The holiday season is here, and you know what that means for me? Cozy drinks! Nothing beats a warm mug of hot chocolate when the weather turns chilly. I’ve gathered two of my favorite festive hot chocolate recipes for you today. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just enjoying by yourself on a quiet evening.
Whether you’re looking for an easy slow cooker option for a gathering or a quick peppermint treat, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple, straightforward, and sure to bring some cheer to your cup.
Jump to Recipe:
Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
This hot chocolate recipe is perfect for serving a crowd on Christmas Eve. It’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker, keeping it warm and ready for everyone.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Use Good Cocoa: For the best chocolate taste in your crockpot hot chocolate, I recommend using a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Dairy Options: Whole milk makes this hot chocolate extra creamy. If you prefer, you can use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk, but the consistency may be slightly different.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can always add more sugar or toppings like marshmallows to increase the sweetness to your liking.
What You Need for Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Mini marshmallows and whipped cream for serving
⏱️ Time: Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 2 hours🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
How to Make Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Pour the milk and heavy cream into your slow cooker. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir all the ingredients together well until they are combined.
Step 2: Cook on Low Setting
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the hot chocolate mixture on the LOW setting for 2 hours. Make sure to stir it every 30 minutes to help the chocolate chips melt evenly and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. The hot chocolate should be hot and smooth.
Step 3: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once ready, ladle the warm hot chocolate into mugs. You can top it with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or even a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra decoration. Serve immediately.
📝 Final Note for Crockpot Hot Chocolate
You can keep your hot chocolate on the “warm” setting of your slow cooker for continued serving throughout your Christmas Eve gathering. Give it an occasional stir!
Christmas Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Festive & Quick
This festive hot chocolate recipe brings the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint to a classic warm drink. It’s a quick and simple way to get into the holiday mood.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Strength: Peppermint extract is strong! Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste before adding more. You can always add, but you can’t take away.
- Chocolate Type: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work wonderfully, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter drink or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Festive Toppings: Crushed candy canes or a peppermint stick make for a really fun and tasty garnish.
What You Need for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- 4 cups milk (any kind works well)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
⏱️ Time: Prep: 5 mins, Cook: 10 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the milk into a medium-sized saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop. Heat the milk until it just begins to simmer around the edges, but do not let it come to a full boil.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Once the milk is hot, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the optional granulated sugar to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a spoon or whisk until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Flavor
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peppermint extract. Taste and add a tiny bit more if you like a stronger mint flavor, but be careful not to overdo it.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Carefully pour the warm peppermint hot chocolate into your mugs. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a fun and festive finish.
📝 Final Note for Peppermint Hot Chocolate
If you have leftover crushed candy canes, store them in an airtight container so they stay crisp for future uses or for decorating other holiday treats!
