If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat this holiday season, you’ve got to try my Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe. Seriously, nothing beats the creamy richness of white chocolate combined with a refreshing peppermint twist — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and will become your go-to for any chilly night or festive gathering.

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You just dump everything in and let the slow cooker do the stirring and melting while you stay cozy or prep other holiday goodies.
Perfect Peppermint Balance: The crushed candy canes melt gently to infuse peppermint without overpowering the creamy white chocolate base.
Rich, Luxurious Texture: Using white chocolate baking bars ensures a rich, smooth texture that’s far better than powders or white hot chocolate packets.
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is easy to scale and personalize, making it perfect for parties or quiet nights in.

Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, white hot chocolate recipe, holiday hot chocolate, cozy winter drinks - Two tall clear glass mugs filled with a light brown drink topped with thick white whipped cream sprinkled with small red and white crushed peppermint pieces. Each mug has a red and white striped candy cane hanging on the rim. The glasses sit on a white marble surface covered with a red, green, and white striped cloth. There is a small clear bowl full of crushed peppermint pieces and a wooden spoon with a green and red festive handle nearby. A slow cooker with a shiny silver outer edge and dark interior is partially visible at the top of the image. Two whole candy canes are arranged in a heart shape on the striped cloth near the mugs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe plays a part in creating that dreamy, creamy drink we all crave during cold months. I always make sure to pick quality white chocolate to elevate the flavor and use real candy canes for that authentic peppermint twist.

Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, white hot chocolate recipe, holiday hot chocolate, cozy winter drinks - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a simple white ceramic dish holding broken pieces of creamy white chocolate baking bars, a small white bowl containing crushed red-and-white candy canes, a tiny white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a generous swirl of fresh whipped cream on a plain white ceramic plate, and a separate small white bowl with extra crushed candy canes for garnish, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: The creaminess of whole milk adds body and richness that you just don’t get with skim or plant-based milks.
Ghirardelli white chocolate baking bars: This brand melts beautifully and offers an indulgent taste—chunks melt slowly and create that luscious texture you want.
Candy canes (crushed): Freshly crushed candy canes melt evenly and infuse your drink with peppermint goodness; plus, the texture adds a little visual whimsy when garnished.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and deepens the sweetness without making it overly sugary.
Whipped cream: Optional but highly recommended as the heavenly finishing touch that turns this hot chocolate into a decadent treat.
Crushed candy canes for garnish: Adds color, texture, and a reminder of the festive peppermint flavor. Plus, it looks gorgeous on top!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the fun parts about this Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe is how easily you can adapt it. I usually like it just as-is, but sometimes I add a little extra peppermint during the cooking process or sprinkle in some cinnamon for a twist.

Extra Peppermint: When I’m craving a stronger peppermint hit, I add an extra crushed candy cane towards the end of cooking—it melts quickly and amps up the flavor.
Dairy Alternatives: If you prefer plant-based milk, use full-fat coconut milk for richness, but expect a slight change in flavor and texture.
Chocolate Variation: I once swapped the white chocolate bars for mint-flavored white chocolate, and it was a hit at Christmas morning brunch.
Spice It Up: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add a cozy warmth that’s perfect if you want to experiment beyond peppermint.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

Before you start, break your white chocolate baking bars into small chunks so they melt evenly. Crush your candy canes using a rolling pin or by carefully zipping them in a plastic bag—this helps distribute that peppermint flavor without big chunks lingering awkwardly in your drink.

Step 2: Combine milk, white chocolate, candy canes, and vanilla in the slow cooker

Pour the whole milk into your 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the chocolate chunks, crushed candy canes, and a good half teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla really enhances the sweetness and rounds out the peppermint notes beautifully.

Step 3: Cook on HIGH and stir every 15 minutes

Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Every 15 minutes, give it a gentle stir to help the chocolate melt and prevent anything from sticking to the sides. I usually set a timer so I don’t forget—it makes all the difference between silky smooth and a clumpy mess.

Step 4: Serve with whipped cream and crushed candy canes

Once your white hot chocolate is perfectly melted and infused with peppermint, ladle it into mugs. Top generously with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes. This is where the magic happens—a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and minty goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Use a Larger Slow Cooker: I like to use at least a 5-quart slow cooker to avoid spills and have plenty of room for stirring without mess.
Stirring Matters: Stirring every 15 minutes prevents the chocolate from clumping and helps the candy cane dissolve evenly for smooth flavor.
Crush Candy Canes Just Right: Don’t pulverize them into dust; small pieces melt better and add a nice festive crunch if you garnish with them.
Avoid Overheating: Cooking longer than recommended can cause milk to scald or the mixture to separate; keep an eye on the time for best results.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, white hot chocolate recipe, holiday hot chocolate, cozy winter drinks - The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a pink drink that has a frothy top layer of light cream. Each mug is garnished with a swirl of white whipped cream on top, and a small candy cane hanging on the rim. In the foreground, a woman's hand is sprinkling crushed red and white candy pieces over the whipped cream on one mug. The mugs sit on a white surface with a colorful striped cloth underneath. The background has a kitchen appliance, slightly blurred, and a small clear bowl holding more crushed candy pieces. The setting is bright and festive with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a generous dollop of whipped cream topped with crushed candy canes. It adds a fluffy, creamy layer that perfectly offsets the minty sweetness underneath. If I’m feeling extra festive, I might throw in a few mini marshmallows or even a drizzle of white chocolate syrup for pizzazz.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs wonderfully with buttery sugar cookies, ginger snaps, or a simple biscotti. I once hosted a holiday movie night and served this alongside peppermint bark and shortbread—trust me, the combo was irresistible for everyone!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve found setting up a hot chocolate bar with this Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe as the star is a real crowd-pleaser. Include various toppings in glass jars—sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, crushed peppermint, even flavored syrups—and let guests customize their mugs. It makes for a fun activity and adds charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a gathering, I usually pour any leftover hot chocolate into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 2-3 days. When rewarming, stir gently to bring back its creamy consistency and avoid scorching it on high heat.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing leftovers in individual portions and while the flavor holds up, the texture can shift slightly, sometimes becoming a tad grainy due to the dairy. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove rather than the microwave for best results.

Reheating

Reheat slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help bring back that fresh-from-the-crockpot creaminess. Avoid boiling, or you risk separating the milk fats and ruining the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe with milk alternatives?

Yes! You can use full-fat coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Coconut milk brings extra creaminess, while almond milk is lighter. Avoid watery plant milks for the best experience.
Can I prepare this recipe in a pot on the stove?

You can, but the slow cooker method is great for hands-off cooking and gentle melting that prevents burning. If using a pot, melt the white chocolate slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, and gradually add milk and candy canes to infuse flavor without scorching.
How do I crush candy canes easily?

I recommend placing them in a sealed zip-top bag and tapping gently with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon until broken into small pieces—not powder. This helps them melt evenly and adds that delightful peppermint crunch when used as garnish.
What if I don’t have slow cooker access?

No worries! You can gently heat the ingredients on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to dissolve candy canes. Just keep an eye and stir often to achieve the creamy melt that the slow cooker easily produces.
Can I make this in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prepare it earlier in the slow cooker set to warm to keep it at the perfect serving temperature. Just give it a good stir now and then, and top with fresh whipped cream just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it marries comfort and festivity perfectly with minimal fuss. Whenever I make it, the whole house smells like holiday magic, and everyone ends up lingering around for that extra cup. I can’t recommend it enough for your next cozy night or holiday party—give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am!

Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 40 reviews

Author: Amanda
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 cups
Category: Beverage
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive warmth of Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, a creamy and cozy drink made with rich white chocolate and peppermint-infused crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful twist to classic hot chocolate with a smooth vanilla finish and festive garnishes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

½ gallon whole milk
8 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate baking bars, broken into small pieces
½ cup crushed candy canes
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

Whipped cream
Crushed candy canes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including the whole milk, white chocolate baking bars broken into small pieces, crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract to ensure smooth cooking without delays.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the whole milk, white chocolate pieces, crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cook Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the sides and to ensure the candy cane flavors blend thoroughly.
Serve: Once the hot chocolate is fully warmed and blended, pour it into mugs and top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive garnish.
Enjoy Warm: Serve immediately while warm for the best creamy and peppermint-flavored experience perfect for holiday enjoyment.

Notes

Crush about 8 candy canes to yield the ½ cup required for the recipe, with extra for garnishing the drinks.
If candy canes are unavailable, starlight peppermint candies are a suitable substitute to create the same festive peppermint flavor.
Stirring every 15 minutes during cooking is essential to prevent chocolates from burning to the sides of the slow cooker.
Use a 5-quart or larger slow cooker to accommodate the volume without spillage.