Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Dreamy Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Warm memories dance through my kitchen during this magical chocolate moment that brings comfort and joy.

Snowflakes might drift outside, but inside, a creamy crockpot hot chocolate bubbles with festive promise.

Rich cocoa whispers nostalgic stories of childhood celebrations and cozy gatherings.

Sweet aromas will soon fill every corner, inviting loved ones to gather close.

Marshmallows float like delicate clouds on this dreamy winter beverage, promising pure delight.

Each sip connects you to cherished traditions and heartwarming emotions.

Brew this recipe and create an unforgettable christmas eve experience that everyone will treasure.

Helpful Tips for Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Success

  • Prevent Chocolate Burning: Stir the mixture every 20-30 minutes to stop chocolate from sticking and burning at the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Customize Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar content by using different chocolate chip varieties or adding powdered sugar for more sweetness control.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a delicious non-dairy alternative.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of peppermint extract to enhance the hot chocolate's complexity and holiday spirit.
  • Control Thickness: Increase or decrease heavy cream amounts to achieve your preferred hot chocolate consistency- thicker or more liquid.

Storing and Reheating Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Ease

  • Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm slowly in the microwave or crockpot, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent separation of ingredients.
  • When reheating, stir in a splash of fresh milk or cream to restore the original creamy texture and prevent thickening.
  • Pour cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Great Pairings for Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate

  • Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies perfectly complement the rich, creamy hot chocolate. The crisp edges and soft centers create a delightful contrast to the smooth drink.
  • Crumble homemade peppermint bark alongside the hot chocolate for a festive holiday treat. The cool mint and chocolate combination enhances the drink's deep cocoa flavors.
  • Buttery, crisp shortbread cookies with a hint of cinnamon provide a wonderful texture and spicy undertone that beautifully balances the sweet hot chocolate.
  • For adult gatherings, add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream to the hot chocolate for a luxurious, warming cocktail that elevates the traditional Christmas beverage.

Creative Ways to Change Up Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a lactose-free version. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a creamy, plant-based hot chocolate.
  • Spicy Mexican Chocolate: Add ground cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a dash of chili powder to introduce a warming, spicy kick to the traditional recipe. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk or stevia. Use dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
  • Peppermint Chocolate Blast: Stir in peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes. Use white chocolate chips for a lighter, minty version that captures the holiday spirit.

What Makes Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Worth Making Again

  • Serve this crowd-pleasing drink that brings everyone together with its rich, comforting warmth.
  • Simply toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring.
  • Prepare this hot chocolate in advance, keeping it warm for guests throughout holiday celebrations.

What You Need for Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Base Dairy Ingredients:
  • Whole Milk: Core liquid base creating the classic creamy hot chocolate texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth mouthfeel to the drink.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides natural sweetness and extra creamy consistency.
Chocolate Ingredients:
  • Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Milk Chocolate Chips: Deliver deep chocolate flavor and create silky smooth texture. Choose high-quality chips for best results.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rounded depth to the hot chocolate. Pure vanilla extract recommended for best flavor.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Mini Marshmallows: Classic holiday toppings adding extra indulgence. Fresh marshmallows provide better melting experience.
  • Cocoa Powder, Crushed Candy Canes: Festive decorative elements bringing holiday spirit and additional flavor complexity.

How to Make Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Crockpot

Plug in your crockpot and set it to low heat, creating a cozy environment for your delicious chocolate concoction.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Sweetened condensed milk

Combine these ingredients in the crockpot, whisking gently to create a smooth, rich foundation for your hot chocolate.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

  • Semisweet chocolate chips
  • Milk chocolate chips

Sprinkle the chocolate chips into the milk mixture, allowing them to slowly dissolve and create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the mixture simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally, about every 20 minutes, to prevent any chocolate from sticking and ensure even melting.

Step 5: Enhance the Flavor

After about 2 hours, when the chocolate has completely melted, add a splash of vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to distribute the warm, comforting flavor throughout the hot chocolate.

Step 6: Dress Up Your Drink

Carefully ladle the hot chocolate into festive mugs. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a handful of mini marshmallows, and for an extra holiday flair, sprinkle some crushed candy canes or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot hot chocolate brings festive warmth to holiday gatherings with its rich, velvety blend of chocolate and milk. Guests will savor each comforting sip, making this recipe a delightful centerpiece for cozy Christmas celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings:

  • Whipped cream
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Candy canes
  • Shaved chocolate

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crockpot by setting it to low temperature, ensuring a gentle and even heating process for the decadent chocolate mixture.
  2. Gently pour whole milk and heavy cream into the crockpot, creating a luxurious base for the hot chocolate.
  3. Add sweetened condensed milk to enhance the richness and provide a velvety smooth consistency to the beverage.
  4. Gradually incorporate semisweet and milk chocolate chips, allowing them to slowly melt and create a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor.
  5. Cover the crockpot and let the ingredients simmer for approximately two hours, occasionally stirring to prevent chocolate from adhering to the sides and ensure uniform melting.
  6. After the chocolate has completely dissolved and ingredients are thoroughly combined, introduce vanilla extract, stirring to distribute the aromatic essence throughout the mixture.
  7. Carefully transfer the hot chocolate into festive mugs, creating an inviting presentation.
  8. Elevate the drink’s appeal by topping with fluffy whipped cream and miniature marshmallows.
  9. For an extra holiday flair, consider garnishing with a light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed candy canes, adding a festive touch to this warming winter beverage.

Notes

  • Customize chocolate intensity by adjusting chocolate chip ratios for darker or sweeter profiles.
  • Experiment with dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-free or vegan versions.
  • Prevent scorching by using a slow cooker liner or stirring frequently during the cooking process.
  • Elevate flavor complexity by adding a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, or peppermint extract for unique seasonal variations.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star