill the mugs 20–30 minutes so the candy adheres and sets.
Storage:
Store leftovers in airtight containers or glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop in a saucepan until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts while stirring to avoid overheating milk.
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