🎉 Introduction
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold day. And when it’s made in a slow cooker, it becomes even more special—smooth, creamy, and indulgent without any hassle. This Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family movie nights, holiday parties, or chilly winter mornings.
Unlike powdered mixes, this recipe uses real chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cream, giving it a rich, velvety flavor that feels like a hug in a mug. Plus, it’s made in the crock pot, so you can set it, let it simmer, and keep it warm for hours. Everyone can ladle themselves a mug whenever they’re ready.
Whether you top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes, this recipe guarantees that hot chocolate will never be the same again.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Ladle (for serving)
- Mugs
Optional:
- Whipped cream dispenser
- Small bowls for toppings (marshmallows, sprinkles, crushed peppermint)
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 6 cups milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
- Pour in sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and regular milk.
- Add chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Continue until chocolate chips are fully melted and mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Keep Warm
- Once hot chocolate is ready, switch slow cooker to the “warm” setting.
- Stir before serving to keep it silky.
Step 4: Serve
- Ladle into mugs and top with your favorite toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 10–12 mugs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (low heat)
- Total Time: About 2 hours 5 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, whisking until smooth. Do not boil.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as dairy doesn’t freeze well in this recipe.
🥄 Variations
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract or stir with candy canes.
- Salted Caramel: Swirl in caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a warm kick.
- Mocha Twist: Replace 1 cup of milk with brewed coffee for a coffeehouse-style drink.
- White Hot Chocolate: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweet twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes, use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version. - What kind of chocolate chips are best?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate work well, but dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor. - Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce chocolate chips or skip the condensed milk and add unsweetened cocoa powder. - How do I keep hot chocolate warm for a party?
Keep crock pot on the “warm” setting and stir occasionally. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker. - What toppings go best with this hot chocolate?
Marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder. - Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, just heat all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low, stirring until smooth. - How do I make it thicker?
Add ½ cup more chocolate chips or a few tablespoons cocoa powder. - Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed?
Not for sweetness—condensed milk is sweetened, so you’d need extra sugar if substituting. - Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for kids’ hot cocoa bars at parties.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink to share with family and friends. It’s rich, indulgent, and far better than any store-bought mix. The slow cooker makes it effortless—you just add ingredients, let it melt together, and serve it piping hot.
Perfect for holidays, snow days, or any time you need a comforting pick-me-up, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to powdered cocoa!
Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate – The Ultimate Cozy Drink
Adem Recipes Daily 🍽️
Your pocket cooking companion — best recipes and daily recipes you can cook at home. Discover 1,700+ recipes inside the app, step-by-step and delicious.
Coming Soon
Ingredients
Adem Recipes Daily App
Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.
Coming Soon
Equipment
Method
- Pour in sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and regular milk.
- Add chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Continue until chocolate chips are fully melted and mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Once hot chocolate is ready, switch slow cooker to the “warm” setting.
- Stir before serving to keep it silky.
- Ladle into mugs and top with your favorite toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes.
Notes
Yes, use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version. What kind of chocolate chips are best?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate work well, but dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor. Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce chocolate chips or skip the condensed milk and add unsweetened cocoa powder. How do I keep hot chocolate warm for a party?
Keep crock pot on the “warm” setting and stir occasionally. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker. What toppings go best with this hot chocolate?
Marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, just heat all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low, stirring until smooth. How do I make it thicker?
Add ½ cup more chocolate chips or a few tablespoons cocoa powder. Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed?
Not for sweetness—condensed milk is sweetened, so you’d need extra sugar if substituting. Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for kids’ hot cocoa bars at parties. 🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy drink to share with family and friends. It’s rich, indulgent, and far better than any store-bought mix. The slow cooker makes it effortless—you just add ingredients, let it melt together, and serve it piping hot. Perfect for holidays, snow days, or any time you need a comforting pick-me-up, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to powdered cocoa!
