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Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

4.8 from 63 reviews

This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe creates a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink perfect for cozy evenings. Using a slow cooker allows the chocolate to melt slowly and blend thoroughly with milk and cream, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture without constant stirring. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and body, while cocoa powder enhances the deep chocolate flavor. Perfect for serving as a comforting winter treat or for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Milk Mixture

  • 7 cups whole milk, divided
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

Chocolate and Flavorings

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version)
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk: Heat up 1 cup of whole milk in a saucepan or microwave until warm but not boiling. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully dissolved to create a smooth chocolate milk base.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Pour the cocoa-infused warm milk into the Crock Pot. Add the remaining 6 cups of whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cook on Low Heat: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the chocolate chips to melt evenly and the flavors to meld together.
  4. Whisk and Keep Warm: After 2 hours, whisk the hot chocolate thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended consistency. If not serving immediately, switch the Crock Pot setting to ‘keep warm’ to maintain the ideal drinking temperature.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra cozy touch.

Notes

  • Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter drink.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent chocolate from sticking to the sides or burning.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut or almond milk alternatives.
  • The pinch of salt is optional but helps deepen the chocolate flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Keywords: hot chocolate, crock pot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, winter beverage, cocoa drink, easy hot chocolate recipe