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 straight from the crockpot.
The crockpot isn't just for savory dishes—it can also create a rich, decadent hot chocolate that's incredibly easy to prepare. Make a large batch perfect for holiday parties, and enjoy the convenience of keeping it warm for hours so guests can indulge throughout the night.
This slow cooker hot chocolate is unbelievably creamy, ultra-chocolatey, and rich—it's pure chocolate heaven. Just like our peppermint hot chocolate, the blend of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates a luxuriously smooth, decadent flavor that's both indulgent and irresistible.
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Why you'll love this?
- Rich and luxurious
- Velvety consistency
- Undeniably chocolatey
- 1000 times better than the storebought packets
- Perfect for parties
- Keep it warm in the crockpot
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Milk - For the ultimate creamy texture and rich flavor, use whole milk. However, 1% or 2% milk can also be used if you prefer a lighter option.
- Heavy cream - Makes it thick and luxurious in taste.
- Cocoa powder - Be sure to dissolve the cocoa powder in hot milk before continuing with the recipe. I used natural unsweetened cocoa, but you can also opt for Dutch-process cocoa if you prefer.
- Chocolate chips - For the most luxurious hot chocolate, I recommend using Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Condensed milk - It adds an undeniably creamy consistency.
How to make hot chocolate in the 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
Marshmallows and whipped cream are classic toppings for hot cocoa, but feel free to get creative with your own additions! Try dark chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of sea salt, or crushed candy canes.
👩🍳 Hosting a party? Set up a fun hot chocolate bar by arranging a variety of toppings around the crockpot for guests to customize their drinks. It is especially perfect to serve along with your Christmas breakfast and brunch.
Storage
You can keep your hot chocolate warm in the slow cooker for up to 2 hours on the "keep warm" setting, making it easy to serve directly from the pot.
Leftover hot chocolate 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.
Recipe tips
- Use good quality chocolate like Ghiradelli.
- Make sure to whisk your hot chocolate every 30 to 45 minutes.
More Holiday treats
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream or marshmallows to serve
Instructions
- Heat milk on the stovetop or microwave, until hot. Pour into the slow cooker and then add the cocoa powder. Whisk until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved.
- Add the heavy cream, condensed milk, chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Give a good stir.
- Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 to 40 minutes.
- Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until you’re ready to serve the hot chocolate. Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
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.
All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.
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