This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is going to knock your socks off. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and cream and it comes together easily in the slow cooker.
One of my favorite winter traditions is making my kiddos hot chocolate after they come in from playing in the snow. The huddle over their mugs with cheeks red from the cold, pile in the mini marshmallows, and grin in delight.
This is the easiest homemade hot chocolate recipe! Everything comes together perfectly and you are left with the best hot chocolate recipe. This makes a great Christmas morning drink, but honestly it is amazing all winter long.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients
This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate comes together with just six simple ingredients. Skip the hot cocoa packets, because this recipe is simple and so much better.
- Heavy cream: The key to making your hot chocolate extra creamy.
- Milk: I used skim, but any fat content milk will do. Whole milk will create an extra rich drink, but skim is what we keep on hand.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is often by the evaporated milk at the store so make sure to double check your label, they are not the same.
- Vanilla extract: This adds the perfect burst of vanilla flavor. Not too overpowering, but the right amount to add to the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate chips: You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or a combination.
- Cocoa powder
- Liquor: This is optional for a grown up version. You can see my recommendations below for good alcohol to add to hot chocolate.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Making Hot Chocolate in the crockpot only takes about five minutes of prep time and will result in a hot, creamy, indulgent beverage that is perfect for those cooler temperatures. Here is a brief overview of how easily this crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe comes together, for the full measurements and cooking time suggestions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Combine all ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to your crockpot, minus the alcohol if you are spiking your hot chocolate.
- Whisk to combine. Whisk the ingredients until the cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are mixed in.
- Cook. On low for three hours, stirring occasionally.
- Spike and serve. Add liquor if desired and serve.
Spiking Hot Chocolate
The best Hot Chocolate sometimes contains a boozy kick that enhances the creamy, decadent flavor. The reason we leave out the alcohol until you are ready to serve is that some of the alcohol will cook off and it’s also just not necessary to heat your alcohol up. The drink will be plenty warm without that being warmed. Also, it is a great way to keep this recipe for both kids and adults. See below for some liquor ideas to add to make spiked hot chocolate.
Options For Spike Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate mixes well with a large variety of liqueurs and spirits. Make this an adult beverage with any number of different types of alcohol. A few good options are: Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, Crème de Cocoa, Peppermint Schnapps, Godiva liqueur, RumChata, Fireball, Whiskey, or Bourbon.
How to Serve
Once your Crockpot Hot Chocolate is done and ready to enjoy, turn your slow cooker to the warm setting. Leave on warm for up to two hours. Serve your hot cocoa while it is warm in mugs. See the ideas below for how to garnish your Hot Chocolate and the best way to store any leftovers.
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
Tips and Variations
The best hot chocolate is good enough to enjoy as is or to be garnished with your favorite fixings. Set up a hot chocolate bar! Most of these ideas can be added to individual mugs to allow each person to make their mug of hot chocolate exactly how they like it. Here are a few ideas on how to spruce up your Crockpot Hot Chocolate.
- Top it off. Marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings all make delicious garnishes.
- Peppermint delight. Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla or add peppermint sticks or candy canes to each mug. I also love topping with peppermint andes baking chips!
- Caramel Sauce. Who doesn’t love caramel and chocolate together?
- Cinnamon Sticks. Cinnamon and chocolate go together so well! Offering your guests cinnamon sticks to stir in is easy and delicious.
- Make it spiked. See my recommendations above for the best alcohol for hot chocolate
- Add a shot of espresso to create a mocha hot chocolate. Instant espresso powder is great for this!
Chocolate Chips
I like to make this with milk chocolate chips, but it really is just a personal preference. Semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips will also work great I this recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Store your leftover hot chocolate in a covered pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Other Cozy Drinks
Grab your cozy blanket and snuggle up with one of these cozy cocktails.
If you try this Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe or any of my other cozy concoctions, leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (340.5 grams or 354.9 ml)
- 6 cups milk I used skim (1362 grams or 1419.5 ml)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (396 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (21 grams)
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a 6-quart crockpot.
- Whisk until cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are mixed well.
- Cook on low for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning, and allow all chocolate chips to melt.
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes
Debbie Sanders says
Great crockpot hot chocolate. Can you use dark chocolate chips?
Yes!
Mary says
Can u store hot chocolate in frige for a later time
Yes! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Sarah says
I love this easy recipe for homemade hot chocolate. I’ve been making it this way for a couple years, it’s very versatile. I’m thinking spiking it with Amaretto would also be amazing.