Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

 

Decadent Crockpot Hot Chocolate: The Easiest Way to Serve a Crowd

When the air turns crisp and you need a warm, comforting hug in a mug, nothing beats homemade hot chocolate. But what if you need enough for a holiday party, a cozy movie night, or a snowy weekend? Enter the Crockpot Hot Chocolate!

This recipe takes minimal effort and delivers maximum indulgence. It's rich, creamy, and keeps perfectly warm for hours, making it the ultimate hands-off beverage for entertaining. Forget those powdered mixes—this is the real deal!

The Recipe: Rich & Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This recipe is designed for a standard 5-6 quart slow cooker and serves approximately 10-12 people (about 8-ounce servings).

Preparation Time	Cook Time (Low)	Total Time	Servings
5 minutes	2 - 3 hours	2 hours 5 mins - 3 hours 5 mins	10 - 12

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Milk	6 cups	Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but 2% works well too.
Heavy Whipping Cream	$1\frac{1}{2}$ cups	This is the secret to ultimate creaminess!
Sweetened Condensed Milk	1 (14-ounce) can	Adds sweetness and thickens the hot chocolate. Not evaporated milk.
Chocolate Chips	2 cups	Use high-quality milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips, or a mix of both.
Vanilla Extract	$1\frac{1}{2}$ teaspoons	Enhances the overall flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder	$\frac{1}{4}$ cup	Optional, for an extra depth of chocolate flavor.
Pinch of Salt	$\frac{1}{4}$ teaspoon	Optional, helps balance and enhance the sweetness.

Equipment

• 5-6 quart slow cooker (Crockpot)

• Whisk

• Ladle

• Pro Tips & Variations

  For the Best Texture

  • Stirring is Key: Stir the hot chocolate every 30-45 minutes during the cooking process. This prevents the chocolate from scorching on the bottom of the pot and helps it melt evenly for a velvety smooth finish.

  • The "Warm" Setting: Once the hot chocolate is fully melted and hot, switch it to the "Keep Warm" setting. It can be held safely on this setting for up to 4 hours, making it perfect for parties!

  Flavor & Topping Bar Ideas

  Turn your hot chocolate into a customizable experience with a fun topping bar!

  • Classic Toppings:

    • Whipped Cream

    • Mini Marshmallows or Marshmallow Fluff

    • Shaved or grated Chocolate

    • Cinnamon Sticks

  • Festive Flavors (Stir In):

    • Peppermint: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract when you add the vanilla. Top with crushed candy canes.

    • Mocha: Stir in a few shots of espresso or 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the mix.

    • Salted Caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of sea salt.

    • Spiced: Add $\frac{1}{2}$ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Mexican Hot Chocolate twist.

  • Adult Upgrade (Spiked): For a grown-up beverage, offer a side-bar of liqueurs for guests to add to their mugs. Popular choices include:

    • Irish Cream (like Baileys)

    • Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)

    • Peppermint Schnapps

    • Brandy or Rum

    • WV

    • Storing and Reheating

      • Storage: Let the hot chocolate cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

      • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until warm, or use your microwave in short intervals, whisking in between. You may need to add a splash of extra milk to thin it out if it has thickened too much in the fridge.