Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Ready to whip up the creamiest, dreamiest, and best hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted? Our crockpot hot chocolate recipe made with real milk chocolate chips is here to make your cocoa Christmas dreams come true.

Transform your winter with the most indulgent slow cooker hot chocolate, which is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. And once you discover that you can come back for seconds and its still warm and ready, its game over for boring holidays.

Why should you slow-cook hot chocolate?

Without a doubt, those tiny little packets of unsweetened cocoa powder combined with the fake marshmallows that crunched when you bit down were a favorite of mine as a kid. But now, as an adult, let’s say I want something more tempting (and real).

As a side dish recipe site, you may wonder how a crock pot hot chocolate recipe fits in. To me, beverages are often sides or at least as important as sides. They sit on the side of the plate, bring something to the meal, and are what everyone looks forward to.

Throughout the years, I have dabbled a bit in chocolate. From perfecting this French hot chocolate recipe to having hands down the easiest fudge recipe ever, I am no stranger to melty, rich chocolate.

Hot chocolate ingredients:

If you need an easy crockpot hot chocolate for the classroom, office party, or holiday, hosting a self-serve hot chocolate bar with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and a can of whipped cream is a must.

• 12 oz. chocolate chips (Milk chocolate is preferred for a sweeter taste. Dark chocolate increases melt time.)
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 oz. evaporated milk (1 can)
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Marshmallows for serving

Heavy whipping cream, milk, and evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk) balance perfectly with chocolate. But you can easily substitute half and half if you prefer a less rich taste.

How to make Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Combine Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients: Add 12 oz. chocolate chips, 3 cups milk, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 12 oz. evaporated milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract in a slow cooker. Stir well to mix the ingredients.

Slow Cook till rich and creamy: Set your slow cooker to low heat. Let the cocoa mixture heat for 3 hours, stirring every hour. This helps the chocolate chips melt slowly and evenly. As a reminder, you should stir the chocolate every hour to prevent it sticking on the sides or burning.

• It is important to note that if you use dark chocolate, it can take longer to melt. Because it has more cacao in it, you have to increase the time often up to 2 hours. If you punch it to high on the crokcpot, you risk burning your chocolate.

Once the cocoa heats up and the chocolate fully melts, ladle it into mugs. It is also fun to have a hot chocolate bar near the crockpot complete with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a shaker of cinnamon.

Keep the crockpot on the “warm” setting to serve hot chocolate that stays warm throughout the event. If you’re using a punch ladle for serving, you can get a smooth pour by tilting the ladle slightly.

Choosing between milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips is a personal preference. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are your best bet for a classic hot chocolate flavor.

The possibilities are endless for your favorite toppings! Common choices include marshmallows, peppermint extract, whipped cream, and a dash of salt or cinnamon.

For a seasonal holiday twist, try peppermint sticks (candy canes) or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of crushed cookies can add a little crunch to the mug.

While a crock pot is ideal for keeping hot chocolate warm all night, you can also use a stovetop. Place a heavy-bottomed pot on the lowest heat and stir frequently to prevent burning.

How Do I Prevent the Hot Chocolate from Burning or Sticking to the Crock Pot?

Regular stirring is critical to preventing melted chocolate from burning or sticking. A thin layer of butter or non-stick spray applied to the crock pot before adding ingredients can help safeguard against sticking.

What alcohol goes best to make spiked hot chocolate?

Transform hot chocolate into a grown-up treat by adding a splash of your favorite liqueur. Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps are fantastic choices, blending seamlessly for an adult themed holiday beverage.

And nothing beats melted chocolate chips and rich, heavy whipping cream for a warm, homemade fall beverage. Packs of powder do not have the same nostalgic taste as real milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

So if you give this recipe a shot, make sure to connect with me on Pinterest and let me know your personal tweaks and suggestions!

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