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This slow cooker candy cane hot chocolate brings all the cozy holiday vibes with barely any effort. It’s a smooth and sweet drink with a gentle peppermint kick that tastes like Christmas in a mug and it’s simply wonderful for those cold winter months. As the hot chocolate gently warms in the slow cooker, your kitchen will fill with the scent of melting chocolate and candy canes. It’s the kind of festive drink that makes everyone slow down, grab a blanket and smile at the first sip.
This slow cooker candy cane hot chocolate is deliciously creamy and full of magical holiday cheer, offering the perfect balance of peppermint and chocolate.
More Christmas Eve drinks you may enjoy include Grinch green hot chocolate, Santa’s hat coconut rum cocktails and these chocolate cake martinis.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple to make: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Festive flavor: The candy canes add that unmistakable Christmas touch.
Family favorite: Kids love the color and sweetness, adults love the nostalgia.
Perfect for gatherings: Great for parties, movie nights or a winter treat.
Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings or flavor twists.
Crockpot Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
White baking chips: Melt into the milk for a smooth, creamy base.
Peppermint candy canes: Infuse the drink with a sweet peppermint flavor and a hint of color.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and smooth texture.
Whole milk: Keeps the drink silky and satisfying.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes.
How to Make Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Combine ingredients: Add white chocolate chips, candy canes, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk and vanilla to your slow cooker.
Mix and heat: Stir well, cover and let everything melt together until smooth.
Serve and add toppings: Once blended, give it a final stir and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes if liked.
Substitutions and Variations
Creamier version: Replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
Less sweet option: Use peppermint extract instead of candy canes.
Dairy-free version: Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk and use dairy-free baking chips.
Adult twist: Add Bailey’s or Peppermint Schnapps for a grown-up version.
Chocolate change-up: Try milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white.
Candy canes: You can use mini candy canes to decorate the hot chocolate if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
At holiday parties: Pair your slow cooker candy cane hot chocolate with seasonal nibbles like puff pastry Christmas trees and Christmas bugles.
As a Christmas Eve treat: Pour a cup of this for everyone on Christmas Eve. The whole family will love its rich flavor.
With festive cookies: Hot cocoa or chocolate and cookies is a perfect combination. You’ll find this crockpot candy cane hot chocolate pairs well with Christmas cookies like chocolate dipped almond horns, Grinch crumble sugar cookies, peppermint kiss cookies, chocolate mint kiss cookies and gingerbread Linzer cookies.
How to Store Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and drink within 3 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing, as milk products can separate once thawed.
Reheat: Reheat hot chocolate gently in a pan on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to restore the creamy texture.
Top Tips
Keep it smooth: Stir every so often to stop the chocolate from settling.
Extra peppermint punch: Add more candy canes or a drop of peppermint extract if you like it bolder.
Perfect for parties: Keep it on warm for guests to serve themselves.
Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate FAQs
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker gives the mix plenty of room to melt evenly.
Cut back on candy canes and swap a bit of white chocolate for milk chocolate chips.
You can use anything heatproof. I used these!
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Recipe
Slow Cooker Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Slow Cooker 6-Quart or Larger
Ingredients
- 11 Ounces white baking chips
- 12 candy canes, leftover, whole
- 14 Ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ½ Gallon whole milk
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream
- mini marshmallows
- candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Add white chocolate chips, candy canes, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Whisk until combined.
- Place lid on slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Stir and serve topped with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes if liked.
Notes
Extra peppermint punch: Add more candy canes or a drop of peppermint extract if you like it bolder.
Perfect for parties: Keep it on warm for guests to serve themselves.
Nutrition
This delicious slow cooker candy cane hot chocolate isn’t just a festive drink, it’s the definition of cozy. The creamy blend of white chocolate and peppermint feels indulgent yet comforting, and the color alone brings instant Christmas joy. It’s a must-have for cold winter nights, holiday movie marathons or Christmas morning breakfast. Serve this peppermint hot chocolate recipe hot, as a sweet, rich chocolate delight in your favorite mug. Top it however you choose and let it warm more than just your hands this festive season.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
