There’s something truly magical about a cup of warm, creamy hot chocolate that just wraps you up in coziness. This Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe adds a fun, festive twist with its bright green color and peppermint zing, making it the ultimate holiday treat you didn’t know you needed until now.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe—it’s like sipping a peppermint-flavored hug on a chilly day. The creamy white chocolate base combined with that festive green color always delights kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a crescendo of flavors and textures that’s just so fun.
- Rich, creamy texture: The combination of white chocolate, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk creates an ultra-silky, indulgent hot chocolate.
- Festive fun: The bright green color makes it instantly photo-worthy for your holiday gatherings or just to brighten a gloomy winter afternoon.
- Peppermint punch: The peppermint extract adds a refreshing coolness that balances out the richness perfectly.
- Easy slow cooker method: Set it, stir occasionally, and come back to a perfectly melted, no-fuss hot chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient plays a key role in delivering that signature taste and texture. I’m always particular about using quality white chocolate chips and real peppermint extract, because those little details make a huge difference in the final flavor.

- White chocolate chips: They melt smoothly to form the creamy base and can be used to decorate the mug rims for extra flair.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness while also lending a silky mouthfeel.
- Milk: Balances the creaminess and keeps the drink lighter than using cream alone.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the thickness, making the hot chocolate feel luxurious.
- Peppermint extract: Delivers that classic holiday mint flavor that refreshes the palate.
- Vegetable oil: Helps when melting white chocolate for the mug rims, giving it a smooth, glossy finish.
- Green gel food coloring: Gives this hot chocolate its iconic Grinch-green look without watering down the flavor.
- Mini marshmallows, whipped topping, sprinkles, candy heart: These fun garnishes add whimsy and texture, turning a simple drink into a festive celebration.
Make It Your Way
I love how adaptable this Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe is. You can go classic, keep it super vibrant and festive, or tone it down for a simple white chocolate peppermint drink. The peppermint level and garnishes are entirely up to you, so feel free to make it your own.
- Non-green version: Skip the green food coloring for a beautiful white hot chocolate that’s equally delicious and less “Grinchy.” I do this sometimes when I want a more subtle festive look.
- Use green candy melts: Instead of melting white chocolate and mixing in the food coloring, try green candy melts for perfect color and ease, especially if you want those mug rims bright and shiny.
- Vegan alternative: Swap in coconut milk, vegan white chocolate chips, and a dairy-free cream for a plant-based version—just watch the melting times.
- Extra peppermint kick: If you like it more minty, add a splash more peppermint extract, but do it gradually to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients and setting your slow cooker to low heat. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free. I always reserve a quarter cup of white chocolate chips for dipping the mug rims later — it’s a game-changer for presentation.
Step 2: Combine and Heat
Pour the milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and most of the white chocolate chips into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently and cook on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Be sure to stir frequently with a rubber spatula, scraping the sides and bottom to prevent any chocolate from sticking or burning. This slow melting method ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
Step 3: Color It Like the Grinch
Once the chocolate is fully melted, add green gel food coloring a little at a time. This part is fun because you can control how bright or muted your Grinch green ends up. I usually add a few drops, stir well, then add more until I get that perfect, vibrant green.
Step 4: Prepare Mug Rims
Microwave the reserved ¼ cup of white chocolate chips and vegetable oil at 50% power for one minute, then stir. Heat for another 30 seconds or until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate onto a plate, dip your mug rims in, and rotate gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles for Extra Cheer
Immediately after dipping the rims in chocolate, dip them into sprinkles. Move gently until the sprinkles stick all around. This adds that festive pop and prolongs the joyful theme well beyond the drink itself.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot chocolate into your beautifully rimmed mugs. Top each with mini marshmallows, a swirl of whipped topping, a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, and finish with a single red candy heart right on top. It’s those little touches that really make the Grinch Hot Chocolate come alive!
Top Tip
From personal experience, getting the temperature and timing right when melting white chocolate in the slow cooker is key. Too hot or too fast and it can seize up or stick. Slow, steady stirring is the secret to silky perfection every time.
- Patience is key: Stir every 15 minutes as the chocolate melts; this prevents scorching and ensures an even melt.
- Use gel food coloring: It’s more concentrated, so you get vibrant green without diluting the drink’s texture.
- Dip mugs slowly: When dipping mugs into melted chocolate and sprinkles, go slow to avoid drips and uneven coverage.
- Don’t skip the vegetable oil: It helps create a glossy, smooth chocolate rim that sticks well to sprinkles.
How to Serve Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
For me, the mini marshmallows and whipped topping are a must—who can resist that pillowy texture against rich, creamy chocolate? Sprinkles add the perfect dash of color and crunch, and the candy heart is a sweet finishing detail that sparks a smile every time.
Side Dishes
I often pair this hot chocolate with simple holiday cookies like gingerbread men or sugar cookies. The warmth and softness of the drink beautifully balance the spicy, crisp cookies. It’s like instant festive fireplace vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of plain mugs, I’ve used festive mason jars or clear glass cups so the green color shines through. For holiday parties, arranging a hot chocolate bar with various toppings lets guests customize their cups—always a hit! You can even use edible glitter for an extra magical sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Grinch Hot Chocolate stores beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the creamy chocolate.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen this hot chocolate myself often, you can freeze it in portions. Be aware that cream-based drinks may separate slightly after thawing, so give it a good whisk when reheating to bring it back together.
Reheating
I prefer reheating on the stove in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warm. The microwave works too—just do short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots or curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can melt the ingredients gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning the white chocolate. Just be patient to achieve the same creamy texture.
No worries! You can skip the green food coloring altogether for a classic white peppermint hot chocolate, or use green candy melts instead for vibrant color. Some people even add a little matcha powder for a natural green tint.
Melting it slowly in the slow cooker or microwave at reduced power helps a lot. Also, stirring frequently and adding a small amount of vegetable oil can create a smooth consistency and prevent clumping.
Yes! For dairy-free versions, swap milk and cream for coconut or almond milk, and use vegan white chocolate alternatives. Adjust cooking times and stirring to accommodate the different melting properties.
Final Thoughts
This Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe has become my go-to festive drink, especially when the weather turns cold and the holiday spirit kicks in. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a moment of joy and fun that I get to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to that perfect green cup of happiness, just like I do.
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Grinch Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate is a festive and creamy white hot chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings. Infused with peppermint and green food coloring, it's topped with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a candy heart for a fun and delicious seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips (reserve ¼ cup for rim)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 6 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green gel food coloring (6-10 inches or until desired shade)
Mug Rim Decoration
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil
- Sprinkles
Garnishes
- Mini marshmallows
- Whipped topping (can)
- Sprinkles
- Red candy hearts
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Set your Crockpot to low heat. Add milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and 12 ounces of white chocolate chips (reserving ¼ cup for rim decoration).
- Cook Hot Chocolate: Cook the mixture for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula to slowly melt the white chocolate and combine all ingredients.
- Add Green Coloring: Once the white chocolate has melted completely, add green gel food coloring gradually (6 to 10 inches on the gel tube) until the desired Grinch-green color is achieved.
- Melt White Chocolate for Rim: In a small bowl, microwave the reserved ¼ cup of white chocolate chips at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir in ½ teaspoon vegetable oil, then heat for an additional 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
- Decorate Mug Rims: Pour the melted white chocolate onto a plate. Dip the rims of mugs into the chocolate, slowly rotating to cover evenly. Immediately dip the chocolate-coated rims into sprinkles, gently turning until fully covered.
- Serve Hot Chocolate: Ladle the hot chocolate from the slow cooker into the prepared mugs.
- Add Garnishes: Top each mug with mini marshmallows, a dollop of whipped topping, additional sprinkles, and finish with a single red candy heart on top.
Notes
- Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a classic white hot chocolate without green coloring, simply omit the green gel.
- As an alternative to coloring white chocolate, use green candy melts for an easier approach.
- This recipe can be made ahead; store it chilled and reheat before serving. It will thicken when cold but returns to liquid when warmed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg







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