Crockpot Hot Chocolate
My Crockpot Hot Chocolate is made with real chocolate, providing a rich and creamy consistency. With a deep chocolate flavor from good quality dark chocolate, cocoa powder and just a touch of sugar, it delivers the kind of comforting mug of hot chocolate (and the kids) you'll want to sip on all season long.
Whether you're hosting a holiday party, prepping a hot chocolate charcuterie board, or just warming up after a snow day, this creamy hot chocolate is an easy way to serve a crowd with almost no effort.
If hot beverages are your jam, you may also love our Spiked Apple Cider Crockpot, Caramel Mocha Coffee or Old Fashioned Hot Toddy.
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep, Low Effort: Just a few minutes of prep time and your crock pot handles the rest.
- Perfect for Parties: It's a big batch recipe that keeps warm for hours, ideal for entertaining.
- Real Chocolate Flavor: Made fresh without a packet, with high quality dark chocolate and cocoa powder,
- Make it Your Own: Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, candy canes or even chocolate syrup.
Ingredients
If you're like me, you will make sure these are always in the house, especially in the colder months.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Whole Milk: Acts as the base ingredient. We recommend whole for additional flavor, but you can use your milk preference.
- Heavy Cream: This adds that richness and smooth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to provide some sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate: Provides a deep, rich colour, without adding too much sweetness. I prefer to use 85-90% good quality chocolate, like Ghirardelli, for a deep dark chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds additional richness to the flavor profile.
To make yourself the best hot chocolate, you'll want to have on hand a 3-quart slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons and a whisk.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Milk: Use your favorite dairy-free milk if that is your preference. We recommend using coconut milk for a smooth beverage.
- Sweeteners: Swap sugar with maple syrup, honey, or ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk for a thicker, sweeter twist or combine to taste.
- Chocolate Percentages: Dark chocolate lovers may prefer higher percentages, but 55-70% gives a sweeter taste. I suggest sampling at 2.5 hours and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Experiment: Customize with different flavors. We love using syrups by Torani, like their peppermint syrup, vanilla syrup and hazelnut syrup. If you prefer not using syrup, you can add some ground cinnamon, pure vanilla or mint extract.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
You will love seeing how quick and easy this recipe is made (with very little effort)!
Add all ingredients into the base of a 3-quart slow cooker.
Set to LOW and cook for 3 hours (whisk every 30-60 minutes) or until warmed to your desired temperature.
Hint: The cocoa powder will sit on the top for about the first 20-30 minutes, but do not worry! The first time you come around to whisk it up, you'll see it incorporate quickly.
Recipe Tips
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips.
- Make it Festive: Serve with a mini candy cane, whipped cream or melted chocolate drizzle.
- Double Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled, just be sure to use a larger Crockpot.
- Stovetop Version: If you're short on time, this can also be made on the stove top over low heat.
If you like your hot chocolate with a hint of mint, try our Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate.
More Christmas Recipes
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Portion into mason jars if you like and add toppings only when serving.
- Reheating: Shake before warming to blend the chocolate. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low, whisking often, or warm in the microwave.
- Make Ahead: You can pre-portion ingredients, though it comes together quickly. Chop chocolate bars in advance to save a few minutes
Serving Suggestions
- More Holiday Beverages: Baileys hot chocolate, peppermint mocha.
- Holiday Favorites: Peppermint brownies, Crockpot candy and hot chocolate cheesecake.
Hot Chocolate Recipe for Crockpot FAQs
Yes, adjust this recipe to your needs with dairy-free or vegan substitutes. Coconut milk is our favorite for a similar richness.
Yes! Use one type for a classic flavor or mix for a unique blend. White, milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate all work, pick your favorite.
We love using just about any version of Baileys Irish Cream. Other options are Irish whiskey, dark rum, peppermint schnapps or vodka, and coffee liqueur like Kahula.
Absolutely, for a shortcut you can get yourself some hot cocoa mix instead or to incorporate with the chopped chocolate. I would suggest starting with less and tasting as you go for desired sweetness.
More Recipes
Enjoy some more selections below.
Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generate for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- 3-quart Crockpot/ Slow Cooker
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 50 grams granulated sugar about ¼ cup
- 4 ounce dark chocolate I use 85-90%
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the base of a 3-quart slow cooker.
- Set to LOW and cook for 3 hours (stir every 30-60 minutes) or until warmed to your desired temperature.
Notes
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality dark chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips.
- Make it Festive: Serve with a mini candy cane, whipped cream or melted chocolate drizzle.
- Double Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled, just be sure to use a larger Crockpot.
- Stovetop Version: If you're short on time, this can also be made on the stove top over low heat.
- Cocoa Powder: The cocoa powder will sit on the top for about the first 20-30 minutes, but do not worry! The first time you come around to whisk it up, you'll see it incorporate quickly.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
This recipe has such a balance of flavor and so creamy. My little guy loves when we make it, and we keep it in the fridge to last the week!
This was my first time making hot chocolate in the crock pot instead of on the stovetop and I don’t think I’ll ever go back! It was so easy and cooked while we went to go cut down our Christmas tree. It was ready to go once we finished decorating!
Oh that sounds like the perfect way to make it, and what a great treat at the end of it! Thanks for sharing.