Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

So yesterday, as Alex and I were heading home from another busy day, he asked if we could make something special for the evening. You know those festive, cozy nights when all you want is to snuggle up with a warm drink? I knew just what to make: Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate. This delightful concoction is a holiday tradition in our home, perfect for warming up chilly Manhattan nights. It's green, fun, and oh-so-easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients.

Jump to:

Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

For nights that need a little extra magic, try this Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate and watch those grinchy hearts grow a size or two!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Easy preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
Festive flavor: With peppermint and white chocolate, it tastes like the holidays in a cup!
Vibrant color: The fun green color brings a smile to everyone's face (achieved with easy-to-use gel coloring).
Family-approved: Alex and Sarah adore it, with Sarah usually sneaking extra marshmallows when I'm not looking!
Minimal cleanup: One slow cooker means less mess to handle after indulging.
Perfect for a crowd: Great for holiday parties or cozy family get-togethers.

Ingredients

12 ounces package of white chocolate chips (reserving ¼ cup of chocolate chips for rim)
14 ounces can of sweetened condensed milk
6 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vegetable oil
Green gel food coloring
Mini marshmallows (for garnish)
A can of whipped topping (for garnish)
Sprinkles (for garnish)
Candy heart (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions

Set your Crockpot to low heat. Add the milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and white chocolate chips (reserve ¼ cup for the rims).
Cook for 1 – 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula to gently melt the chocolate.
Once the chocolate is melted, slowly incorporate green gel food coloring. Continue until reaching your desired shade of Grinch green.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ¼ cup of white chocolate chips with ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil. Use 50% power for 1 minute, then stir. If not melted, continue in 30-second increments until smooth.
Dip the rims of your mugs into the melted chocolate and, immediately after, into a plate of sprinkles to coat nicely.
Fill each mug with the luscious hot chocolate.
Top with mini marshmallows, a swirl of whipped topping, a dash more sprinkles, and finish with a single red candy heart.

Recipe tips & variations

Peppermint extract: If you're not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with vanilla for a different twist.
Coloring: I recommend gel over liquid food coloring to avoid altering the texture.
Chocolate rim: Be creative! Use crushed candies or chocolate curls.
Want a sugar-free version? Try sugar-free chocolate chips and condensed milk.

Storage & reheating

Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How do you get the bright green color in Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate?

I use green gel food coloring because it provides a vibrant color without thinning the drink.

Can I make Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate ahead of time for a holiday party?

Absolutely! Prepare ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat on the stove just before serving.

What type of white chocolate works best for Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate?

Look for high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother melt and richer flavor.

How should I store and reheat leftover Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate?

Store in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring until warm.

Recipes you may like

This Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate is a hit every holiday season! It’s rich, festive, and brings a dash of cheer to long winter nights. Try it once, and I promise it'll become a staple in your home's festive traditions. Happy sipping!

Love,
Anna