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Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate – The Ultimate Cozy Drink

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 mugs
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • 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)

Method
 

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
  1. Pour in sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and regular milk.
  2. Add chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Cook
  1. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  2. Continue until chocolate chips are fully melted and mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Keep Warm
  1. Once hot chocolate is ready, switch slow cooker to the “warm” setting.
  2. Stir before serving to keep it silky.
Step 4: Serve
  1. Ladle into mugs and top with your favorite toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes.

Notes

🧊 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!