Slow cooker hot chocolate is a rich, velvety drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this indulgent drink is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up for other tasks.
- Luxuriously Creamy: Slow cooking creates an incredibly smooth and creamy texture.
- Perfect for Crowds: Ideal for serving at parties or family get-togethers.
- Customizable: Add your favorite flavors or toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on the low setting for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
- Stir and Serve: Once the hot chocolate is fully heated and creamy, stir well before serving.
- Add Toppings: Ladle into mugs and garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Spiced Chocolate: Stir in a cinnamon stick, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or nutmeg for a Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce into the slow cooker and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add a cup of brewed coffee for a caffeinated treat.
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 or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but it will result in a sweeter drink. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker if needed.
How do I prevent the chocolate from clumping?
Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and doesn’t stick to the sides.
Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in the slow cooker and keep it on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide the best balance of flavor, but you can use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, combine the ingredients in a large pot and heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until fully melted and smooth.
How can I make this less rich?
Substitute 2% milk for whole milk or reduce the amount of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Can I add alcohol to this hot chocolate?
Yes, for an adult version, stir in a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps before serving.
What can I serve with this hot chocolate?
Pair it with cookies, biscotti, or slices of pound cake for a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Slow cooker hot chocolate is the ultimate winter indulgence—creamy, rich, and effortlessly prepared. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, it’s a versatile recipe that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings, and enjoy a warm cup of happiness with minimal effort. Whip up a batch today and savor the magic of homemade hot chocolate!
Print
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: 2–3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is luxuriously rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cold winter nights, or special occasions, it’s a comforting treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed candy canes
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and salt into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Serve:
- Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, ladle into mugs and top with your favorite garnishes.
- Keep Warm (Optional):
- Set the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting to serve over a longer period. Stir occasionally to maintain a creamy consistency.
Notes
- Make it festive: Add a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist or cinnamon for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.