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Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Section: Festive Holiday Recipes for Every Celebration

This velvety hot chocolate is prepared slowly in a crock pot to create a luxuriously smooth and creamy drink. Combining whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, it melts together into perfect chocolate deliciousness. Stirring during the slow cooking ensures an even, rich texture. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Ideal for warming up cold days and holiday gatherings.

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A chef in a kitchen preparing food.
Created by Olivia Olivia
Last modified on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:49:31 GMT
A red cup filled with marshmallows and hot chocolate. Save
A red cup filled with marshmallows and hot chocolate. | cuisineandlife.com

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink for chilly days and holiday gatherings. It’s rich, creamy, and effortlessly made in the slow cooker so you can enjoy warm chocolate goodness without constant stirring or fuss. Perfect for sipping while curled up with a blanket or sharing with friends, this recipe elevates classic hot chocolate into something a little more special.

I first made this recipe during a winter get together and everyone kept coming back for seconds. It quickly became a holiday favorite in my house with kids and adults alike asking for it every season.

Ingredients

  • Whole milk: provides rich creaminess essential for that silky texture
  • Heavy whipping cream: adds indulgent thickness and smoothness
  • Sweetened condensed milk: the only sweetener needed bringing perfect sweetness and body be sure to pick the sweetened variety not evaporated milk
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: melt smoothly and balance sweetness without being cloying choose a quality brand you trust
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: deepens the chocolate flavor and complements the melted chips
  • Vanilla extract: adds warmth and enhances all the chocolate notes
  • Mini marshmallows: optional topping for that classic hot chocolate experience can be swapped for whipped cream too

Instructions

Sizzle the cocoa milk:
Heat one cup of whole milk in a microwavesafe bowl until scalding but not boiling. Whisk in cocoa powder gently to dissolve it fully and create a smooth cocoa milk base
Combine ingredients in slow cooker:
Pour sweetened condensed milk, the remaining whole milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract into a 4quart slow cooker. Stir in the prepared cocoa milk until everything is evenly mixed
Slow cook and stir:
Cover and cook on low for about two hours. Stir vigorously and frequently during the cooking process to make sure the chocolate chips melt evenly and the mixture stays smooth without clumps
Serve warm and garnish:
Once all the chocolate chips are melted and the drink is hot, ladle into mugs. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream. Add a mini candy cane for a festive touch if you like
A wooden spoon in a crock pot filled with hot chocolate.
A wooden spoon in a crock pot filled with hot chocolate. | cuisineandlife.com

My favorite part is how the semisweet chocolate melts into that creamy base creating a thick, velvety drink you cannot help but go back for more. I remember one cold evening after sledding with my kids, coming inside and warming up with mugs of this hot chocolate. It felt like pure comfort in a cup and made that night so special.

Storage Tips

Store leftover hot chocolate in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do it slowly in the microwave or on the stove, stirring frequently so it stays smooth and doesn’t scorch. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore its creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to lighten it up, half and half can replace heavy cream but expect a slightly thinner drink. Milk alternatives like oat milk or almond milk can work but won’t be as rich. Dark or milk chocolate chips can be used instead of semisweet to adjust sweetness and flavor depth. Vanilla bean paste can replace vanilla extract for an extra fragrant note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in sturdy mugs with fun toppings like crushed peppermint, cinnamon sticks, or a pinch of cinnamon powder. Offer a side of gingerbread cookies or biscotti for dunking. For adults, a splash of Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, or Rum Chata turns this into a decadent cocktail.

A red cup filled with marshmallows and chocolate.
A red cup filled with marshmallows and chocolate. | cuisineandlife.com

This cozy slow cooker hot chocolate is perfect for sharing at gatherings. Make it your own with toppings or a splash of liqueur for adults.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What milk works best for this hot chocolate?

Whole milk is ideal for achieving the richest, creamiest flavor, while heavy cream adds an extra layer of luxuriance.

→ Can this be made without a crock pot?

Yes, you can prepare this over the stove on medium heat, whisking regularly to gently melt chocolate and blend ingredients.

→ How important is stirring during cooking?

Stirring ensures that the chocolate chips melt evenly and the mixture remains smooth without burning or sticking.

→ What are some ways to enhance this hot chocolate?

Add peppermint extract for a festive twist or a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult variation.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Slow-cooked rich hot chocolate with creamy milk and semi-sweet chips, perfect for cozy moments.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
120 minutes
Total Time Required
130 minutes
Created by Olivia: Olivia

Recipe Category: Holiday Recipes

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Style of Cuisine: American

Serves: 6 How Many Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients Needed

→ Dairy

01 1 cup whole milk
02 1 cup heavy whipping cream
03 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

→ Chocolate

04 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
05 ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Flavorings

06 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Toppings

07 Mini marshmallows (to taste)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat 1 cup of whole milk in the microwave or on the stove until scalding but not boiling. Whisk in ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth.

Step 02

In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, add sweetened condensed milk, remaining whole milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir in the prepared cocoa mixture.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for approximately 2 hours, stirring vigorously every 15-20 minutes to evenly melt the chocolate chips and integrate the mixture.

Step 04

Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with mini marshmallows or whipped cream as desired.

Helpful Hints

  1. Stirring frequently during cooking prevents chocolate from settling and ensures a creamy texture.
  2. Leftovers can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days and gently reheated in the microwave.
  3. For a peppermint variation, substitute vanilla extract with peppermint extract.

Must-Have Equipment

  • 4-quart slow cooker
  • Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Check ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and chocolate

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These nutrition figures are for guidance only and don’t replace advice from a medical professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 320
  • Fat Content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 35 grams
  • Protein Content: 6 grams