This Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect solution for warming up during chilly days, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in. Made with real ingredients like milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder, it delivers a rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey flavor that far surpasses anything made from a mix. Using the slow cooker allows the ingredients to melt and blend gently over time, creating a smooth and luxurious drink with minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to enjoy a comforting mug of hot chocolate by the fire, this recipe makes enough to serve a group and stays warm for hours. Add your favorite toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch, or spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. Simple, indulgent, and endlessly customizable, this crockpot hot chocolate is sure to become a winter favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Rich: The combination of milk, cream, and real chocolate makes it ultra-smooth and decadent.

Perfect for Groups: Great for serving a crowd at parties, holidays, or cozy nights in.
Easy and Hands-Off: The crockpot does all the work—just dump, stir, and heat.
Customizable Toppings: Endless options to make it your own with marshmallows, whipped cream, or peppermint.

Stays Warm for Hours: Serve directly from the slow cooker throughout the event.

Ingredients

Milk (2% or whole)
Heavy cream

Sweetened condensed milk
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Unsweetened cocoa powder

Vanilla extract
Optional: Salt, cinnamon, mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream

Variations

Dark Chocolate Version: Use bittersweet chocolate and a touch more cocoa powder.

Spicy Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add peppermint extract or stir with candy canes.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Mocha Style: Add a shot of brewed espresso or strong coffee for a coffee-chocolate blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Add the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to the crockpot.

Step 2

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate melt evenly.

Step 4

After 2 hours, stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Adjust cocoa powder or sweetness if desired.

Step 5

Switch to the “warm” setting and serve directly from the crockpot with desired toppings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Stir occasionally while heating to prevent the chocolate from settling or burning.
Chop chocolate finely if using bars for quicker melting.
Taste and adjust sweetness before serving—add more condensed milk or sugar if needed.

Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
Keep on “warm” to serve throughout a party or gathering.

How to Serve

Serve in mugs with a ladle directly from the crockpot.

Offer a toppings bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and sprinkles.
Pair with cookies, biscotti, or pastries for a sweet treat.
Add a cinnamon stick or a dollop of flavored whipped cream.

Serve as a dessert drink with a splash of liqueur for adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Freezing

Not recommended for freezing, as dairy may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the increased volume.

2. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk work well, but the texture may be slightly different.

3. How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use dark chocolate chips.

4. Can I add alcohol for adults?

Yes, a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps works well.

5. What’s the best chocolate to use?

High-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate gives the best flavor and texture.

6. Can I use just cocoa powder?

You can, but combining cocoa and chocolate chips creates a richer result.

7. How long can it stay on “warm”?

Up to 3–4 hours; stir occasionally to keep it smooth.

8. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat over low, stirring until melted and hot.

9. What’s the serving size?

This recipe serves about 8–10 people depending on mug size.

10. Can I make it sugar-free?

Use sugar-free chocolate and omit sweetened condensed milk, adjusting with sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

Conclusion

This Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate is a cozy, crowd-pleasing drink that transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a luscious and warming treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, enjoying a snow day, or just want something special after dinner, this slow cooker recipe delivers comfort by the mugful. With options for customization and easy preparation, it’s bound to become your go-to hot chocolate recipe all winter long.