Rich and Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

This recipe for Rich and Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate way to serve a warm, decadent treat to a crowd with minimal effort. This easy “set it and forget it” recipe combines rich chocolate, milk, and cream in a slow cooker, letting it gently heat and meld into the most velvety smooth and deeply flavorful hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted. It’s perfect for holiday parties, chilly evenings, or any time you need a comforting, large-batch beverage.

Forget the powdered mixes; this homemade version is incredibly luxurious and simple to prepare. Just dump the ingredients, stir, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Your home will smell amazing, and your guests will be thrilled with this cozy, indulgent drink.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a Crowd: Easily serves a large group, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
• Incredibly Easy: A simple “dump and stir” recipe that lets the slow cooker do all the work.
• Rich & Decadent: Far superior to powdered mixes, with a deep chocolate flavor and velvety texture.
• Keeps Warm: The slow cooker keeps the hot chocolate at the perfect serving temperature for hours.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Whole Milk
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt
• Optional Toppings: Marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In the basin of a large slow cooker (at least 6-quart), whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the cocoa powder is mostly incorporated.
2. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally (every 30-45 minutes), until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is hot and smooth. Do not let it boil.
3. Keep Warm: Once the hot chocolate is ready, turn the slow cooker setting to “Keep Warm.”
4. Serve: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and serve with your favorite toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: Stirring occasionally is important, especially during the first hour, to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick or scorch on the bottom.
• Different Chocolate: For a richer, deeper flavor, use bittersweet chocolate chips. For a milder version, use milk chocolate chips (you may want to reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly if using milk chocolate).
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker for a warming, spiced version.
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this dairy-free?
  • Yes. Use a combination of full-fat canned coconut milk and your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) in place of the milk and cream. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk.
• How long will it stay warm in the slow cooker?
  • On the “Keep Warm” setting, the hot chocolate will stay at a perfect serving temperature for 2-3 hours. Stir it occasionally.
• How do I store leftovers?
  • Let the hot chocolate cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Set up a fun hot chocolate bar next to your slow cooker! Provide mugs and a variety of toppings like mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, crushed peppermints, cinnamon sticks, and festive sprinkles so guests can customize their own perfect cup.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

This rich and creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink for winter! Made with milk, cream, cocoa, and chocolate chips, it’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any cold day when you want a warm homemade treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Beverage, Drink

Cuisine: American

Calories: 259

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 5 cups whole milk
• 16 oz heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• Optional Toppings
• whipped cream
• mini marshmallows
• crushed peppermint or shaved chocolate

Equipment

• Crock pot or slow cooker
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving mugs

Method

 

1. Add milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt to the crock pot. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
2. Stir in the milk chocolate chips and whisk again to distribute evenly.
3. Set the crock pot to LOW and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth.
4. Give the mixture a final whisk to ensure everything is well combined and smooth before serving.
5. Keep on the WARM setting for serving. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute 3 cans full-fat coconut milk, 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk, ¼ cup + 2 tbsp cocoa powder, ½ cup + 2 tbsp coconut sugar, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ⅓ cup dairy-free chocolate chips. Follow the same instructions.
Serving Tip: Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or shaved chocolate for a festive touch.
Storage: Keep on ‘Warm’ in the crock pot for up to 3 hours, or refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.