Easy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe creates a rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth hot chocolate perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday moments. It’s designed to warm you up and satisfy chocolate cravings with ease, using simple ingredients and slow cooker magic to deliver comforting indulgence in every sip.

I first made this during a chilly winter evening and was surprised at how effortlessly it turned out silky and chocolatey. Now it’s a go-to when friends come over for movie night or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: essential for deep chocolate flavor choose a good quality brand like Hershey’s for reliable taste
• Sweetened condensed milk: the only sweetener in this recipe it creates a creamy sweetness so be sure to get the sweetened kind not evaporated milk
• Whole milk: contributes richness and fullness essential for that classic hot chocolate feel opt for fresh whole milk for best results
• Heavy whipping cream: adds extra creaminess and smoothness upgrading the drink’s texture feel free to substitute half and half but cream is king here
• Vanilla extract: provides subtle warmth and fragrance enhancing all the chocolate notes don’t skip this step
• Semisweet chocolate chips: balances sweetness and chocolate intensity using semisweet keeps the flavor perfect you can use milk or dark but be prepared for a taste change
• Mini marshmallows: purely for topping adding a nostalgic and fun finishing touch they melt slightly into the hot drink for extra delight

Instructions

Shooting the Cocoa Milk:

Warm one cup of whole milk in the microwave or on the stove until nearly boiling but not scalding. Whisk in the cocoa powder thoroughly to eliminate lumps creating a smooth cocoa milk base.

Combining the Ingredients:

In a large slow cooker of at least four quarts, add the sweetened condensed milk, remaining whole milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and semisweet chocolate chips carefully pour in the warm cocoa milk and gently stir to begin melding the flavors.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the mixture cook for approximately two hours stirring occasionally but vigorously to ensure the chocolate chips melt evenly and fully incorporate into the creamy mixture. The stirring also helps prevent scorching or clumping.

Serving the Hot Chocolate:

Once all the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is piping hot and smooth, ladle into mugs. Top generously with mini marshmallows or whipped cream plus a candy cane if you like for a festive touch.

My favorite ingredient here has to be the sweetened condensed milk. It brings such rich sweetness and creaminess unlike any other sweetener. I remember making this for a holiday gathering and watching the kids’ faces light up when I ladled their mugs full this soon became a heartwarming tradition in our home.

Storage Tips

Store leftover hot chocolate in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to three days. When reheating use a microwave-safe mug and heat in 30 second bursts stirring in between to keep it smooth. Avoid boiling to maintain that creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter version swap heavy whipping cream for half and half or whole milk but understand the drink will be less rich. For dairy-free options, use coconut milk or almond milk along with a suitable dairy-free cream substitute. Dark chocolate chips can replace semisweet if you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with holiday cookies or warm cinnamon rolls. Add a splash of peppermint extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a festive twist. For adult guests, consider stirring in a shot of Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, or Rum Chata after cooking for a grown-up version.

Serve warm topped with marshmallows or whipped cream for a cozy, festive treat. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Is milk better than water for hot chocolate?

Milk provides a richer, creamier texture and deeper chocolate flavor compared to water, which results in a more indulgent drink.

→ Can this be made on the stovetop instead?

Yes, gently heat the ingredients on medium heat while whisking often to prevent the chocolate from sticking or burning.

→ What distinguishes hot chocolate from hot cocoa?

Hot chocolate uses real melted chocolate and cream, while hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder and tends to have a lighter body.

→ What ingredients create the creamy texture?

Heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk combine to give the drink its smooth, velvety feel.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep leftover hot chocolate covered in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently in short increments to preserve creaminess.

→ Are there flavor variations to try?

Adding peppermint extract or a splash of liqueurs like Kahlua or Peppermint Schnapps can create festive, adult-friendly twists.