The Perfect Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe for Cozy Nights

Rich, velvety slow cooker hot chocolate enhances ordinary winter evenings into magical moments of comfort.

Cold nights demand warm, indulgent beverages that hug you from the inside out.

This luxurious drink combines creamy ingredients simmered gently to produce a decadent treat that elevates traditional hot chocolate.

Silky smooth textures and deep chocolatey flavors meld together, creating an irresistible beverage perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness when you let your slow cooker work its enchanting culinary magic.

Multiple ingredients blend harmoniously, developing complex flavor profiles that tantalize taste buds and warm chilled fingers.

Every sip promises pure, comforting bliss that feels like a sweet, cozy embrace.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate That’s Creamy and Rich

• Craft Creamy Comfort: This slow cooker hot chocolate delivers an incredibly smooth, luxurious texture that feels like a warm hug in a mug. Heavy cream and whole milk create a rich base that transforms ordinary hot chocolate into a decadent experience.
• Hands-Off Holiday Bliss: The slow cooker method eliminates constant stirring, making this recipe perfect for busy hosts or anyone wanting to enjoy effortless holiday entertaining. Simply add ingredients, set the cooker, and walk away while deliciousness develops.
• Customize Your Chocolate Dream: With endless topping possibilities like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes, each serving becomes a personalized treat that sparks joy and brings smiles to everyone's faces. The recipe's flexibility means no two mugs need to look exactly alike.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Bliss

• Heavy Cream: Rich, luxurious base that creates a creamy and smooth texture for the hot chocolate.
• Whole Milk: Adds extra richness and helps balance the thickness of the drink.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides natural sweetness and contributes to the smooth, velvety consistency.

• Cocoa Powder: Essential for deep chocolate flavor, choose high-quality powder for the best taste.
• Chopped Chocolate: Adds depth and richness, selecting a good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate enhances the overall flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, subtle depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor, use pure vanilla for best results.

• Marshmallows: Fluffy and sweet addition that melts into the hot chocolate.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that adds extra richness.
• Chocolate Syrup: Intensifies chocolate flavor and provides additional sweetness.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Festive touch that adds a hint of peppermint flavor.

Instructions to Make Hot Chocolate in a Crockpot

Step 1: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

Pour heavy cream into slow cooker and gradually whisk in cocoa powder. Blend carefully to prevent lumps from forming. Take your time to incorporate the powder completely.

Step 2: Combine Delicious Liquid Ingredients

• Remaining heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Chopped chocolate
• Vanilla extract

Stir everything until perfectly mixed and ingredients are well distributed.

Step 3: Slow Cook Chocolate Magic

Set slow cooker on low heat and cook for 3 hours. Gently stir mixture every 20 minutes to ensure even melting and consistent texture.

Step 4: Keep Chocolate Warm And Ready

Switch slow cooker to “warm” setting after cooking. This keeps hot chocolate ready to serve for up to 3 hours. If mixture becomes too thick, simply stir in additional milk to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Dress Up Your Hot Chocolate

• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Crushed candy canes

Enjoy your luxurious homemade hot chocolate!

Tips to Avoid Burnt Edges in Crockpot Cocoa

• Whisk Wisely: Prevent cocoa powder lumps by gradually adding and whisking thoroughly, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
• Stir Consistently: Check and stir the mixture every 20 minutes to help chocolate melt evenly and distribute flavors perfectly.
• Temperature Control: Keep the slow cooker on low heat to prevent scorching and maintain a rich, creamy consistency.
• Customize Consistency: If hot chocolate thickens while sitting, simply stir in a splash of milk to restore the ideal drinking texture.
• Topping Adventure: Experiment with creative garnishes like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes to elevate your hot chocolate experience.

How to Keep Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Warm and Smooth

• Refrigeration: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, mixing between each interval until heated through.
• Consistency Tip: Add a splash of fresh milk while reheating to restore the original creamy texture and prevent separation.

Snacks and Desserts to Pair with Hot Chocolate

• Marshmallow Heaven Pairing: Top this rich hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows and pair it with soft, buttery shortbread cookies. The delicate crunch of the cookie complements the creamy chocolate perfectly.
• Spice Up Your Sip: Enhance the hot chocolate with a splash of cinnamon whiskey or a dash of cayenne pepper. These warming spirits and spices create a bold, grown-up twist that elevates the classic drink.
• Festive Winter Companions: Serve alongside gingerbread men or peppermint bark for a holiday-themed treat. The complementary flavors of spice and mint will dance delightfully with the deep chocolate notes.
• Cheese Board Surprise: Create a sophisticated dessert moment by pairing the hot chocolate with aged gouda or dark chocolate truffles. The salty-sweet combination offers a luxurious tasting experience that surprises and delights the palate.

Creative Mix-Ins for Hot Chocolate Lovers

• Winter Spice Edition: Enhance the hot chocolate by adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming, spicy kick that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint Chocolate Blend: Incorporate peppermint extract or crush candy canes into the mixture, creating a refreshing and festive version that screams holiday cheer.
• Salted Caramel Indulgence: Swirl in some caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top, transforming the classic hot chocolate into a decadent, sweet-and-salty treat that will tantalize taste buds.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and almond milk, then use dairy-free chocolate to make a creamy, plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luxurious slow cooker hot chocolate brings winter comfort straight to your mug. Rich chocolate melts slowly with creamy milk and warming spices, creating a delightful drink perfect for cold evenings you’ll want to savor by the fireplace.

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Ingredients

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Main Chocolate Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet baking bar, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Dairy Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) heavy cream, divided

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
• Your favorite toppings (marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes, etc.)

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Instructions

1. Pour heavy cream into the slow cooker, whisking in cocoa powder meticulously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky smooth base.
2. Incorporate remaining heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure comprehensive integration of all ingredients.
3. Configure the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the rich concoction to simmer gently for approximately three hours, periodically stirring to promote even chocolate melting and prevent ingredient separation.
4. Monitor the consistency carefully, ensuring the chocolate dissolves completely and the liquid transforms into a harmonious, velvety beverage with uniform texture.
5. Transition the slow cooker to “warm” setting, maintaining the ideal serving temperature for up to three hours without compromising quality.
6. Should the hot chocolate thicken during holding, delicately reintroduce milk to restore the desired liquid consistency.
7. Present the decadent beverage adorned with luxurious embellishments such as fluffy marshmallows, cloudlike whipped cream, drizzled chocolate syrup, or festive crushed candy canes to elevate the sensory experience.

Notes

• Creamy and rich texture achieved by carefully whisking cocoa powder into heavy cream without lumps.
• Low and slow cooking method helps chocolate melt smoothly and develops deep, intense flavor profiles.
• Stirring every 20 minutes prevents chocolate from burning and ensures consistent, velvety consistency.
• Versatile topping options like marshmallows and crushed candy canes transform this hot chocolate into a festive treat.
• Can be kept warm for up to 3 hours, making it perfect for gatherings and holiday entertaining.
• Easily adjust thickness by adding milk if the mixture becomes too dense during serving time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Drinks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 496
• Sugar: 43g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 113mg