Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe (Crock Pot Hot Chocolate)

Happiness in the slow cooker is what you get when you make Slow Cooker hot chocolate. This rich and creamy hot cocoa has the flavors you love with the ease of being cooked in a slow cooker. With only a handful of ingredients, this homemade hot chocolate will be a hit with everyone and it is perfect for serving a group of people.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe (Crock pot hot chocolate)

Creamy, chocolaty, hot chocolate (or hot cocoa depending on what you call it) is pure chocolate heaven in a cup!

The first time I made hot chocolate in the slow cooker the kids were giving me “the look” like I was doing something that I should not be doing. They know I love using my slow cooker to make dinner, but they were not on board with me attempting hot chocolate in the slow cooker. 

Their opinions changed quickly once they took a sip of this decadent hot chocolate made in the slow cooker. They all loved the rich chocolaty taste of this homemade hot chocolate. 

This crockpot hot chocolate recipe couldn’t be easier. Dump all of the crockpot hot chocolate ingredients into the slow cooker, turn it on, and let it cook. The results are an amazing, creamy rich hot chocolate that is perfect to enjoy as is. Or you can enjoy this decadent hot chocolate made in the slow cooker with your favorite hot chocolate toppings including marshmallows and whipped cream. 

I promise you are going to love it! 

This crockpot hot chocolate is perfect for cold days when you want to warm up, holiday gatherings, parties, and family get-togethers. You can prep it in just a few minutes and let it cook while you are getting other things done. This hot cocoa is perfect for enjoying all day long or serving for a large crowd. 

If you are making a Hot Chocolate board or having a hot chocolate bar this recipe is perfect. Easy to make a large batch of hot chocolate without having to worry about making individual cups for everyone.

Hot Chocolate Recipes

• Whipped hot chocolate
• Caramel Hot Chocolate
• Pink Hot Chocolate
• Keto hot Chocolate
• Halloween Hot Chocolate
• Italian Hot Chocolate
• Starbucks Hot Chocolate
• Unicorn Hot Chocolate
• Caramel hot chocolate

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to Make Recipe. I love that this hot chocolate is so easy to make, it takes all of 5 minutes at most to put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker. Then you just let the slow cooker do its magic. 

Rich and creamy hot chocolate. This hot chocolate recipe made in the crock pot is rich in chocolate flavor and perfectly creamy. The flavor is so much better than anything you get when buying store bought hot cocoa packets. 

Perfect for a crowd. This easy to make hot chocolate recipe makes a large amount and if you need more you can easily double and triple the recipe to make enough. 

Hot Chocolate Toppings

I love setting things up with a hot chocolate toppings board but if you are not going all fancy when serving this homemade hot cocoa that is ok! But there are lots of tasty toppings that you can add on top to make it even more amazing.

• whipped cream. A classic choice that adds a creamy, airy texture to your drink.
• Marshmallows. Mini marshmallows or larger ones float on top and melt slightly, adding sweetness. I like using Homemade Marshmallows. You can also use Marshmallow Fluff
• Chocolate Shavings or Chocolate Chips. Sprinkle some extra chocolate on top for added richness. You can use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chocolate chips.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg. A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can give your hot chocolate a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Caramel Sauce, Hot fudge Sauce or Chocolate Sauce. Drizzle some sauce on top for extra sweetness or flavor variety.
• Peppermint or Candy Canes. Crushed peppermint or a candy cane can add a refreshing twist.
• Sprinkles. Colored or chocolate sprinkles can add a festive touch.
• Sliced Almonds or Crushed Nuts. For a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Chili Powder or Cayenne. For a unique twist, add a pinch of spice to your hot chocolate.
• Peanut Butter or Nutella. A dollop of peanut butter or Nutella can melt into the hot chocolate, giving it a delightful richness.

Variations of this Recipe

Make it extra chocolatey. If you want to have a richer chocolate flavor instead of using 1 cup of cocoa powder use 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 10 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate. If you want make it this way it is important to use good-quality chocolate. I suggest using Ghirardelli brand semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips or you can use 

Make it boozy. If you want a boozy slow cooker hot chocolate it is easy to do! Just add the alcohol into the crockpot and mix right before serving. Peppermint Schnapps and Bailey’s are great add-ins if you want to make a boozy crock pot hot chocolate.

Make Peppermint Crock Pot Hot Chocolate. Instead of using vanilla extract, use peppermint extract.

How to Store Leftovers

Any remaining homemade hot chocolate can be kept in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave-safe mug and gently warm it in 30-second intervals, stirring until it’s heated evenly.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes. If you do not have a slow cooker but want to make this large batch hot chocolate recipe you can make it on the stove. 

1. In a large pot or saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually pour in about 1 cup of the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Whisk until the cocoa mixture is smooth and well incorporated with the milk.
3. Slowly add the remainder of the milk, half and half, and vanilla extract, whisking constantly to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer, but avoid bringing it to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
5. Once it reaches your desired temperature, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Can I use Sweetened Condensed Milk with this recipe?

If you want to use sweetened condensed milk to add thickness to this recipe I suggest only adding a little bit and omitting the sugar. Sweetened condensed milk is super sweet on its own. 

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe Ingredients

• unsweetened cocoa powder. Choose a quality hot cocoa powder, the better the quality cocoa powder the better flavor hot chocolate you will have.
• white sugar.
• salt.
• whole milk. If you are using 1% or 2% milk then you will want to use heavy cream instead of half and half so it has the best creamy texture.
• half and half. You can also use heavy cream.
• vanilla extract. You want to use real vanilla extract, the flavor is much better than the imitation vanilla extract. I like to use homemade vanilla extract, which if you have not ever made you should totally try it! It is super easy to make. 

How to Make Hot Chocolate in the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker add the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, and using a whisk mix everything to combine.

Slowly stir in about 1 cup of the milk until you have no more lumps of cocoa. 

Whisk in the remaining 5 cups of milk, half and half, and the vanilla extract.

Put the lid on the crock pot and turn the cooking temperature to high for 2 1/2 hours or until it’s at the desired temperature.

Once the slow cooker hot cocoa is done, use a ladle to scoop the hot cocoa into mugs. 

Serve with your favorite toppings.

Hot Chocolate Recipes that make great gifts

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Spoons
• Hot Chocolate Spoons
• Marshmallow hot chocolate cups
• Unicorn Hot Chocolate Bombs
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bombs