Description
Craving the creamy, chocolatey-peanut butter decadence of a frozen hot chocolate but looking for a warm, cozy twist? Say hello to Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate! This indulgent recipe reimagines the icy treat as a rich, slow-cooked beverage, featuring a velvety chocolate base infused with creamy peanut butter and studded with mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, peanut butter drizzle, and extra Reese’s for a touch of crunch.
Ingredients
For the Hot Chocolate
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Chocolate Milk (2 cups): Provides a creamy, chocolatey base.
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Substitution: Whole milk + 2 tbsp cocoa powder or plant-based chocolate milk.
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Hot Chocolate Mix (4 packets, about 1 oz each): Enhances chocolate flavor.
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Substitution: ½ cup cocoa powder + ⅓ cup sugar + pinch of salt.
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Mini Peanut Butter Cups (½ cup, about 10 miniature Reese’s, chopped): Adds peanut butter bursts.
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Substitution: Peanut butter chips or chopped peanut butter candy bars.
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Creamy Peanut Butter (¼ cup): Infuses rich peanut butter flavor.
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Substitution: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter (flavor will vary).
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For Garnish
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Whipped Cream: Adds creamy lightness.
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Substitution: Whipped coconut cream or pre-made whipped topping.
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Hot Fudge Sauce: Provides a rich drizzle.
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Substitution: Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate.
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Creamy Peanut Butter (for drizzle): Enhances peanut butter flavor.
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Substitution: Melted peanut butter chips or omit.
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Mini Peanut Butter Cups (chopped, for sprinkling): Adds crunch.
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Substitution: Same as above.
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Why They’re Important: The chocolate milk and hot chocolate mix create a rich, velvety base, while the peanut butter and Reese’s cups deliver the signature nutty sweetness. The garnishes—whipped cream, hot fudge, and extra Reese’s—elevate the drink to a decadent, café-style treat, making each sip a nostalgic delight.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Chocolate Base
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups chocolate milk, 4 packets hot chocolate mix, and ¼ cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and fully combined.
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Chop ½ cup mini peanut butter cups (about 10 miniature Reese’s) into small pieces and stir them into the mixture.
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Tip: Warm the peanut butter slightly (10 seconds in the microwave) for easier mixing. Whisk thoroughly to dissolve hot chocolate mix. Chop Reese’s finely for even distribution.
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Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker
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Pour the hot chocolate mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
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Stir gently to ensure the peanut butter cups are evenly distributed.
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Tip: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Stir lightly to avoid clumping of peanut butter or chocolate mix.
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Step 3: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on low for 1.5-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even heating and to prevent settling of the peanut butter or chocolate.
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Check the temperature after 1.5 hours; the hot chocolate should be steaming but not boiling (about 160-180°F). If too cool, continue cooking in 15-minute increments.
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Tip: Stirring prevents a skin from forming and ensures a smooth texture. Keep the lid on between stirs to maintain heat. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model.
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Step 4: Prepare the Garnishes
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If using homemade whipped cream, whip ½ cup heavy cream with 1 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
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Warm 2-3 tbsp hot fudge sauce in the microwave (10-15 seconds) for easy drizzling.
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Warm 1-2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (10 seconds in the microwave) and transfer to a small piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for drizzling.
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Chop additional mini peanut butter cups (about ¼ cup) for sprinkling.
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Tip: Prepare garnishes just before serving for freshness. Keep whipped cream chilled to maintain texture. Use a small piping bag for precise peanut butter drizzles.
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Step 5: Serve
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Turn off the slow cooker and ladle the hot chocolate into 4-6 mugs (about ¾ cup per serving).
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Top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream (about 2 tbsp), a drizzle of hot fudge sauce (1 tsp), a drizzle of warmed peanut butter (½ tsp), and a sprinkle of chopped mini peanut butter cups (1-2 tsp).
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Serve immediately while warm for a cozy, indulgent experience. Pair with a stirring spoon or straw for easy sipping and to mix in the garnishes.
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Tip: Serve in insulated mugs to keep the hot chocolate warm. Drizzle garnishes in a zigzag for a café-style look. Offer extra Reese’s or fudge sauce on the side for customization.
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