Warm, creamy, and decadently rich, this easy crockpot hot chocolate is the perfect drink for cozy winter evenings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, this indulgent treat is sure to delight everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients in a crockpot and let it do all the work.
- Creamy and Decadent: The slow cooking process creates a velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Great for serving a crowd at holiday parties or family get-togethers.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or flavors to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cocoa powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Stir and Serve: Once the hot chocolate is fully heated and smooth, stir well before serving.
- Add Toppings: Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add a cinnamon stick, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract or garnish with crushed candy canes.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce into the crockpot and top with a sprinkle of sea salt for a luxurious flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the milk and cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee for a coffeehouse-style drink.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but it will result in a sweeter drink. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the hot chocolate in the crockpot and keep it on the “warm” setting for a few hours until ready to serve.
How do I prevent the chocolate from clumping?
Whisk the ingredients well before cooking and stir occasionally during the cooking process.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use a larger crockpot if needed.
Can I use hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, but reduce or omit the sweetened condensed milk as most hot cocoa mixes already contain sugar.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt smoothly and provide a balanced flavor, but you can use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter option.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, combine the ingredients in a large pot and heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until fully melted and heated through.
Is it okay to leave the hot chocolate in the crockpot for longer?
Yes, use the “warm” setting to keep it hot for up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
What can I serve with this hot chocolate?
Pair it with cookies, biscotti, or slices of pound cake for a delicious accompaniment.
How can I make it less rich?
Use 2% milk instead of whole milk or reduce the amount of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot hot chocolate is a luxurious and comforting drink that brings everyone together during the holiday season. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, and the slow cooker ensures a hassle-free preparation. Whether you customize it with toppings or enjoy it as is, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Whip up a batch today and savor the warmth and joy of homemade hot chocolate!
Print
Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate is rich, creamy, and perfect for warming up on chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is great for holiday gatherings, family movie nights, or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
- In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Hot Chocolate:
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
- Stir and Serve:
- Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, stir well. Ladle into mugs and add your favorite toppings.
- Keep Warm (Optional):
- If serving over time, switch the crockpot to the “keep warm” setting and stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use 2% milk or almond milk.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract or cinnamon for a festive twist.
- This recipe serves about 8 cups but can be doubled or halved as needed.