This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is super easy to make, with a rich, creamy texture and a velvety, deeply intense chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for parties and entertaining, it stays warm and ready to serve right out of the crockpot.
I originally published this recipe in 2024 and have since added additional success tips.
Best Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe
Homemade hot chocolate is easier than you think! It’s almost as simple as tearing open a packet of store-bought cocoa mix — but tastes a hundred times better. Just toss all the hot cocoa ingredients into your crockpot, give it a whisk every so often, and let it do its magic. Keep it warm in the crockpot for gift exchanges, holiday parties, snow days, or any cozy cold-weather gathering.
The result? A mega creamy, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey holiday hot chocolate drink that tastes like pure melted chocolate in a cup — true chocolate heaven.
Who says the crockpot is only for savory dishes?
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Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Milk – Whole milk gives homemade hot chocolate its signature creamy texture and rich flavor, though 1% or 2% milk can be used for a lighter version.
- Heavy cream – Adds thickness and a luxurious mouthfeel; while half-and-half works in a pinch, heavy cream delivers the ultimate creaminess.
- Cocoa powder – Natural unsweetened cocoa (like Hershey’s) provides deep chocolate flavor, though Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a smoother, slightly milder taste.
- Chocolate chips - For the most luxurious hot chocolate, I recommend using Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips. Nestle chocolate chips tends to be sweeter than Ghirardelli.
- Condensed milk – Brings both sweetness and an irresistibly creamy consistency, making the crock pot hot chocolate extra indulgent.
How to make hot chocolate in slow cooker?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
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Toppings for hot chocolate
Marshmallows and whipped cream are timeless classics, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Add a touch of flair with dark chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup, a pinch of sea salt, or crushed candy canes for a festive twist to the slow cooker hot cocoa.
Hosting a gathering? Create a cozy hot chocolate station by setting up your crockpot with a variety of toppings so guests can mix and match their favorites for a personalized cup of cocoa. It is especially perfect to serve along with your Christmas breakfast and brunch.
Storage
You can keep your homemade hot chocolate warm in the crockpot for up to 2 hours on the "keep warm" setting, making it easy to serve directly from the crock pot.
Leftover cocoa will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it in a microwave-safe mug in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's heated through.
Tips for Success
- Use good quality chocolate like Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Make sure to whisk your hot chocolate every 30 to 45 minutes, so the chocolate chips melt evenly and blend smoothly into the mixture — this prevents a big clump of melted chocolate from forming on the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade hot chocolate is always better with milk. It gives a richer, creamier texture and a more indulgent flavor that balances the cocoa’s bitterness. Whole milk makes it extra luxurious, while 2% milk offers a lighter option. Using water results in a thinner, less creamy drink — more like hot cocoa than true hot chocolate.
You’ll follow almost the same steps as usual. Start by heating 2 cups of milk in a large pot until hot. Whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved. Add the remaining milk and all other ingredients, then cook over medium heat. Whisk frequently to prevent the chocolate chips from sticking to the bottom or seizing. Continue cooking until the mixture is heated through and the chocolate is completely melted, about 20 minutes.
Hot cocoa and hot chocolate are different in ingredients and texture. Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water, so it’s lighter, thinner, and sweeter. Hot chocolate is made by melting real chocolate into milk, making it thicker, creamier, and richer with a smooth, velvety chocolate flavor.
More Holiday treats
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 7 cups whole milk divided (2% is OK)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half or whole milk is OK)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like to use Ghiradelli)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream or marshmallows to serve
Instructions
- Dissolve cocoa powder. Heat 2 cups of milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Pour into the slow cooker and then add the cocoa powder. Whisk until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved.
- Mix. Add the remaining 5 cups of milk, heavy cream, condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Give a good stir.
- Cook. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30–40 minutes. It’s important to stir regularly so the chocolate chips melt evenly and blend smoothly into the mixture — this prevents a big clump of melted chocolate from forming on the bottom.
- Serve. It’s ready when all the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is hot. Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.Store leftovers in the refrigerator and warm up on the stove or in the microwave.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Variations
Peppermint: Whisk ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the mixture when you add the vanilla extract. You might also love this small batch peppermint hot chocolate.
Alcohol: For an adult beverage, try adding some Kahlua or Peppermint Schnapps.
Caramel: Drizzle a little salted caramel on top of each serving.
Jessica Hall
It tastes good but my family thought it was a little too chocolatey and heavy. I think I will try again with more milk
Maria Doss
Sounds good! Happy New Year - Maria
Laura R
Very good but almost too creamy. Will make with 2% milk next time.
Maria Doss
Sounds good! Happy New Year - Maria