Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe is a game-changer during the cold winter months, especially when providing drinks for a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, or just coming in from a day of playing in the snow, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of creamy hot chocolate to warm you up.

However, instead of spending time making individual servings or relying on powdered mixes, this recipe lets you prepare a rich, thick, and creamy batch that stays warm in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect way to keep the festive drink ready for whenever you need it, without the hassle of making cup after cup.

If you’ve ever used the little pouches of powdered hot cocoa, you know how convenient they can be. But let’s be honest, they can’t hold a candle to the flavor of homemade hot chocolate. Powdered mixes are often thin and watery, and they’re loaded with preservatives to make them shelf-stable.

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is different. It’s made with real milk, cream, and chocolate chips, so it’s thick and creamy in a way that powdered mixes just can’t match.

Another big advantage of using a crock pot is the convenience. Once you’ve mixed everything together, the slow cooker does all the work. You don’t have to stand by the stove stirring a pot, and you won’t have to keep making individual servings every time someone wants a refill.

The crock pot keeps the hot chocolate warm, so it’s ready whenever anyone needs a drink to warm them up. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a snow day with family.

Perfect for Parties, Snow Days, and More

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe shines during the holiday season for several reasons.

• For Holiday Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas morning breakfast or a holiday party, this recipe makes serving a crowd a breeze. Guests can ladle their own hot chocolate, and you don’t have to worry about constantly tending to it.
• For Snow Days: After a day of sledding, snowman building, or just shoveling the driveway, nothing warms you up like a mug of hot chocolate. Having a batch ready in the crock pot means the whole family can come in, grab a mug, and warm up instantly.
• For Weekends: On relaxing weekends the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen. This recipe lets you focus on the fun while still providing a delicious, homemade treat for everyone to enjoy.

The Ingredients That Make It Even Better

Although you can use a variety of ingredients to make homemade hot chocolate, the combination of a few ingredients will make the drink even better.

• Whole Milk (and Half and Half): This provides the base for the hot chocolate and adds creaminess. Using half whole milk and half half-and-half makes it even richer.
• Evaporated Milk: This ingredient gives the hot chocolate a thicker texture and adds a subtle caramelized flavor.
• Heavy Cream: For an ultra-creamy texture, heavy cream is a must. It takes the hot chocolate to the next level.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the drink a warm, comforting aroma.
• Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best flavor. Milk chocolate chips can be used if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate.

By combining these ingredients in the crock pot, you end up with a hot chocolate that’s thick, creamy, and indulgent, just what you want on a cold winter day.

How to Make Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Making this hot chocolate couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Combine the Ingredients: Mix all the ingredients (whole milk, half and half (if using), evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips) in a 6-quart crock pot.
2. Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 2-3 hours. Stir often during the first hour to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
3. Keep Warm: Once the hot chocolate is fully heated and smooth, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. This keeps it at the perfect serving temperature without overcooking it. If you have a programmable 6 quart slow cooker it will automatically switch to the Keep Warm setting once the cook time is up.
4. Add Marshmallows: About 30 minutes before serving, toss in some marshmallows. They’ll melt slightly, adding an extra layer of sweetness and gooeyness to each mug. You can also serve the hot chocolate right out of the crock pot and add marshmallows to each individual cup as desired.

Topping Ideas

One of the best parts of hot chocolate is getting creative with the toppings. Here are some ideas to take your mugs to the next level:

• Marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows, large marshmallows, or even flavored marshmallows for a fun twist.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes every mug feel extra special.
• Chocolate Syrup or Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle on top for extra flavor and a pretty presentation.
• Candy Canes: Drop a candy cane into the mug for a peppermint-infused drink, or crush them up to sprinkle on top.
• Sprinkles: Holiday-themed sprinkles add a festive touch, especially for kids.
• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to shave a chocolate bar and sprinkle the curls over the whipped cream.

Helpful Tips

In order for the crock pot hot chocolate to turn out perfect without a worry, be sure to follow these tips:

• Stir Often: During the first hour, stir frequently to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the crock pot.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Just like when making Crock Pot Chocolate Nut Clusters, the better the chocolate, the better the flavor. Opt for a brand you love eating on its own.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your hot chocolate less sweet, use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips.
• Don’t Overheat: Once the hot chocolate is fully heated, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to avoid overcooking.

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe is a must-have for the holiday season. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for keeping everyone warm and happy on Christmas morning or any time during the winter. With minimal effort, you’ll have a big batch of hot chocolate ready to serve whenever it’s needed.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, coming in from the snow, or just relaxing by the fire, this recipe has you covered. Add your favorite toppings, grab a cozy mug, and embrace the colder temperatures!

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups whole milk (or 3 cups whole milk and 3 cups half and half)
• 2-12 ounce cans evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate)*

*A standard size bag of chocolate chips yields 2 cups. So be sure to purchase two bags or opt for the larger bag.

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all the ingredients in a 6 quart crockpot. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring every 15 minutes for the first hour so that the chocolate chips don’t stick to the bottom of the crock pot.

Once the chocolate melts and the liquid is hot switch the crock pot setting to Keep Warm.

In the last 30 minutes before serving, add marshmallows to the crockpot. They will begin to melt and give the hot chocolate that classic melty flavor and texture.

Or if you prefer you can serve the hot chocolate in mugs and then add the marshmallows and/or your favorite hot chocolate toppings.

Enjoy! Mary

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