Make this Crockpot Hot Chocolate if you need the ultimate holiday drink – rich, creamy, and so simple to make! It’s always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cozy Christmas gatherings or festive celebrations, it fills the room with cheer and warms everyone up.
Just add the ingredients to a slow cooker, and let the magic happen!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect for holiday parties: I love how easy this recipe is to bring to a Christmas gathering – it stays warm in the crockpot, so everyone can help themselves during a party.
- Rich and creamy like no other: The combo of milk, cream, and two kinds of chocolate makes this the most decadent hot chocolate ever—it’s always a hit with my kids and the adults, too!
- Effortless to make: As a busy mom, I’m all about recipes that don’t require constant attention. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and it practically makes itself!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Whole milk: Whole milk gives my hot chocolate recipe that perfect creamy texture everyone loves. You can use 2% milk if that’s what you have on hand, but the richness won’t be the same. I’d skip skim milk altogether – it tends to make the drink feel too thin and watery, which is a bit of a letdown.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is the secret to the super smooth, velvety finish that makes this hot chocolate feel like a treat. If you want something a little lighter, half-and-half is a good option, but it won’t be quite as thick or luxurious. For the best results, stick with the cream!
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes the hot chocolate extra smooth and perfectly sweet without needing to worry about any leftover grittiness from granulated sugar. If you’re out of it, you can mix in a few tablespoons of sugar and a little extra cream instead – it won’t be exactly the same, but it still works in a pinch.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a warm, cozy flavor that really brings out the chocolate. If you want to mix things up, try peppermint extract for a holiday twist or even a splash of almond extract for something a little different.
- Semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips: Using both types of chocolate gives the perfect mix of deep, rich flavor and creamy sweetness. If you like a darker, more intense chocolate, go with dark chocolate chips instead. Prefer something sweeter? Use all milk chocolate – it’s all about what you love!
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch of salt goes a long way in balancing the sweetness and making the chocolate flavor pop. It might not seem like much, but trust me: It makes a difference, so I highly recommend you don’t skip it if you can!
How to make hot chocolate in the slow cooker
Making Crockpot Hot Chocolate is as easy as it gets, and it’s one of those recipes where the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you!
Step 1: Combine the ingredients: Grab your 5-quart crockpot and pour in 6 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
This step is key to making sure all the flavors blend beautifully later. Now, stir in 1 cup semi-sweet and 1 cup milk chocolate chips. They’ll look like they’re just hanging out on top, but don’t worry – they’ll melt perfectly as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the hot chocolate: Set your crockpot to LOW, pop the lid on, and let it work its magic for about two hours.
Every now and then, give it a stir to help the chocolate melt evenly and to sneak a peek at how creamy it’s getting. The smell alone will have everyone asking when it’s ready – I speak from experience!
Step 3: Whisk and serve: Once the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture looks smooth and luscious, give it a good whisk to make sure everything is fully combined.
Then, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, top it with whatever you love – whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or even a candy cane – and serve it up!
This recipe is perfect for sharing at a holiday party or just cozying up at home with the family. I promise, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Top tips for recipe success
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of the hot chocolate really depends on the chocolate chips you use. Go for good-quality semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for the best taste. Cheap chocolate can sometimes taste waxy or too sweet, or fail to melt.
- Don’t skip the salt: It may seem like a tiny thing, but that pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference!
- Whisk before serving: Once the chocolate has melted, whisk the mixture well to ensure it’s smooth and creamy. This step makes the hot chocolate extra luscious and ensures everything is evenly combined.
- Stir occasionally while cooking: Give the hot chocolate a stir every 30 minutes or so while it’s in the crockpot. This helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents it from settling at the bottom.
- Keep it warm for serving: If you’re serving this at a party, leave the crockpot on the WARM setting after the cooking time is done, for up to 2 hours. It keeps the hot chocolate at the perfect temperature without overcooking it.
- Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a little extra sweetened condensed milk or a spoonful of sugar to taste. Likewise, if you like it less sweet, use more semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Prep your toppings ahead of time: Whether it’s whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes, having everything ready to go makes serving a breeze. It also makes the hot chocolate feel extra special and festive!
- Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re making this for a large group, it’s easy to double the ingredients. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to handle the extra volume!
Helpful recipe hints
Recipe variations
There are so many fun ways to change up this Crockpot Hot Chocolate – here are a few ideas to try!
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: I like to swap the vanilla extract for peppermint extract and sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top for a festive holiday vibe. It’s a huge hit with my kids!
- Dark Chocolate Delight: If you’re a dark chocolate fan, try using all dark chocolate chips instead of the semi-sweet and milk chocolate mix. It makes the hot chocolate richer and more intense – so good for true chocolate lovers.
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce to the crockpot and a tiny pinch of sea salt to each mug makes this feel so fancy. My favorite topping for this version is whipped cream with a little extra caramel on top.
- Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate: I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and just a pinch of cayenne pepper for a cozy, warming twist. It’s not too spicy – just enough to make the chocolate even more interesting.
- White Chocolate Dream: If you’re in the mood for something different, replace the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. It’s sweet and creamy and feels extra special.
- Grown-Up Hot Chocolate: For an adults-only version, add a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps to individual mugs. It’s a cozy way to end a holiday gathering!
Storage tips
If you have any leftover hot chocolate (rare in my house!), let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot, whisking to bring back that creamy texture.
Serving ideas
- Holiday party showstopper: Keep it warm in the crockpot and set up a hot chocolate bar with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, and cinnamon sticks. Guests can customize their drinks, and it’s always a hit!
- Cookie decorating party: Pair this hot chocolate with sugar cookies and all the toppings – frosting, sprinkles, and more. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone warm and happy while they get creative with their cookie designs.
- Winter wonderland playdate: After some outdoor fun in the cold, invite everyone inside for mugs of hot chocolate and a simple snack like my Soft Gingerbread Cookies. It’s a great way to warm up and keep the kids entertained.
- New Year’s Eve toast: For a non-alcoholic option, serve this hot chocolate in fancy mugs or glasses with a touch of edible glitter or gold sprinkles. It’s festive, fun, and a perfect way for kids to toast to the new year!
More festive drinks
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine: Add 6 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1 pinch salt to a 5 quart crockpot and whisk until well combined. Stir through 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup milk chocolate chips.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring from time to time, until chocolate is fully melted and combined.
- Serve: Whisk thoroughly, then serve in mugs with toppings of choice.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Whole milk: Best for a creamy texture; 2% works, but avoid skim milk.
- Heavy cream: Key for velvety richness; swap with half-and-half if needed.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and smoothness; substitute with sugar and extra cream if unavailable.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor; may use peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Chocolate chips: Mix semi-sweet and milk chocolate for balance; dark chocolate for a richer flavor, all milk chocolate for sweeter.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and boosts chocolate flavor!
Recipe tips
- Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the flavor.
- Whisk before serving: Ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Stir while cooking: Prevents chocolate from settling at the bottom.
- Keep it warm: Use the WARM setting for up to 2 hours to serve hot chocolate at parties.
- Customize sweetness: Add extra sugar for sweeter or use dark chocolate for less sweet.
Storage tips
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat on the stove or microwave, whisking to smooth it out.
Comments
No Comments