Cozy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Snuggle Up with This Dreamy Cozy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Warm chocolate dreams come alive with this decadent crockpot hot chocolate that wraps your senses in pure comfort.

Rich, velvety cocoa swirls through every sip, promising pure indulgence.

Creamy milk blends seamlessly with premium chocolate, creating a luxurious drink that melts away winter’s chill.

The slow cooker works its magic, gently infusing deep chocolate notes into a silky smooth beverage.

Marshmallows bob playfully on the surface, adding a cloud-like sweetness to each mug.

Sprinkle of cinnamon or dash of peppermint can transform this classic treat into a personalized winter wonderland.

You’ll want to savor every single warming drop of this irresistible hot chocolate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 8

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Ingredient Rundown

For Creamy Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to the hot chocolate.
  • Whole Milk: Creates a full-bodied, velvety foundation for the drink.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings natural sweetness and extra creaminess to the mixture.
For Chocolate and Flavor:
  • Chocolate Chips: Select high-quality dark or semi-sweet chips for deep, intense chocolate flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate's complexity with warm, aromatic notes.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall chocolate flavor profile.

Tools to Keep Cocoa Warm and Cozy

  • Crockpot (6-quart): The star of this recipe, perfect for slow-cooking your creamy hot chocolate.
  • Ladle: Essential for serving the rich, smooth chocolate into mugs.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring even melting.
  • Measuring cups: Helps you add precise amounts of milk and cream.
  • Measuring spoons: Perfect for adding vanilla extract and salt accurately.
  • Mugs: Ready to hold your delicious hot chocolate creation.

Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate for Gatherings

  • Gather Your Chocolate Dream Team

Toss all your delicious ingredients into the crockpot, creating aal chocolate haven that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Let the Chocolate Melt Slowly

Cover your crockpot and let the ingredients transform into a silky, luxurious hot chocolate. Gently stir every now and then to help the chocolate chips become liquid gold.

  • Serve Up Cozy Comfort

Once everything is perfectly blended and smooth, scoop your heavenly hot chocolate into mugs. Go wild with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

  • Keep the Warmth Flowing

Want to keep your chocolate paradise ready for seconds? Switch your crockpot to warm mode and give it an occasional stir to maintain that dreamy consistency.

Sweet Touches That Boost Cocoa Flavor

  • Whisk the chocolate chips gently to help them melt smoothly and prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Swap whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, velvety hot chocolate.
  • Experiment with add-ins like ground cinnamon, peppermint extract, or a splash of liqueur for adults to elevate the classic hot chocolate experience.
  • Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes to make each mug a festive and personalized treat that delights both kids and grown-ups.
  • Prepare the hot chocolate mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, then reheat in the crockpot when ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.

Serve Hot Chocolate That Feels Festive

  • Cozy Mug: Top each steaming mug with fluffy marshmallows, creating a delightful cloud of sweetness that melts softly into the rich chocolate.
  • Winter Wonderland Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or cinnamon on top for a festive touch that adds delightful crunch and extra holiday flavor.
  • Creamy Companion Extras: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the hot chocolate's luxurious texture and presentation.
  • Grown-Up Twist: For adults, splash in a shot of Bailey's, rum, or peppermint schnapps to transform this comforting drink into a warming cocktail.

Tips to Store Hot Cocoa Without Losing Taste

  • Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or crockpot, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
  • Pour cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Frozen batches last up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
  • Make the hot chocolate base a day ahead and refrigerate. This allows flavors to meld and reduces day-of preparation stress. Simply reheat in the crockpot when ready to serve.
  • Set up a cute toppings bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cinnamon sticks. Keep toppings in small bowls near the crockpot for easy guest customization.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your taste preference. Just ensure they’re good quality chips that melt smoothly.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a non-dairy version.

  • How can I prevent the chocolate from burning or sticking?

Stir the mixture occasionally during cooking and use the low setting. The crockpot’s gentle heat helps prevent burning and ensures even melting of chocolate.

  • Can kids help make this hot chocolate?

Sure! Kids can help measure ingredients and stir the mixture. Adults should handle the actual crockpot and hot liquid to ensure safety.

Print
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Cozy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Cozy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy hot chocolate recipe heightens winter warmth with rich cocoa, milk, and sweet chocolate chips. Comfort and indulgence mingle in this simple slow cooker treat that welcomes friends and family to relax together.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • whipped cream
  • mini marshmallows
  • chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
  • crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Chocolate Base Creation: Combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt in the crockpot, whisking until the mixture appears smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Slow Infusion: Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to gently meld and transform into a luxurious hot chocolate over approximately two hours, stirring occasionally to prevent chocolate from adhering to the bottom.
  3. Texture Refinement: Once chocolate chips have completely dissolved and the liquid achieves a glossy, uniform consistency, perform a final thorough stirring to ensure total ingredient integration.
  4. Serving Preparation: Carefully ladle the steaming hot chocolate into individual mugs, encouraging personalization with optional toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or a dusting of cinnamon.
  5. Temperature Maintenance: If serving over an extended period, transition the crockpot to warm setting, stirring intermittently to preserve optimal temperature and prevent surface film formation, ensuring a continuously inviting beverage for guests.

Notes

  • Chocolate Selection Matters: Use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for richer, more complex flavor profile and smoother texture.
  • Prevent Scorching: Stir mixture every 30-45 minutes to ensure even heating and prevent chocolate from burning or sticking to crockpot bottom.
  • Customize Consistency: Adjust milk quantities for thicker or thinner hot chocolate; add extra chocolate chips for more intensity or more milk for lighter version.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free or vegan alternatives; use dairy-free chocolate chips to make completely plant-based.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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