Crockpot Hot Cocoa | The Best Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

Thiscrock pot hot chocolate recipe is one of the most popular recipes I’ve ever shared — even more popular than myhot chocolate bombs! I first encountered this crockpot hot cocoa recipe several years ago, when it was shared with me in response to a call I put out for tips that would come in handy on a snowy day when everyone is stuck indoors.

One reader shared the recipe for what she called “the BEST hot chocolate I’ve ever had,” so I had to try it! The first time I tried the crockpot hot chocolate was an evening when I had company over, and by the end of the night, every last sip was gone!

This slow cooker hot chocolate truly is some of the best I’ve ever tasted, both super creamy and full of chocolate flavor. There’s something really special about a cocoa drink made with real milk, cream, and chocolate chips, as opposed to one made with cocoa powder or from pre-made Swiss Miss hot cocoa packets. (That’s not to say I dislike all powdered mixes — I still keep a stash of semi-homemade hot chocolate mix in my pantry at all times!)

This crockpot hot chocolate is made to serve at parties or gatherings, but it could also be a nice way to keep warm and cozy with the kiddos on a snow day. Making this creamy cocoa only takes a minute or two of active work, and then will be perfectly warm and ready to drink in a couple of hours! Give it a try — I’d love to hear what you think!

Check out this crockpot hot chocolate recipe in my video at the end of the post!

The Best Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Makes about 90 ounces (just shy of 3 quarts), enough for about 12 (8-ounce) servings

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups milk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Directions:

To make this super easy hot chocolate in the slow cooker, add all the ingredients to yourcrockpot and whisk together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until warm throughout and the chocolate is melted.Whisk well before ladling into mugs to serve.

How To Make This Recipe Dairy-Free/Vegan

1. Instead of heavy cream, use canned coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative.
2. Instead of regular sweetened condensed milk, use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (ormake your own!)
3. Rather than whole milk, use your favorite non-dairy milk instead.
4. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free/vegan.

Helpful Tips For Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

The recipe and method are pretty straightforward, but there are a few questions and sticking points that have come up in comments on this recipe over the years. Here are some answers to those frequently asked questions, plus a few extra tips and tricks I would’ve liked to know when I first made it.

• The recipe makes about 3 quarts of hot chocolate, so check the capacity of your slow cooker to make sure it’s big enough. (For a double batch, you’ll need a 6-7 quart crockpot or larger.)
• If you’re having trouble getting the chocolate chips to melt, use a whisk (a Danish dough whisk works great here) to stir it frequently. A rubber spatula can help incorporate any chocolate that gets stuck to the sides or edges.
• Keep your slow cooker on low heat to avoid burning or scorching the milk.
• Watching your fat intake? Swap out the heavy cream for half and half, and substitute low-fat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk for the whole milk. (Though I say a little decadence is worth it on special occasions!)
• You can keep this hot chocolate warm for about 4 hours using the warm setting on your crockpot. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving!
• You can reheat any leftover hot chocolate in your microwave or in a pot on your stovetop.
• Make a hot chocolate bar the centerpiece of your next winter gathering. Double the recipe, then set out plenty of mugs and an array of tasty toppings (see the next section for ideas!) Your guests will love this recipe — not everyone has had real hot chocolate before!

Tasty Topping Ideas For Crockpot Hot Chocolate

The taste of chocolate chips and real milk and cream in this recipe make it deliciously indulgent as is, but we all know that half the fun of drinks like hot chocolate is loading them up with toppings! Here are some ideas that go well beyond whipped cream and marshmallows:

• For more flavor and a thicker consistency, sprinkle a few semi sweet chocolate chips on top. You could also trywhite chocolate, dark chocolate, butterscotch, mint chocolate, or salted caramel chips — so many delicious possibilities!
• Use a peppermint stick or candy cane as a drink stirrer. As it melts, it will add a burst of mint flavor to the chocolate, and who doesn’t love chocolate and mint together?
• Use flavored syrups to add even more flavor to your mug of cocoa — hazelnut, French vanilla, and pumpkin spice would all work out great!
• Top your mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, then sprinkle crushed peppermint or shaved chocolate over the top. To make shaved chocolate, chill a chocolate bar and grate it with a cheese grater or vegetable peeler.
• Dip the rim of your mugs in melted chocolate, then roll the rim in a dish of chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, or sprinkles for a decorative finish.
• Add a teaspoon or so of Nutella to your mug before adding the cocoa.
• Add a drizzle of ice cream topping over marshmallows or whipped cream as a finishing touch. Try homemade fudge sauce,homemade caramel sauce, butterscotch sauce, or even strawberry topping.
• Sprinkle the perfect cinnamon sugar on top of the whipped cream.
• Put a cherry on top!
• To make it an adult beverage, try adding a splash of peppermint schnapps, kahlua, or brandy.

BONUS: How To Take Hot Cocoa To A Party Or Gathering

The best way to take hot chocolate to an event (whether a party, community event, or tailgate) is in a large, insulated container. Thiscoffee carafe ($38) holds 85 ounces, which is very close to how much this recipe makes, while this airport coffee carafe ($40) holds around 101 ounces.

Whatever container you choose to use, you’ll want to give it a shake to make sure everything is mixed together before you start dispensing drinks!

Have you tried crockpot hot chocolate yet?