Cozy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe for Dreamy Sipping

Creamy and indulgent slow cooker hot chocolate promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Rich cocoa blends perfectly with smooth milk and sweet chocolate chips.

Marshmallow lovers will adore this comforting drink that practically hugs you from the inside.

Cold nights call for something magical and deeply satisfying.

Friends gathering around a steaming pot of chocolatey goodness create memories worth savoring.

Simple ingredients transform into a luxurious treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Cozy up and let this incredible recipe become your winter signature drink.

Pairing Options That Go With This Drink

• Top the hot chocolate with homemade vanilla marshmallows or classic jet-puffed marshmallows for a cloud-like texture that melts deliciously into the creamy drink.
• Serve alongside shortbread cookies or classic chocolate chip cookies that provide a crisp, sweet crunch perfectly balancing the smooth hot chocolate.
• Prepare biscotti, graham crackers, or cinnamon sticks as delightful dunking companions that enhance the chocolatey warmth and add interesting textural contrast.
• For adult gatherings, offer a small splash of bourbon or Irish cream liqueur as an optional mix-in, transforming the hot chocolate into a sophisticated après-ski style beverage.

Ways to Switch Up Classic Hot Chocolate

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version that's creamy and indulgent.
• Spiced Chocolate Warmth: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper for a warming twist. These spices enhance the rich chocolate flavor and create a comforting drink with an extra kick.
• Peppermint Chocolate Bliss: Stir in peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for a festive holiday-inspired hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream and extra peppermint pieces for a refreshing treat.
• Salted Caramel Luxury: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top. Mix in caramel-flavored chocolate chips to create a decadent version that balances sweet and salty flavors.

Why Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Is Worth the Wait

• Perfect for large gatherings, this hot chocolate recipe serves multiple people with minimal effort, making it ideal for holiday parties or family get-togethers.
• The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to set it and forget it while enjoying a rich, creamy chocolate drink without constant monitoring.
• With just a simple mix of ingredients and a long, slow cooking process, this recipe transforms into a luxurious hot chocolate that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
• Easily personalize your hot chocolate by adding different toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to suit individual tastes and preferences.

What You’ll Need for a Silky Slow-Cooked Blend

• Heavy Cream: Adds rich, luxurious texture and depth to the hot chocolate.
• Milk: Provides the primary liquid base for smooth, creamy consistency.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a thick, indulgent drink.

• Chocolate Chips: Main flavor component, melts to create a rich chocolate base. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet varieties work well.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper chocolate flavors. Use fine sea salt for best integration.

Cooking Instructions for Consistent Chocolate Warmth

Step 1: Stir and Simmer

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Every half hour, give the mixture a gentle stir to prevent chocolate from sticking and ensure smooth melting. Let it cook for about 2-3 hours.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Mugs

Once the chocolate is completely melted and creates a silky smooth texture, carefully ladle the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.

Step 3: Dress Up Your Drink

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• Cinnamon sprinkle
• Peppermint bits

Step 4: Keep Cozy

If serving over an extended period, switch the slow cooker to warm setting. Stir occasionally to maintain perfect creamy consistency and prevent separation.

Tips for Even Heating and Richer Flavor

• Prevent Scorching: Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent chocolate from burning or sticking to the slow cooker bottom.
• Customize Chocolate Intensity: Adjust the type of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) to control the richness and sweetness of your hot chocolate.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap regular milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that's equally creamy and delicious.
• Top with Creative Garnishes: Enhance the hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings to add extra flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the hot chocolate in advance and store in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the slow cooker when ready to serve for a convenient party or gathering treat.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chocolate

• Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before transferring to prevent condensation.
• Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently to restore creamy texture. Add a splash of milk if mixture seems too thick.
• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Whisk thoroughly when reheating to recombine ingredients and prevent separation of chocolate and milk.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 23 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy slow cooker hot chocolate delivers pure comfort in every sip. Chocolate lovers will discover a luxurious winter beverage perfect for warming cold nights and creating memorable moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Chocolate Ingredients:

• 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy cream

Milk and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 6 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate shavings
• Crushed candy canes
• Caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Pour all liquid ingredients into the slow cooker, creating a rich base for the hot chocolate by gently whisking heavy cream, milk, and sweetened condensed milk until thoroughly blended.
2. Add chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the slow cooker.
3. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and cover, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a velvety smooth beverage over approximately 2 hours.
4. Stir the mixture every 45 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom to prevent chocolate from scorching and promoting uniform melting.
5. Check the consistency and taste, adjusting sweetness or chocolate intensity by stirring in additional chocolate chips if desired.
6. Once the chocolate has completely dissolved and the liquid reaches a silky, uniform texture, prepare to serve the hot beverage.
7. Ladle the steaming hot chocolate into ceramic mugs, creating an inviting presentation.
8. Enhance the drink with optional toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
9. If serving over an extended period, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting and stir occasionally to maintain optimal temperature and prevent separation.

Notes

• Prevent chocolate from burning by stirring frequently during the long cooking process.
• Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-free alternative works perfectly by substituting coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Customize toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed peppermint to match seasonal celebrations.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 hours
• Category: Drinks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg