When the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, I start thinking about warm, comforting drinks. Nothing beats a good hot chocolate to make things feel extra special during the holiday season.
I’ve put together two of my favorite hot chocolate recipes here. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home. Let’s make some tasty drinks!
Jump to Recipe:
Cozy Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
This slow cooker hot chocolate recipe is perfect for making a big batch with little effort. It’s ideal for holiday parties or a relaxing Christmas Eve at home.
The warm chocolatey goodness will make your home smell wonderful and keep everyone happy.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Dutch Process Cocoa: Using this type of cocoa powder helps create a darker color and a richer chocolate taste for your drink.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient makes the hot chocolate very creamy and sweet without needing a lot of added sugar. It’s a secret for a thick texture.
What You Need
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
⏱️ Time: 2-3 hours🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Pour the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract into your crockpot. Stir everything together until the cocoa powder is fully mixed in and there are no lumps.
Step 2: Cook Slowly
Cover the crockpot and cook on the LOW setting for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir it every 30-45 minutes to keep it from sticking and help the flavors blend well.
Step 3: Add Chocolate & Serve
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chocolate chips. Continue cooking until they are completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and warm. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows.
📝 Final Note
You can keep this hot chocolate on the “warm” setting in your crockpot for hours, perfect for a long gathering. Just stir occasionally.
Festive Christmas Peppermint Hot Chocolate Drink
This drink brings together rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making it a perfect treat for the holiday season. It’s quick to make and tastes wonderful.
You’ll love the balance of sweet chocolate and cool mint in every warm sip.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Good Quality Chocolate: Using good chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate makes a big difference in how rich and smooth your hot chocolate tastes.
- Peppermint Extract: Start with a smaller amount of peppermint extract first. You can always add a bit more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor, but you can’t take it away!
What You Need
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Heat Milk and Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is hot and steaming, but not boiling. Make sure the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved.
Step 2: Add Chocolate and Flavorings
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chocolate chips, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive finish. Serve immediately while warm.
📝 Final Note
For an extra touch, you can rim your mugs with melted chocolate and then dip them in crushed candy canes before pouring in the hot chocolate.
