Cozy & Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe for Winter Warmth

Creamy crockpot hot chocolate brings warmth to cold winter afternoons with minimal effort.

Marshmallows and rich cocoa create a comforting blend that melts away stress.

Our simple method transforms basic ingredients into a decadent drink everyone loves.

Those chilly nights suddenly feel more inviting when this smooth beverage simmers gently.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate how effortlessly you can prepare this crowd-pleasing treat.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up deliciousness without complicated techniques.

A mug of this velvety goodness promises to become your new favorite winter indulgence.

Ingredients That Add Creaminess to This Drink

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious base that gives creamy texture to hot chocolate.
• Whole Milk: Provides smooth, classic milk flavor and additional creaminess.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and extra rich consistency to the drink.

• Chocolate Chips: Melts to create deep chocolate flavor, semi-sweet or milk chocolate work best.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rounded depth to the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall chocolate taste, just a small pinch needed.

How to Mix and Warm Hot Chocolate in a Crockpot

Step 1: Create Chocolate Magic

Toss all ingredients into your crockpot. Gently whisk everything together until they start to mingle and look like they’re getting cozy. Make sure the chocolate chips are well-distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 2: Slow Cook Chocolate Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the magic happen for about 2 hours. Peek in occasionally and give the mixture a gentle stir to help the chocolate melt smoothly and prevent any stubborn clumps from forming.

Step 3: Transform Into Liquid Comfort

When the chocolate looks completely melted and the mixture feels silky smooth, you’re ready to serve. Grab your favorite mugs and ladle the rich, steaming hot chocolate into them.

Step 4: Dress Up Your Drink

Go wild with toppings! Sprinkle marshmallows, add a dollop of whipped cream, dust with cocoa powder, or sprinkle some crushed candy canes for extra festive flair.

Step 5: Keep The Warmth Going

Want to keep your hot chocolate warm for seconds or thirds? Switch your crockpot to the warm setting. Give it an occasional stir to keep the texture perfect and prevent a skin from forming on top.

Tips to Avoid Overheating or Burning the Chocolate

• Customize Chocolate Flavor: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips like dark, milk, or semi-sweet to create unique taste profiles that match your preference.
• Prevent Chocolate Burning: Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent chocolate from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Boost Dairy-Free Option: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a delicious lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Elevate Toppings Game: Add marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, cinnamon, or caramel drizzle to transform your hot chocolate into a gourmet treat.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add a bit of sugar to fine-tune the sweetness according to individual taste preferences.

How to Store Extra Hot Chocolate Without Losing Richness

• Transfer leftover hot chocolate to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm the chocolate slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
• Whisk briefly before serving to restore creamy texture and break up any settled ingredients.
• Do not freeze the hot chocolate, as it may separate and lose its original rich, velvety texture when thawed.

Toppings and Treats That Pair Perfectly

• Top hot chocolate with homemade marshmallow chunks and crushed graham crackers for textural contrast and sweet-crunchy delight.
• Serve alongside crisp, warm cinnamon sugar cookies that perfectly complement the rich chocolate flavor and provide delightful dunking potential.
• Create a topping by whipping heavy cream with caramel sauce and chopped toasted almonds, adding luxurious depth and nutty complexity to each sip.
• For adult gatherings, add a splash of bourbon vanilla extract or a small shot of bourbon to elevate the hot chocolate's warmth and sophistication.

Variations That Add New Layers to Hot Chocolate

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and almond milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a creamy, vegan-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
• Spicy Mexican Chocolate: Add ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of chili powder to create a warming, traditional Mexican-style hot chocolate with a subtle kick.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Blend: Swap sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened almond milk and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Include dark chocolate chips with 70% cocoa for a lower-sugar, antioxidant-rich option.
• Peppermint Chocolate Comfort: Stir in peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a festive, refreshing winter beverage that brings holiday cheer to your mug.

What Makes Crockpot Hot Chocolate a Cold-Day Must

• Crockpot hot chocolate transforms holiday beverage preparation into a stress-free experience with minimal kitchen effort.
• Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves multiple people simultaneously, making it ideal for winter parties, family reunions, or cozy weekend get-togethers.
• Minimal hands-on time means you can prepare the drink and walk away, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you enjoy other activities.
• Easy to personalize with various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed peppermint, ensuring everyone gets their dream hot chocolate experience.

Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy crockpot hot chocolate brings winter warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising rich cocoa comfort. Chocolate lovers will savor this simple, indulgent drink that warms hearts and creates memories you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
• Crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot by creating a silky chocolate base, gently combining heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a harmonious mixture.
2. Allow the ingredients to meld together, covering the crockpot and setting it to low heat, which will slowly transform the mixture into a luxurious, velvety concoction over approximately two hours.
3. Periodically stir the developing hot chocolate to guarantee even melting and prevent any chocolate from sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot.
4. Once the chocolate chips have completely dissolved and the liquid achieves a smooth, glossy consistency, give the mixture a final, thorough stirring to ensure perfect integration of all ingredients.
5. Carefully ladle the rich, steaming hot chocolate into individual mugs, inviting each person to personalize their drink with an array of delightful toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. For extended serving, transition the crockpot to its warm setting, stirring occasionally to maintain the drink’s perfect temperature and prevent a skin from forming on the surface.

Notes

• Perfectly melt chocolate chips by stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
• Customize the hot chocolate by swapping out chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate for different flavor profiles.
• Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by using dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk and vegan chocolate chips.
• Control sweetness levels by adjusting condensed milk or adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg