There’s just something magical about a warm mug of hot chocolate on a chilly night. This slow cooker hot chocolate is creamy, rich, and made for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a cozy movie night or setting up a festive cocoa bar, this is the hug-in-a-mug you’ll come back to all winter long.
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Why This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is a Winter Must-Make
When the weather turns frosty, you want easy, fuss-free comfort and this crockpot hot chocolate brings it. It’s made with pantry staples, cooks low and slow while you go about your day, and stays warm for hours. It’s perfect for snow days with the kids, holiday parties, or those quiet nights wrapped in a blanket with a book and your favorite fuzzy socks. The flavor is pure joy in a cup, like drinking melted truffles.
Already planning a movie night? Don’t miss these brownie batter dip bites for a fun, chocolate-packed snack pairing
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need for a creamy, dreamy result
6 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
A pinch of salt (optional)
Want to lighten it up a bit? You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or try almond milk and coconut cream to make it dairy-free
How to Make Hot Chocolate in a Slow Cooker
This recipe is truly set-it-and-forget-it
Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker
Whisk everything together, especially the cocoa powder and cream, until mostly blended
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes so nothing sticks
Once the chocolate is fully melted and velvety smooth, switch to warm and serve
It’ll stay perfectly sippable for hours, which is why it’s ideal for parties or relaxed nights with friends
You can even prep it the night before by combining the ingredients in your slow cooker insert and storing it in the fridge. Just pop it in and hit start the next day
Toppings That Take It Over the Top
Want to level up your cocoa? Try these fun toppings that both kids and adults love
Whipped cream
Mini marshmallows
Crushed candy canes
Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
Shaved dark chocolate or white chocolate chips
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for spice
Looking for a cozy pie to go with your mug? Serve it with this cinnamon roll apple pie for a sweet and gooey dessert combo
Easy Variations to Try
This hot chocolate is so versatile. Here are a few ways to switch it up
Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps for a grown-up treat
Stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a peppermint cocoa
Add a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a spiced Mexican-style hot chocolate
Use 2% milk and skip the cream for a lighter version that’s still comforting
If you’re setting up a cocoa bar, this no-bake pumpkin cheesecake ball dessert makes a perfect bite-sized companion
Expert Tips for Creamy, Dreamy Results
Whisk the cocoa powder with cream first to avoid clumps and get a silky texture
Stir every 30 minutes while it cooks to prevent chocolate from sticking to the sides
Use good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for the best flavor
Want it thicker? Reduce milk slightly or add an extra handful of chocolate chips
The better the chocolate, the more decadent your result. Don’t skimp here
Serving and Storage Tips
This recipe makes about 8 to 10 mugs, but it’s easy to double in a larger slow cooker
Keep it on the warm setting for up to 4 hours
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts
You can also cool leftovers and turn them into frozen hot chocolate the next day
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate FAQs
Can I double this recipe in a larger crockpot?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is at least 6 quarts
Can I use dairy-free milk?
Absolutely. Oat, almond, or soy milk all work. For richness, add coconut cream
How long can it stay warm in the slow cooker?
Up to 4 hours on warm. Just give it a stir now and then to keep it smooth
More Cozy Drinks to Sip All Season
If this slow cooker hot chocolate got you in the mood for more sippable joy, try these next
Warm up with a batch of caramel spiced apple cider that fills the house with holiday smells
Craving something fruity? A slow simmered mulled cider will hit the spot
And if you’re feeling bold, our pumpkin spice margarita brings a surprising twist to your holiday lineup
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy drink ideas, or join the fun on Facebook
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate (Rich, Creamy & Cozy!)
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker.
- Whisk everything together, especially the cocoa powder and cream, until mostly blended.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes so nothing sticks.
- Once the chocolate is fully melted and velvety smooth, switch to warm and serve.