This crockpot hot chocolate is rich and creamy thanks to a slow simmer in the slow cooker. Holiday guests will love enjoying a cup of this cozy hot cocoa all winter long!
Looking for more cozy beverage recipes? Try favorites like white hot chocolate, snickerdoodle hot chocolate and serve it with a hot chocolate charcuterie board.
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Key Takeaways: Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
- Rich and creamy: Made with cocoa, chocolate and sweetened condensed milk for an extra creamy cup.
- Easy for a crowd: This crockpot hot chocolate makes a big batch, making it perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
- Stays warm: Keep it right in the slow cooker on warm so everyone can serve themselves throughout the party.
- Simple to make: Add everything to the crockpot, let it heat through and stir until smooth.
Why I Love This Easy, Creamy Recipe
I love making homemade hot chocolate and my kids love drinking it. A cup of this crockpot hot chocolate is rich, chocolatey, thick, and creamy – the perfect reason to come in from the cold.
Typically I’ll make smaller batches on the stove using my homemade hot chocolate mix, but when serving a larger crowd, this slow cooker hot chocolate is the way to go. This from scratch recipe is luscious and velvety with the best sweet chocolate flavor from sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
This is the perfect party drink! It is delicious and works great to have to hot and ready for the whole event. Awesome!
Recipe Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Milk: The milk liquids combined together have an amazing flavor. Use either 2% or whole milk depending on how creamy you would like.
- Heavy cream: Heavy whipping cream makes this easy crockpot hot chocolate recipe extra thick and creamy.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk is milk in its concentrated form (water removed) and has sugar added to it. If you don’t have any, you can increase the amount of cream or whole milk and add some granulated sugar instead.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: If possible, try to find a high-quality chocolate chips for best taste. Chopped up chocolate bar can also be used.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Add as much or as little as you need.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon will combine all the flavors together.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Add ingredients. Combine the milk, cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in a slow cooker over low heat. I do not recommend cooking on high heat.
- Cook and stir. Cook until the chocolate has melted, about 1 1/2 -2 hours. Stir a couple times during cooking. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon if desired.
- Crockpot magic. Turn to the warm setting until ready to serve. Stir and then ladle into glasses.
- Serve and add toppings. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. Serve while warm.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Tips and Variations
- Cook this easy crockpot hot chocolate on low rather than high heat. You don’t want the milk to boil or the chocolate to scorch.
- You can mostly let the slow cooker do the work, but whisk the hot chocolate a couple of times as it heats to keep everything smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt or cinnamon for an extra boost of flavor.
- Halve the recipe for a smaller group or double it for a larger crowd.
- Chocolate chips or a finely chopped high-quality chocolate bar will melt more easily and evenly.
- Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk, dark or white chocolate to change up the flavor.
- If the hot chocolate is too sweet, stir in about 1/2 cup additional milk until it tastes just right.
Party Tip
As the amount of hot chocolate in the crock pot lessens, it’ll be important to keep an eye on it so that your crockpot doesn’t get too hot so that it starts to burn the mixture. It’ll be easier to do with a smaller amount.
Favorite Toppings for Crockpot Hot Chocolate
While whipped cream and marshmallows are classic, when I am entertaining at Christmas, New Years or winter birthday parties I love to set out a few more fun topping ideas.
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon
- Caramel sauce
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Marshmallows
- Hot fudge
- Candy cane stir sticks
- Crushed peppermint candies
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe FAQs
Yes! This adds an extra step, but it works well. Heat and melt the hot chocolate ingredients on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker to keep warm. You can also continue to heat it gently on the stovetop and serve it straight from the pot.
Can I make crockpot hot chocolate ahead of time and keep it warm for a party?
Yes. Make it earlier in the day, then switch the slow cooker to the warm setting until you’re ready to serve. Stir it occasionally to keep the chocolate smooth and evenly mixed.
Can I make crockpot hot chocolate without sweetened condensed milk?
Yes. For a super easy version, use milk and hot cocoa powder, following the amounts listed on the hot cocoa container. Add everything to the slow cooker and heat on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I double this crockpot hot chocolate recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything comfortably. Leave enough room at the top so you can stir the hot chocolate without it spilling over.
Serve hot chocolate with a cookie! Try gingerbread man cookies, green grinch cookies, or easy chocolate crinkle cookies.
More Festive Holiday Drinks
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk , 2% or whole
- ½ pint heavy cream
- 6 ounces sweetened condensed milk , 1/2 can
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips , or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder , more to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: Pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon, mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine in crock pot. Combine 6 cups milk, 1/2 pint heavy cream, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 6 ounces sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a slow cooker over low heat. I do not recommend cooking on high heat.
- Slow cook on low. Cook until the chocolate has melted, about 1 1/2 -2 hours. Stir a couple times during cooking. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon if desired.
- Turn to warm setting and serve. Turn to the warm setting until ready to serve. Stir and then ladle into glasses. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. Serve while warm.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Glori
Serving size ???
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Hi Glori, at the bottom of the recipe card is a button that says nutritional information, when you click that you will see it says 1 cup. Enjoy!
Diane
What size crockpot did you use? I need at least 40 servings so I was going to double the recipe and need to make sure it will all fit in my crockpot.
Thank you!
Jamielyn Nye
I used a 3 quart. A 6 quart would work well for doubling the recipe :)
Arlene
Did you get 40 servings by doubling? Thanks!
I Heart Naptime Community
Yes, if you double you can get about 40 servings :)
Heather Veldman
This is amazing!! Fun treat for the family on a snowy day 💗
I Heart Naptime
Yes, exactly! I’m glad your fam enjoyed it :)
wilhelmina
This is the perfect party drink! It is delicious and works great to have to hot and ready for the whole event. Awesome!
I Heart Naptime
I’m so glad it was a hit!
Ashley
This is going to be on repeat all winter long! So perfect for those cold days playing outside in the snow.
I Heart Naptime
Yes exactly! Enjoy :)
Allyssa
This tasted so amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this super easy to make chocolate recipe! Fam really loves it! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!