If you’re in the mood for a cozy, festive treat, this Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine creamy white chocolate melted effortlessly with a gentle hint of peppermint, all made super simple in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you up in holiday magic with every sip, and honestly, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever had winter without it.

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Slow Cooker Method: You just dump everything in and let it work its magic without constant stirring or babysitting.
Perfect Peppermint Balance: Crushed candy canes melt gently to infuse just the right amount of minty sweetness without overpowering the white chocolate.
Creamy Texture Every Time: Using whole milk and quality white chocolate guarantees velvety richness that warms you from the inside out.
Simple Yet Stunning: Minimal ingredients deliver maximum holiday cheer, making it accessible even for beginners.

Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate with Peppermint, Festive Hot Chocolate Drink, Easy Holiday White Hot Chocolate, Slow Cooker 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe is carefully picked to create that perfect winter sipper. Shopping for good quality white chocolate makes a huge difference, and crushed candy canes provide a fresh peppermint kick that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Whole milk: The higher fat content ensures a creamy and rich base that won’t curdle during slow cooking.
White chocolate baking bars: I use Ghirardelli for meltability and depth of flavor—chips just don’t give the same luxurious texture.
Crushed candy canes: Freshly crushed for that authentic peppermint flavor; you can substitute with starlight mints if needed.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to enhance sweetness and add warm aromatics.
Whipped cream (garnish): Because everything’s better with a cloud of whipped cream on top!
Extra crushed candy canes (garnish): Adds festive color and crunchy texture for a final flourish.

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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 best things about this Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe is how customizable it is. I love tweaking the peppermint intensity or adding my own twist with toppings, so feel free to make it your own—after all, a recipe is just a guideline, right?

More peppermint punch: Sometimes I add an extra candy cane or a drop of peppermint extract when I want that bold minty kick—I find it perfect after a long day in the cold.
Dairy-free version: Try swapping the whole milk for oat or almond milk, and choose vegan white chocolate to keep it creamy and delicious.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a teeny bit of cayenne can warm things up and make your hot chocolate extra cozy.

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

Step 1: Load Your Slow Cooker with Love

Start by pouring the whole milk into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Then pop in the broken white chocolate pieces, crushed candy canes, and vanilla. Don’t worry about stirring just yet—this step is about getting everything cozied up together.

Step 2: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Cover your slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Let it cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, but here’s the trick: stir every 15 minutes. I find this little ritual helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents the milk from forming a skin or scorching on the edges. Patience here really pays off.

Step 3: Pour, Garnish, and Enjoy

Once the hour and a half are up, your hot chocolate should be silky smooth and perfectly infused with peppermint. Pour it into your favorite mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Then sit back and savor every comforting sip.

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Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Use quality white chocolate: I can’t stress this enough—proper baking bars melt more smoothly and richly than chips.
Crush candy canes fresh: When I crush them just before adding, they melt better and taste fresher than pre-crushed store-bought pieces.
Stir regularly: It might feel like extra work, but stirring in those 15-minute intervals keeps the hot chocolate perfectly blended without scorching.
Don’t skip vanilla: That tiny dash of vanilla extract rounds out flavors and makes everything taste richer and more complex.

How to Serve Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for the classic whipped cream and crushed candy cane topping—it’s like adding a little winter wonderland to each cup. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of white chocolate sauce or add a mini candy cane stuck in the whipped cream for that picture-perfect holiday vibe.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with this rich and pepperminty hot chocolate than buttery sugar cookies or soft gingerbread men. I often grab a few shortbread cookies, and it feels like the perfect treat around our fireplace.

Creative Ways to Present

I love serving this in clear mugs on a holiday platter sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar and miniature candy canes on the side. For special occasions, I’ve even added a peppermint marshmallow float on top—it’s like a festive campfire in a cup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually transfer mine to a large mason jar, so it’s easy to grab and reheat later without taking up too much space.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this hot chocolate, but because of the dairy, the texture changes after thawing—sometimes it gets a little grainy. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerating instead for the best creamy experience.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until steaming hot and smooth again. Adding a splash of fresh milk while reheating helps freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of baking bars?

You can, but I recommend using white chocolate baking bars because they melt more evenly and give a richer texture. Chips sometimes contain stabilizers that make them less creamy when melted.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?

Absolutely! Just heat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often until the chocolate and candy canes are fully melted and blended. Keep an eye on it so the milk doesn’t scorch.
How do I crush the candy canes easily?

I usually put candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Crushing just before adding keeps the peppermint flavor bright.
Can I adjust the peppermint flavor if I don’t want it too strong?

Definitely! Start with less crushed candy cane and add more next time until you find your perfect balance. The slow cooking process mellows the peppermint slightly, so feel free to personalize.
Is it okay to use non-dairy milk?

Yes, but be mindful the texture and creaminess might differ. Oat milk is the best substitute for richness, but almond or other plant-based milks work if that’s what you have.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe feels like visiting your favorite winter café without leaving home. I love how simple it is yet so satisfying—it’s become my go-to for cold nights or when friends stop by unexpectedly during the holidays. If you treat yourself to this creamy, minty delight, I promise you’ll be making it again and again. So go ahead, grab those candy canes and a slow cooker, and let this recipe warm your heart and your hands.

Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 37 reviews

Author: Sarah
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 cozy and festive Slow Cooker Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate, a creamy blend of rich white chocolate and minty crushed candy canes slow-cooked to perfection. This easy holiday treat is topped with whipped cream and extra crushed candy canes for a delightful finish, perfect for warming up during winter celebrations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1/2 gallon whole milk
8 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate baking bars, broken into small pieces
1/2 cup crushed candy canes (approximately 8 candy canes)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnishes

Whipped cream
Crushed candy canes for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including whole milk, white chocolate pieces, crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract to have them ready for slow cooking.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the milk, broken white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and candy canes dissolve properly.
Serve: Once cooked, pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes for a festive and flavorful garnish.
Enjoy Warm: Serve immediately while hot for the best comforting experience, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights.

Notes

For the crushed candy canes, using about 8 candy canes yields 1/2 cup which allows some extra for garnish.
If candy canes are unavailable, starlight peppermint candies can be used as a flavorful substitute.
Stirring frequently during cooking helps prevent the chocolate from sticking or burning on the sides of the slow cooker.
This recipe serves about 8 cups, ideal for sharing with family and friends.