If you’re craving a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in a mug, then this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine rich, creamy hot chocolate made effortlessly in your slow cooker, freeing you up to relax and enjoy life while it simmers to perfection. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that transforms cold nights into sweet, comforting moments that you can share with family and friends—trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step to making this hot chocolate truly magical. Each component is essential, contributing its own touch of flavor, creaminess, or sweetness that makes this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe so irresistible.
- 5 cups whole milk: Provides a creamy, rich base that brings smoothness without overwhelming heaviness.
- 16 ounces heavy whipping cream: Boosts the velvety texture and richness, making each sip luxuriously thick.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Adds the deep, chocolatey flavor essential for true hot chocolate satisfaction.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the drink just right so it’s indulgent without being overly sugary.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the entire drink.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste in subtle but powerful ways.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of melty, creamy chocolate happiness throughout.
How to Make Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by adding the whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt into your crock pot. Use a whisk to blend everything until it’s silky smooth with no lumps of cocoa powder hiding around. This simple mixing step sets the foundation for perfectly creamy hot chocolate.
Step 2: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Next, stir in the milk chocolate chips gently but thoroughly so they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These chocolate chips will melt during cooking, adding that luscious melted chocolate sensation you crave in every cup.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot to low and let the mixture cook for about one hour. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chocolate chips to melt fully into the drink, creating an ultra-rich and deeply satisfying hot chocolate without any fuss.
Step 4: Give it a Final Whisk
Once the hour is up, whisk the hot chocolate one last time to ensure everything is perfectly blended and smooth. This final stir lifts the creamy texture and makes sure every sip is just as delicious as the first.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve
Switch your crock pot to the warm setting so the hot chocolate stays at the ideal temperature for serving. The warmth setting keeps it cozy without risk of burning or thickening too much. Now, it’s ready to pour directly from the crock pot into mugs for an effortless and crowd-pleasing treat.
How to Serve Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates your hot chocolate quite like the perfect garnish. Whipped cream is a classic topping that adds lightness and extra creaminess. You can also sprinkle on mini marshmallows for a fun, melty touch or a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg to add a hint of spice. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of caramel or a few chocolate shavings never fails to impress.
Side Dishes
Pairing your hot chocolate with a delicious side turns it into an indulgent snack or even a dessert. Think buttery freshly baked cookies, flaky croissants, or even a slice of rich chocolate cake. These combos make your hot chocolate moment extra special and perfect for sharing with others.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe in oversized mugs or festive holiday cups to boost the cozy vibe. Add holiday-themed straws or cinnamon sticks as stirrers which not only look charming but add subtle flavor. For parties, set up a hot chocolate bar with all the garnishes and let guests customize their own mugs—it’s an instant hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover hot chocolate, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, give it a good stir as some separation is natural after chilling.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze leftover hot chocolate in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Make sure to leave space for expansion and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your stored hot chocolate gently on the stove or in the microwave, whisking frequently to restore the creamy texture. Avoid boiling as this can cause the milk to curdle or the chocolate to seize.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe?
Absolutely! Whole milk provides the best creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% or even plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan version, swap the whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk and coconut cream. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and adjust sweetness as needed for a delicious dairy-free treat.
Can I add other flavors to the hot chocolate?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by infusing your hot chocolate with cinnamon sticks, a pinch of chili powder for warmth, or even a splash of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
How long will the hot chocolate stay warm in the crock pot?
On the warm setting, your hot chocolate should stay perfectly warm for several hours without scorching. Just stir occasionally to maintain an even texture.
Is this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe suitable for making large batches?
Yes, the slow cooker makes it fantastic for serving a crowd. You can easily double the ingredients for parties or gatherings, just be sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about sipping on this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe that it quickly becomes a wintertime staple. It’s effortless to make, gloriously creamy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for everything from quiet nights to lively get-togethers. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re about to discover a whole new level of chocolaty happiness!
Print
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe is a creamy, rich, and indulgent beverage perfect for cozy gatherings or cold days. Made in a slow cooker, it combines milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips for an effortlessly smooth and decadent hot chocolate that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Base
- 5 cups whole milk
- 16 ounces heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whole milk, heavy whipping cream, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt to the crock pot. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the milk chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture to create a luscious, chocolaty texture.
- Cook: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook the hot chocolate mixture for 1 hour. This slow heat gently melds the flavors and melts the chocolate chips completely.
- Whisk Before Serving: After cooking, whisk the hot chocolate again to ensure it is fully blended and smooth, with a creamy and velvety consistency.
- Serve Warm: Switch the crock pot to the warm setting to keep the hot chocolate at an ideal serving temperature and serve directly from the slow cooker for convenience.
Notes
- This recipe serves 12, making it perfect for holiday parties or large family gatherings.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture; you can substitute with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option but the outcome will differ.
- For a darker chocolate flavor, substitute milk chocolate chips with semisweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet hot chocolate.
- Keep the slow cooker on warm setting after cooking to prevent scorching and maintain temperature.
