Easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate (Thick, Creamy, and Crowd-Loved)

This Easy slow cooker hot chocolate is the kind of winter magic that turns a cold day into something sweet and memorable. Made with real chocolate, heavy cream, and just the right amount of sweetness, it tastes like liquid truffle in a mug. Whether you’re snuggled up after sledding or hosting a holiday cocoa bar, this recipe brings people together one steamy sip at a time.

Why You’ll Love This easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

There’s something so comforting about letting your slow cooker do the work while you wrap gifts, hang out with family, or bake cookies in fuzzy socks. This recipe is creamy beyond belief, made with pantry staples you likely have on hand, and perfect for serving a crowd. You can also play with flavor twists like peppermint or orange to match the season or your mood

When you’re planning treats for a gathering, this no-bake pumpkin cheesecake ball is a must next to your cocoa bar

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cozy drink uses real chocolate, not powder, which gives it that deep, rich flavor

6 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream and mini marshmallows for serving

You can use 2% or whole milk, but avoid skim if you want that thick, velvety texture. And if you’re going dairy-free, swap in almond milk and coconut cream. It still turns out luxurious

What You’ll Need Equipment-Wise

A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size for one batch of this easy slow cooker hot chocolate
If you’re making it for a party, you can double the ingredients and use a 7 or 8-quart slow cooker
All you need besides that is a whisk to stir things up before and after cooking

How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Pour milk and cream into your slow cooker
Add in the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt
Give it all a good whisk to combine
Cover and cook on low for 2 hours
If you’re around, give it a quick stir every 30 to 45 minutes
Once everything is melted and smooth, switch to the warm setting and serve

This crockpot drink pairs beautifully with our gooey brownie batter dip. Dip your marshmallows in both and thank me later

Fun Flavor Variations to Try

Add peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a festive peppermint twist
Toss in a handful of salted caramels and drizzle caramel sauce over whipped cream for a sweet-salty combo
Add strips of orange zest while cooking, then remove before serving for a chocolate-orange fusion

You can even set up a little hot chocolate bar at your party. This cinnamon roll apple pie makes a heavenly partner for your drink table

Serving Ideas

Let your guests build their dream cup of slow cooker hot chocolate with a topping station. Great add-ons include

Soft whipped cream
Mini marshmallows
Shaved chocolate
Caramel or chocolate syrup
Crushed peppermint
Cinnamon sprinkles

For a snack to dunk, try shortbread cookies or biscotti. Bonus points if they’re dipped in chocolate

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep ahead? Mix all the ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before and pop it in the fridge. Take it out about an hour before cooking so it can warm slightly, then cook as usual

Leftover hot chocolate will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days in a sealed container. It may separate, but a quick whisk while reheating will bring it back to life

You can also freeze portions flat in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently

FAQs

More Cozy Drinks to Keep You Warm

If you love this slow cooker hot chocolate, you’ll definitely want to try these next

Make a batch of caramel spiced apple cider for a sweet, spiced hug in a cup
Slow cooker mulled cider is perfect for gatherings and smells like the holidays
Try our pumpkin spice margarita for something unexpected and fun

Follow us on Pinterest for more warm winter drinks, or come hang out on Facebook where we share cozy recipes and kitchen joy

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