Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

You know that moment when you're curled up on the couch watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, wrapped in a blanket, and suddenly you NEED something warm and sweet in your hands? That's exactly how my Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate was born. Last December, I was hosting a little holiday movie night and wanted a drink that felt festive but didn't require me to babysit the stove all evening. Enter this creamy, minty, gloriously green concoction that makes everyone (even the grinchiest guests) smile.

What I love most about this slow cooker hot chocolate is how it turns any gathering into an event. Just dump everything in, give it a stir now and then, and let that magical appliance do all the work while you chat with friends or wrap presents. The smell alone-white chocolate melting into peppermint-will have everyone hovering around the kitchen. And when you pour that vibrant green into mugs and pile on the marshmallows? Pure holiday magic.

Why You'll Love Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

Oh my gosh, where do I even start? This drink is basically holiday happiness in a mug. Here's why you're going to adore it:

• Set-it-and-forget-it easy: Dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you deck the halls or binge-watch Christmas movies.
• Instant holiday vibes: That bright green color? The swirl of peppermint? It's like the Grinch himself approved this recipe (but in the sweetest way possible).
• Crowd-pleaser magic: Kids go nuts for the color, adults swoon over the white chocolate-peppermint combo-it's a win-win.
• Keeps warm for hours: No more reheating individual mugs! The slow cooker keeps it perfectly drinkable all party long.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

I've lost count of how many times I've made this for cookie exchanges or after caroling. Just plop the slow cooker on a trivet with some cute mugs nearby-it serves itself while you mingle. And when that green liquid starts flowing into cups? Instant photo op.

Rich and Creamy Flavor

Forget watery hot cocoa. This is like drinking a melted white chocolate peppermint bark, but somehow even creamier thanks to that heavy cream. The first sip always makes me do a little happy dance-it's that good.

Ingredients You'll Need for Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

Okay, let's raid the pantry! Here's everything you'll need to make this festive magic happen. Don't stress if you're missing something-I've got notes on swaps too.

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips (reserve ¼ cup for rimming mugs if you want to get fancy-more on that later!)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (that's one standard can-just grab it off the shelf and pretend you're not going to sneak a spoonful)
• 6 cups milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works in a pinch)
• 2 cups heavy cream (this is what gives it that "luxury hot chocolate" texture-trust me, don't skip it)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (not mint extract-peppermint is milder and more holiday-ish)
• ½ teaspoon vegetable oil (helps the chocolate melt smoothly-any neutral oil works)
• Green gel food coloring (gel works better than liquid for vibrant color without watering things down)
• Mini marshmallows, whipped topping, sprinkles, and candy hearts (for garnish-go wild with whatever makes you happy!)

See? Nothing too wild here. Just creamy, dreamy ingredients waiting to transform into something spectacular. Now let's get cooking!

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate Instructions

Alright, let's make some holiday magic! Don't worry-this is so easy, you could probably do it half-asleep (not that I've tested that theory... ahem). Here's exactly how to get that creamy, dreamy Grinch-worthy hot chocolate:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First, grab your slow cooker-no need to grease it or anything fancy. Just dump in the white chocolate chips (save that ¼ cup if you're doing fancy rims later!), sweetened condensed milk, milk, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and vegetable oil. Give it all a good stir with a wooden spoon. It'll look like a milky mess with floating chocolate chips at this point-totally normal! Pro tip: If your slow cooker runs hot, give it a quick spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set it to LOW for 2 hours. Now, here's the secret: every 30 minutes, sneak a peek and give it a stir. You'll watch those chips slowly melt into the most luscious, velvety liquid. If you see any stubborn chocolate bits clinging to the sides, just nudge them into the pool. After 2 hours, it should be completely smooth-no lumps allowed!

Step 3: Add Festive Color

Time for the fun part! Dip a toothpick into your green gel food coloring and swirl it into the hot chocolate. Start with a little-you can always add more, but you can't take it out (learned that the hard way one very *electric* green year). Stir gently until you get that perfect Grinch green. Want it more minty? Add another drop of peppermint extract here, but taste as you go!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Switch the slow cooker to WARM and grab your mugs. For extra pizzazz, melt that reserved ¼ cup white chocolate with a tiny bit of oil, dip the rims, and roll them in crushed candy canes or sprinkles. Ladle in the hot chocolate, then go wild with toppings: a cloud of whipped cream, a handful of marshmallows, a sprinkle of... well, sprinkles! The candy hearts are optional, but they make me grin every time. Now hand out mugs and watch eyes light up!

Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate Variations

Okay, let's get creative! This recipe is like your favorite ugly Christmas sweater-it's fun to dress it up different ways. Here are some of my favorite twists:

Mint-Free Version

Not a fan of peppermint? No problem! Swap in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead-it'll taste like melted vanilla ice cream in mug form. For extra coziness, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. My neighbor swears by adding a tablespoon of caramel sauce too, and honestly? She's onto something.

Kid-Friendly Adjustments

If you're serving little ones (or just prefer less sweetness), use half the sweetened condensed milk and replace the rest with regular milk. Skip the food coloring if they're skeptical about green drinks-it'll still taste amazing! For picky eaters, blend it smooth before serving to ensure no tiny chocolate bits remain.

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping white chocolate for butterscotch chips (trust me, it's magical) or adding a shot of espresso for adults-only mocha vibes. The slow cooker is your holiday playground!

Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

Here's the beautiful thing about this hot chocolate-it practically takes care of itself! Once it's ready, just leave the slow cooker on WARM and it'll stay perfectly drinkable for hours. I like to set out a little toppings bar with all the garnishes so everyone can customize their mugs. Pro tip: Add marshmallows and whipped cream right before serving so they don't melt into oblivion.

Make-Ahead Tips

Hosting a big party? Mix everything except the food coloring the night before and stash it in the fridge. Next morning, dump it all in the slow cooker and add 30 extra minutes to the cook time since it's starting cold. Add the food coloring once it's hot-trust me, it blends way better in warm liquid.

Leftover Storage

If by some miracle you have leftovers (doesn't happen often in my house), pour the cooled hot chocolate into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or microwave, stirring often-the heavy cream can separate if it gets too hot too fast. A quick whisk fixes everything! The color might fade a bit, but a fresh drop of food coloring brings the Grinch vibes right back.

Helpful Notes for Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

Okay, let me save you from the mistakes I've made so you can be the hot chocolate hero of your holiday party! First up: scorching. If your slow cooker runs hot (mine's an overachiever), stir every 20 minutes instead of 30-those chocolate chips love to cling to the sides and burn. And speaking of chocolate, cheap white chips sometimes get grainy when melted. Splurge on the good stuff-it makes all the difference in that silky texture.

Need to go dairy-free? Swap the milk for almond or oat milk (the creamy kinds!), use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and grab vegan white chocolate chips. It won't be quite as rich, but still delicious! Oh, and if your food coloring isn't vibrant enough? Gel colors are your best friend-liquid ones dilute the flavor.

Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate FAQs

Got questions? I've got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this recipe-saving you from any holiday hot chocolate mishaps.

Can I Use Dark Chocolate?

You totally can, but fair warning-it'll taste more like a minty mocha than classic Grinch vibes. If you go this route, I'd use half dark and half white chocolate to keep some sweetness. The color will be more murky forest than vibrant green, so maybe call it "Grinch's Midnight Hot Chocolate" instead!

How to Adjust Thickness?

Too thin? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold milk, then whisk it into the hot chocolate and cook 10 more minutes. Too thick? Just stir in extra warm milk a splash at a time until it's perfect. I like mine almost pudding-like, but my sister waters hers down-no judgment here!

Can I Make This on the Stove?

Absolutely! Just use a heavy pot on low heat, stirring constantly until melted (about 15 minutes). But honestly? The slow cooker's hands-off magic is worth the extra time. Less babysitting = more cookie decorating time!

Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate

If there's one recipe that sums up everything I love about the holidays-easy, festive, and guaranteed to make people smile-it's this Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate. It's the kind of drink that turns ordinary December nights into something special, whether you're hosting a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day of holiday chaos. That first sip of creamy peppermint goodness? Pure comfort in a mug.

I'd love to hear how yours turns out! Did you go wild with the sprinkles? Add a sneaky shot of peppermint schnapps for the adults? Snap a photo of your green-and-gorgeous creation-I live for these little bursts of holiday cheer. Now go forth and spread some Grinch-approved warmth (the sweet, non-grinchy kind, of course)!