Picture the sweetest, most whimsical hot chocolate you’ve ever seen, topped with a floating marshmallow Peep that slowly melts into a cloud of pastel perfection. This Peeps hot chocolate turns the classic comforting drink into a magical spring treat that’ll have your kids squealing with delight.
I accidentally stumbled upon this idea when it dawned on me that putting Peeps in hot chocolate would be adorable, fun, and delicious. To make it even better, why make the hot cocoa a pretty pastel Peeps color, too? The result was an instant hit that’s now become our annual spring tradition.
What makes this drink special isn’t just its Instagram-worthy appearance. The Peep actually serves a dual purpose: as it slowly melts, it adds an extra layer of marshmallowy sweetness to your hot chocolate, creating a creamy texture that’s impossible to achieve with regular marshmallows.
If you’re worried about it being too sugary, I get it – this is a sweet drink! But it is a special indulgence, not an everyday beverage, which is fine with me. Honestly, some of the mocha lattes I get at Starbucks are just as sugary!
It is easy to make in the slow cooker, so it is perfect for Easter brunch or spring gatherings with friends and family. You can customize the colors to match your Easter décor or let each family member pick their favorite Peep color.
I’ll show you exactly how to create this springtime magic in your own kitchen, along with all my best tips and tricks. This creative hot cocoa recipe will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Looking for more treats inspired by colorful Peeps marshmallow bunnies and chicks? Try Peeps sugar cookies, Peepsicles, or lemon Peeps pie.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- White Baking Chips: For the smoothest results, Use high-quality white chocolate baking chips like Ghirardelli. White chocolate chips from the baking aisle will work, but they don’t melt quite as nicely.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the richest taste, but I’ve also made it with 2% when that’s what I had in the fridge.
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Marshmallow Creme
- Pink Food Coloring: This is totally optional, but it makes the hot chocolate look extra festive.
- Peeps
- Mini Marshmallows
How to Make Peeps Hot Chocolate
- Add your white baking chips, milk, heavy cream, and marshmallow creme to the slow cooker. Don’t worry if the marshmallow creme sits on top – it will melt in as it cooks.
- Set your slow cooker to low heat. This is important – using high heat could scorch the chocolate.
- Let it cook for 3 hours, stirring every hour or so. Stirring helps everything melt together smoothly and prevents any scorching on the bottom.
- Once the cooking time is up, add a few drops of pink food coloring if you’re using it. Start with just a little – you can always add more to get your desired shade of pink. Stir to make sure it’s well combined, and the color is even.
- Ladle into mugs and top each serving with a Peep and a sprinkle of mini marshmallows.
Serving Ideas
This creamy Peeps hot chocolate is perfect for so many occasions! Easter is a spring holiday, but here in upstate NY, it is often still cold and sometimes even snowy. So, a warm and creamy drink is always a hit.
If you’re serving this at a party, you can keep it in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours. Just stir occasionally to prevent skin from forming on top.
Here are some other serving ideas:
- Set up a hot chocolate bar with different-colored Peeps (the yellow chicks are classic, but the pink bunnies are adorable, too!).
- Pour it into clear mugs to showcase that gorgeous pink color, and it’s totally Instagram-worthy.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream before placing the Peeps in the hot chocolate for extra decadence.
- Serve it at Easter brunch alongside some fresh pastries.
- For an extra special touch, rim your mugs with colored sugar that matches your Peeps.
How to Store
While this hot chocolate is best served fresh and warm, you can store leftovers for later. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you are ready to reheat it, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until warm. You can also reheat larger portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
Don’t add the Peeps or mini marshmallows until you’re ready to serve. Storing it with the marshmallows on top creates a sticky mess.
Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- I use my 6-quart cooker for this recipe, but a 4-quart would work too.
- Only use low heat for this recipe!
- Stir every 45-60 minutes during cooking to prevent the white chocolate from sticking to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Use high-quality white baking chips for the smoothest result. I’ve found that cheaper varieties can sometimes become grainy.
- If your hot chocolate seems too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- For an extra creamy drink, use whole milk instead of reduced-fat varieties.
- The marshmallow creme might look lumpy initially, but it’ll smooth out as it heats up.
Reader Questions
Yes! You can make this hot chocolate and keep it warm in your slow cooker for up to 4 hours. Just give it a good stir every now and then. If you need to store it, let it cool completely and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
While you could use milk or dark chocolate, it wouldn’t give you that signature Peeps pink color or the Peeps flavor we’re going for. White chocolate really is best for this recipe.
Too thick? Add a splash of warm milk and stir well. Too thin? Mix in some additional melted white chocolate chips. Remember, it will thicken as it cools.
Of course! You can halve all the ingredients and use a smaller slow cooker. The cooking time will remain the same.
Not at all! You can skip it entirely for a white hot chocolate or use different colors to match various holiday Peeps. We’ve made it green for St. Patrick’s Day and orange for Halloween!
Yes, but I prefer the slow cooker method because it’s more hands-off. If using the stovetop, heat everything over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth and hot (about 15-20 minutes).
You can substitute about 2 cups of mini marshmallows. They’ll melt into the hot chocolate as it warms, but the consistency might be slightly different.
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Peeps Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces white baking chips
- 5 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 container marshmallow creme 7 ounces
- Pink food coloring optional
- Peeps and mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Combine the baking chips, milk, whipping cream, and marshmallow creme in the bowl of a slow cooker.12 ounces white baking chips, 5 cups milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 container marshmallow creme
- Cook on low for three hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the pink food coloring and stir to mix before serving.Pink food coloring
- Serve with a Peep and mini marshmallows on top.Peeps and mini marshmallows for topping
Notes
- I use my 6-quart cooker for this recipe, but a 4-quart would work too.
- Only use low heat for this recipe!
- Stir every 45-60 minutes during cooking to prevent the white chocolate from sticking to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Use high-quality white baking chips for the smoothest result. I’ve found that cheaper varieties can sometimes become grainy.
- If your hot chocolate seems too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- The marshmallow creme might look lumpy initially, but it’ll smooth out as it heats up.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
