peppermint hot chocolate crock pot recipes are totally saving my sanity this holiday season. I mean, who has time to watch a pot on the stove while wrangling wrapping paper, in-laws, and hyper kiddos high on sugar cookies, right? I used to always burn the hot chocolate, or forget and let it go cold (guilty). Not anymore. This slow cooker trick not only saves you time, but honestly makes you look like one of those five-star restaurant hosts who actually planned ahead. Let’s just say, if holiday chaos is real, this is my sneaky shortcut. 
Why Hot Chocolate Bars Are Trending
Okay, so maybe it’s not breaking news, but have you noticed everyone’s raving about hot chocolate bars lately? There’s just something magical about a whole setup of toppings and steaming mugs. Parties, family game nights, even boring committee meetings turn way more fun with a crock pot bubbling peppermint hot chocolate in the corner. It’s interactive. Folks get to pile on the whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes—you name it. Kids feel fancy, grownups go a little wild with fancy sprinkles (I see you, Aunt Linda).
Plus, it’s honestly less stressful for you. Instead of playing short-order cook at the stove, you’re mingling, sipping, and—if you’re like me—secretly eating the marshmallow “garnishes.” Real talk, you’ll never want to fuss with a stovetop batch again. I even serve this at book club nights. Suddenly everyone’s inviting themselves over!
“Our peppermint hot chocolate crock pot bar was hands-down the star at our family’s Christmas Eve. My kids are STILL talking about it!” — Emily J., Louisville
Best Ingredients for Richness
Here’s the part where you can make your peppermint hot chocolate taste like you paid $7 a mug for it. Don’t cut corners—trust me, your tastebuds (and your guests) will notice. I always start with whole milk for that creamy texture. Forget watery cocoa! Then I toss in a good dose of heavy cream. The chocolate? I use real chocolate chips instead of powder. If you use dark chocolate chips, it gets extra rich. Not to brag, but I’ve had neighbors “just stop by” once they smell it cooking.
Next, peppermint extract—go easy; a little goes a long way, or you’ll feel like you’re drinking toothpaste. And sprinkle in a pinch of salt! Seems weird, but it brings all the flavors together.
In a rush? You can shortcut with peppermint-flavored chocolate chips. Or for dairy-free folks, swap in canned coconut milk (makes it just as lush). If you’re a fan of easy slow cooker desserts, you’ll also love my Holiday Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Crock Pot Edition. Honestly, top-tier winter comfort.
How to Set Up the Crock Pot
This part is basically foolproof. Dump everything in the crock pot, stir, and hit “low.” That’s it. If your crock pot does that handy “keep warm” thing, even better.
Give everything a good whisk a couple of times as it heats. After two hours on low, check for meltiness—and taste for that perfect balance of chocolate and mint. Not minty enough? A few extra drops. Too thick? Splash more milk.
Keep it warm for hours—people can refill whenever, and nothing scorches at the bottom. If you’re doing a bigger party, just double the batch (get a big enough crock pot, trust me on this).
Honestly, this set-it-and-forget-it style is how I survive other “hosting” events too, like chili night. See my 3 Bean Crock Pot Chili Recipe if you’re ever scrambling for easy dinner ideas. The crock pot is basically my secret weapon now.
Garnishes + Serving Tips
What’s the point of peppermint hot chocolate crock pot style if you don’t go nuts with toppings? Here are my go-to finishing touches:
- Pour into big, heavy mugs (bonus points for fun holiday ones)
- Set out bowls of whipped cream, chocolate curls, crushed peppermints
- Even try mini cookies or cinnamon sticks as stirrers
- Make a little “grown-up” bowl of mini bottles (Baileys, anyone?) for the adults
Mix and match what you have in the pantry—no need to buy fancy stuff. I always put out some fun things just for laughs, like gummy bears, and watch people go wild.
Kid-Friendly and Spiked Options
The beautiful thing about peppermint hot chocolate crock pot bars? You can cover all ages. For kids, obviously skip the booze, but you can make it extra magical with red and green sprinkles. I even let them do “marshmallow science” by dropping in different sizes to see which melts fastest (keeps them occupied).
Now, for adults—here’s where things get interesting. A splash of peppermint schnapps changes the vibe. Or try a shot of espresso for a peppermint mocha kick. Just label your toppings clearly if you’re mixing grown-up with kid stuff (learned that one after an “oops” moment a couple Christmases ago).
And hey, if you’re more of a savory person, skip over and try my Cheesy Queso Dip Chorizo Crock Pot Party Hit for your next gathering. But honestly, this peppermint hot chocolate never lets me down.
Common Questions
How far ahead can I make peppermint hot chocolate in the crock pot?
You can start it 2-3 hours ahead, then keep it on warm for most of the evening. Don’t let it go overnight, though (been there, yikes).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep—canned coconut milk works great, or any plant milk. Just don’t skimp on the chocolate chips.
Do I have to use peppermint extract?
Nope! You can stir in crushed candy canes or peppermint chocolates to taste.
What’s the best way to serve for a crowd?
Set out plenty of mugs, a ladle, and toppings at arm’s reach. Make double if it’s a big group—you’ll be surprised how fast it goes!
Can I save leftovers?
Sure! Just cool it down, store in a jar in the fridge, reheat on the stove or microwave. Tastes just as dreamy the next day.
So Cozy, So Simple: Try It Soon
This peppermint hot chocolate crock pot recipe is honestly my go-to winter treat—for parties, weekends home with family, or just making a gloomy day feel a little more epic. It’s so much easier than stovetop, and honestly, way more fun. If you want a sweet game day option, check out my Cheesy Bacon Dip Game Day Crock Pot Recipe too.
Ready to take your cocoa night up a notch? There are plenty of spins on this idea if you want more peppermint hot chocolate bar inspiration. This Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe also does not disappoint if you want to try another twist. Give it a whirl and be that host everyone wants to visit! 
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Crock Pot
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and rich peppermint hot chocolate made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for holiday gatherings and family game nights.
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Chocolate curls (for garnish)
- Cinnamon sticks (optional, for stirring)
- Mini cookies (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Dump all ingredients into the crock pot and stir.
- Set the crock pot to low and cover.
- Whisk a couple of times as it heats over two hours.
- Check for meltiness, and adjust mintiness level with more peppermint extract if needed.
- If too thick, add more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Keep warm and serve with toppings for guests to customize their mugs.
Notes
This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
