Dreamy Cozy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe to Warm Hearts

Steaming mugs of rich slow cooker hot chocolate promise pure comfort on chilly afternoons.

Winter’s embrace wraps around this creamy, indulgent beverage that melts away cold weather blues.

Chocolate lovers will adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Warm milk, premium cocoa, and a touch of sweetness blend into a luxurious drink that warms you from the inside out.

Marshmallows and whipped cream transform this simple treat into a decadent experience.

Pantry staples become a delightful crowd-pleasing beverage that sparks joy with every sip.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of slow-cooked chocolate comfort begin.

Ways to Serve Hot Chocolate With Style

• Cozy Campfire Companion: Serve this rich hot chocolate during outdoor winter gatherings around a crackling fire, topped with marshmallows and cinnamon sticks for extra warmth.
• Dessert Party Delight: Create a hot chocolate bar where guests can customize their mugs with toppings like crushed peppermint, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
• Midnight Comfort Ritual: Enjoy a mug of this creamy hot chocolate in soft pajamas while reading a book or watching a classic movie, wrapping yourself in a warm blanket for ultimate relaxation.
• Winter Movie Night Special: Pair this decadent hot chocolate with homemade cookies or brownies during family movie nights, creating a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.

Storage Advice for Leftover Slow Cooker Cocoa

• Prepare a double batch and refrigerate extra servings in sealed glass containers for up to 4 days. Simply reheat gently on stovetop or microwave when craving strikes.
• Cool hot chocolate completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
• Mix dry ingredients ahead of time in mason jars, storing chocolate chips and powdered ingredients separately to maintain freshness. Perfect for quick gifting or spontaneous gatherings.
• Keep slow cooker on warm setting during gatherings, covering surface with parchment paper to prevent skin formation and maintain smooth, creamy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars or different chocolate varieties like milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate. Just ensure they melt smoothly in the slow cooker.

• Is this hot chocolate recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Absolutely! A 6-quart slow cooker can serve multiple people, making it perfect for parties, holiday events, or family gatherings. You can easily make a large batch for everyone to enjoy.

• How can I make this hot chocolate more interesting?

Try adding fun toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon, or crushed peppermint. You can also experiment with flavor extracts like peppermint or almond to create unique variations.

• Can I prepare this hot chocolate in advance?

Yes, you can make this hot chocolate ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker. It stays creamy and delicious for several hours, making it convenient for entertaining or enjoying throughout the day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 23 hours

Total Time: 23 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 8

Slow Cooker Cocoa Ingredient Snapshot

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and velvety texture to the hot chocolate.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, classic liquid foundation for the drink.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings natural sweetness and creates a decadent, silky consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, deep aromatic note that complements the chocolate's intensity.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the chocolate's complex flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides the primary chocolate flavor, melting into a luscious, indulgent drink. Choose high-quality chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa for richer taste.

Equipment to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Cocoa

• Slow Cooker (6-quart): Essential for melting and blending all ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing chocolate from sticking.
• Ladle: Helps transfer hot chocolate from slow cooker to mugs neatly.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Mugs: For serving the delicious hot chocolate.

Stir Up a Batch of Rich Slow Cooker Cocoa

• Gather Your Chocolate Allies

Toss all your delicious ingredients into the slow cooker, creating a creamy chocolate dream waiting to happen.

• Stir and Melt

Gently blend everything together, ensuring chocolate chips start dancing and melting smoothly across the mixture.

• Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its cozy, stirring occasionally to prevent any chocolate from getting stuck or burning.

• Check for Silky Smoothness

After a few hours, peek inside and make sure the mixture looks glossy and completely blended, with no lumpy chocolate remnants.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pour the rich, velvety hot chocolate into warm mugs, inviting friends and family to enjoy this decadent treat.

• Optional Warm Holding

Keep the slow cooker on warm setting so everyone can enjoy seconds (or thirds!) of this liquid chocolate comfort.

Bonus Tip: Top with fluffy marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.

Tips for Better Cocoa Every Time

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly before starting to prevent chocolate from clumping or burning at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Prepare hot chocolate base up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate, then reheat slowly in the slow cooker for convenient entertaining.
• Swap regular milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that's equally rich and indulgent.
• Elevate your hot chocolate with unique toppings like marshmallow cream, peppermint shards, caramel drizzle, or crushed chocolate cookies for extra texture and flavor.
• Replace sweetened condensed milk with unsweetened condensed milk and add a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lighter, diabetic-friendly version.

Cozy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Rich hot chocolate from Switzerland melts chocolate and milk together for a luxurious winter treat. Warm mugs of creamy goodness invite you to savor each comforting sip on cold evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 6 cups (1.4 l) whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• whipped cream
• mini marshmallows
• chocolate shavings
• crushed candy canes
• caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine heavy cream, milk, and sweetened condensed milk in the slow cooker, whisking thoroughly to create a harmonious liquid foundation that ensures a luxurious texture.
2. Chocolate Infusion: Incorporate chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt into the liquid mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly and promote smooth melting throughout the cooking process.
3. Slow Cooking: Set the slow cooker to low temperature, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer and meld for approximately 2 hours, periodically stirring every 45 minutes to prevent scorching and ensure consistent blending.
4. Flavor Refinement: Taste and adjust the hot chocolate’s sweetness or chocolate intensity by incorporating additional chocolate chips, creating a personalized and rich beverage experience.
5. Serving Presentation: Transfer the velvety hot chocolate into ceramic mugs, garnishing with optional toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a delicate cinnamon sprinkle to elevate the sensory experience.
6. Holding Temperature: Maintain the hot chocolate’s optimal serving condition by switching the slow cooker to warm setting, stirring occasionally to preserve texture and prevent ingredient separation during extended serving periods.

Notes

• Prevent Scorching: Stir the mixture every 45 minutes to avoid chocolate burning and ensure even melting throughout the slow cooker.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust chocolate intensity and sweetness by adding extra chocolate chips or a touch of sugar to suit individual taste preferences.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream and milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains a creamy texture.
• Serving Tip: Keep hot chocolate warm on the lowest setting and stir occasionally to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, consistent texture when serving for extended periods.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Drinks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 118 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg