Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Nov 13, 2024Updated Dec 18, 2024

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This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is the best way to make your hot chocolate from scratch using common ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips, and a few other kitchen staples. Skip the store-bought packs of hot cocoa and make the perfect hot chocolate with this recipe!

Another crowd-pleasing beverage you can make is my Candy Corn Hot Chocolate! Add this hot chocolate recipe to your next party menu plan.

Hot chocolate on a spoon coming from crockpot.

This easy crock pot hot chocolate is just that – easy. If you’re looking for the perfect party drink or something to enjoy on a cold night with your family, this homemade hot chocolate is the way to go. By making it in the slow cooker, it’ll stay nice and warm – just what you need! It’s truly the best hot chocolate! Forget the powdered stuff for this best crockpot hot chocolate recipe.

Consider using this beverage cuisine as part of a hot chocolate bar. Just be sure to make a double batch, as I’m sure it will go fast! Keep reading to make the best creamy hot chocolate recipe! For a festive treat, try our slow cooker candy cane hot chocolate!

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for hot chocolate on a table.

Wet Ingredients: Sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream (sometimes labeled heavy whipping cream), milk, and pure vanilla extract combine to make some of the best hot cocoa.
Dry Ingredients: Sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds a chocolate kick and helps with color and thickness as well.

Step-by-Step Directions

hot chocolate in a slow cooker before cooking.

Add all of the ingredients to the crock pot and whisk to combine.
Cook on HIGH for an hour or on LOW for 2 hours, occasionally stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and heated through. (If you plan to keep the crock pot on, turn it to a warm setting so it doesn’t burn.)

2 mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Variations

Try playing around with different flavors. Add candy canes to create peppermint hot chocolate. Drop in a few cinnamon sticks to create a subtle cinnamon flavor. And make it an adult beverage by adding a shot of peppermint Schnapps.
When it comes to toppings, you can’t go wrong by adding mini marshmallows, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few semi sweet chocolate chips into the bottom of your mug for an enhanced chocolate flavor.
Substituting the milk is another option when making crockpot hot chocolate recipe. Instead of whole milk, try almond milk or cashew milk.

close up of hot chocolate with spoon in it.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover hot chocolate by pouring the remaining hot chocolate into glass mason jars and keep in the fridge for up to a week. Or freeze for up to three months.

How do I keep warm for a party?

Make your hot cocoa in a slow cooker and you will have the perfect vessel for keeping it warm for a party.

Is hot chocolate better with milk or water?

If you want a creamy hot chocolate, milk is always better. In fact it’s even better when making dry powder hot cocoa packets.

How do I reheat leftover slow cooker hot chocolate?

You can warm hot cocoa in a microwave safe bowl for 20-second increments until your desired warmth is reached.

overhead shot of hot chocolate in cups with marshmallows.

More Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipes