Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, indulgent, and wildly festive this season, you’re going to want to try my slow cooker version of a Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe. It’s the ultimate creamy treat that’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and packed with that nostalgic peppermint magic. Trust me, once you taste this, it might just become your go-to winter warmer.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Slow Cooker Magic: It allows the flavors to meld beautifully without you having to babysit the pot.
  • Perfect Peppermint Balance: Crushed candy canes infuse just the right amount of festive minty sweetness.
  • Creamy, Dreamy Texture: Using whole milk and quality white chocolate creates a rich, velvety drink.
  • Effortless Serving: It’s a crowd-pleaser that keeps warm for hours, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, white hot chocolate with peppermint, festive holiday hot chocolate, slow cooker peppermint hot cocoa, creamy winter hot chocolate - 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 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe plays a special role in creating that velvety, minty warmth you’ll crave. I always emphasize good-quality white chocolate and fresh candy canes to make sure the flavor pops just right.

Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, white hot chocolate with peppermint, festive holiday hot chocolate, slow cooker peppermint hot cocoa, creamy winter hot chocolate - 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: Provides a rich, creamy base that complements the sweetness of the white chocolate perfectly.
  • White Chocolate Baking Bars: I recommend Ghirardelli for its smooth melt and deep vanilla sweetness.
  • Crushed Candy Canes: Freshly crushed for the best peppermint flavor and a subtle crunch that melts into the hot chocolate.
  • Vanilla Extract: A simple splash elevates the whole mix with a warm, fragrant undertone.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds a delightful, airy creaminess on top, making every sip feel extra special.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe is that you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Don’t be shy—feel free to make it your own!

  • Variation: For a dairy-free option, swap whole milk with coconut or almond milk—I’ve tried it, and it’s pretty delicious, just a little less rich.
  • Extra Peppermint Punch: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract if you want to dial up the mint flavor.
  • Sweetness Level: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount of white chocolate slightly or use semi-sweet white chocolate bars.
  • Spicy Kick: Interested in something fun? A small pinch of cayenne or cinnamon adds a cozy warmth that surprises your palate in a good way.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. I like to crush my candy canes a couple of hours beforehand so that the peppermint flavor gets to soak in properly. Use a rolling pin or place them in a ziplock and bash gently—just enough to break into small pieces, not powder.

Step 2: Combine Everything in Your Slow Cooker

Pour the whole milk into a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker, then add the white chocolate pieces, crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to spread everything out evenly. This helps prevent the chocolate from clumping and the candy canes from sticking in one place.

Step 3: Slow Cook on High and Stir Often

Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here’s the key: stir the mixture every 15 minutes to keep the melting process smooth and avoid scorching at the bottom. You’ll see the candy canes slowly dissolve, infusing that classic peppermint flavor.

Step 4: Serve with Whipped Cream & Candy Cane Garnish

Once it’s perfectly hot and silky, ladle the white hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Top generously with whipped cream and sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top for a festive crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy all the cozy vibes!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use the Right Slow Cooker: I found a 5-quart slow cooker perfect—the milk doesn’t overflow but there’s enough room for stirring.
  • Stir Frequently: Setting a timer to remind me every 15 minutes keeps the chocolate from sticking and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Vanilla: It sounds small, but that splash adds a lovely depth to the flavor.
  • Crush Candy Canes Fresh: Pre-crushed candy canes sometimes lose their punch—fresh crush for maximum peppermint impact.

How to Serve Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, white hot chocolate with peppermint, festive holiday hot chocolate, slow cooker peppermint hot cocoa, creamy winter hot chocolate - 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

I always go for a generous swirl of whipped cream on top, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Sometimes I add a mini candy cane hooked on the mug’s rim for that extra cute, festive look. It’s both pretty and deliciously crunchy when you sip.

Side Dishes

This white hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with sugary treats like gingerbread cookies or shortbread. One Christmas, I brought it to a cookie swap, and it was the perfect crowd-pleaser alongside buttery biscotti and peppermint bark.

Creative Ways to Present

Your hot chocolate bar can pop with festive mugs lined up on a tray next to jars of crushed candy canes, whipped cream in a piping bag, and chocolate shavings. I’ve even served this recipe in clear glass mugs so the beautiful white color and candy cane garnish really shine in photos—fun for holiday parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover candy cane white hot chocolate, I usually store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, give it a good stir since it tends to thicken when chilled.

Freezing

I don’t often freeze this drink because the texture can change, but if you must, freeze in ice cube trays and thaw gently in a pot over low heat to minimize separation. Just be aware that it won’t be quite as silky afterward.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover white hot chocolate is on the stove over low heat. Stir constantly and add a splash of milk if it seems too thick or close to scorching. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe without a slow cooker?

    Absolutely! You can prepare it on the stovetop by heating the milk gently over medium-low heat and stirring in the white chocolate and crushed candy canes until melted and combined. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent scorching.

  2. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of baking bars?

    Yes, white chocolate chips work if baking bars aren’t available. Just note that baking bars tend to melt creamier due to higher cocoa butter content, so your drink might be slightly less silky with chips.

  3. What if I don’t have candy canes? Can I substitute?

    You can use starlight peppermint candies as a substitute—they melt down similarly and provide that minty flavor. Just crush them up like candy canes for best results.

  4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    Definitely! It’s a sweet and safe treat for kids, just be mindful of the temperature as it’s quite hot when fresh. I usually let it cool a bit before serving to little ones.

  5. How long can I keep Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate warm in a slow cooker?

    You can leave it on the warm setting for up to 2 hours comfortably without affecting flavor or texture, which makes it great for parties and gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe is one of those simple joys I look forward to each holiday season—not just for the taste but for the warm memories around it. It’s easy, festive, and just the right amount of sweet and minty. I hope you enjoy sipping it as much as I do sharing it with friends and family—warming up your chilly days with a cupful of holiday cheer.

Print
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Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 cups
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A festive and creamy Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate featuring rich white chocolate and peppermint flavors, perfect for cozy winter gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 quarts whole milk
  • 8 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate baking bars, broken into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream for garnish
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare slow cooker: Add the whole milk, white chocolate pieces, crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
  2. Cook hot chocolate: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the white chocolate melts evenly and the candy canes infuse the milk with peppermint flavor.
  3. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and additional crushed candy canes as a festive garnish. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Crush about 8 candy canes to yield 1/2 cup crushed candy canes; reserve extra for garnish.
  • If candy canes are unavailable, starlight peppermint candies can be used as a substitute.
  • Stirring regularly helps prevent the milk from scorching or sticking to the slow cooker.
  • This recipe serves 8 cups, ideal for sharing during holiday celebrations.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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