There’s nothing that says “cozy” quite like a big, steaming mug of Crockpot Hot Chocolate. It’s the ultimate winter treat: creamy, dreamy, and rich enough to make you feel like every snowflake outside is there just to amp up the magic in your mug. Whether you’re hosting a holiday sleepover, planning a festive movie night, or simply trying to banish the cold with something extra special, Crockpot Hot Chocolate is the answer. Best of all, you only need six simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker to whip up a whopping batch everyone will rave about!

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Crockpot Hot Chocolate is half the fun—the list is short, but every component plays a major role in creating that thick, luscious cocoa everyone loves. Each delivers a unique flavor note or contributes to the perfect texture.

Heavy Cream (4 cups, divided): Brings the luxurious, velvety texture that sets this hot chocolate apart from anything out of a packet.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Adds that classic, deeply chocolatey flavor while keeping the sweetness in check.
Whole Milk (4 cups): Balances richness with a smooth, pourable consistency. Don’t skimp—the whole milk keeps things creamy!
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces): Sweetens the cocoa beautifully and adds a dense, caramel-like creaminess.
Semi-Sweet Baking Bar (12 ounces, finely chopped): Melts into the mixture, ensuring every sip is irresistibly chocolaty. Chopping helps it melt evenly!
Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out all the flavors and adds a warm, aromatic hug in every cup.

How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Make a Cocoa Base

Pour two cups of heavy cream into your slow cooker insert, then whisk in the cocoa powder. Mixing cocoa directly into the cream prevents lumps and lets all that dark chocolate flavor bloom right from the start.

Step 2: Add the Dairy and Chocolate

Next, add the remaining two cups of heavy cream along with the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, finely chopped semi-sweet baking bar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk for this step as well, gently blending until the mixture comes together into one creamy pool of chocolatey goodness.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Stir

Set your crockpot to the low setting, then let it work its magic for three hours. Every 20 minutes or so, give everything a good stir—this helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents any bits from settling at the bottom.

Step 4: Keep Warm and Adjust as Needed

Once it’s perfectly smooth and all the chocolate has melted, switch your crockpot over to the “warm” setting if you’re not serving right away. If the hot chocolate ever gets a tad thick as it sits, a splash of extra milk will bring it back to drinking perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle Crockpot Hot Chocolate into mugs, then head straight to toppings territory! From whipped cream to marshmallows, go wild and enjoy every decadent sip.

How to Serve Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Garnishes

This is where the fun really starts! Crown each mug with a swirl of whipped cream, a handful of marshmallows, candy cane pieces, or a dusting of sprinkles. For something gourmet, try chocolate shavings or a little cinnamon for that bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Hot Chocolate is a knockout on its own, but pairing it with fresh-baked cookies, sweet biscotti, or cinnamon rolls makes it feel extra special. Sipping cocoa in one hand, gooey cookie in the other—now that’s winter done right!

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a Crockpot Hot Chocolate bar at your next gathering: line up jars of toppings and let friends or family customize their drinks. For a festive twist, serve in clear glass mugs to show off all that creamy goodness, or go retro with big, colorful mugs and striped straws for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Crockpot Hot Chocolate (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring to a covered pitcher or container. Tuck it in the fridge, where it’ll keep beautifully for up to three days without losing its luscious texture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Crockpot Hot Chocolate! Pour cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. When that cocoa craving strikes again, just thaw it out in the fridge overnight—it’ll taste as dreamy as day one.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until steaming and smooth, or warm larger batches gently on the stovetop, stirring often. If the mixture feels too thick, loosen it up with a splash of milk before serving.

FAQs

Can I use dairy-free alternatives in Crockpot Hot Chocolate?

Absolutely! Substitute coconut cream or almond milk for the heavy cream and whole milk, and look for a dairy-free chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk. The flavors will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.

What’s the best way to make this for a crowd?

This recipe already makes plenty, but you can easily double it for big family gatherings. Use a standard 6 or 7-quart crockpot, keep the proportions balanced, and remember to stir occasionally for even melting.

How do I keep Crockpot Hot Chocolate from getting too thick?

If it sits on the warm setting for several hours, it can thicken up. Simply stir in extra milk, a little at a time, until it returns to the perfect sipping consistency.

Can I add extra flavors to the hot chocolate?

Definitely! Try tossing in a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of peppermint extract, or even a shot of espresso for a mocha vibe. The slow cooker makes it easy to experiment with fun twists.

Is it possible to prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can measure and mix the dry ingredients and chop the chocolate in advance. When it’s time to serve, just pour everything into the crockpot and let it cook—perfect for easy entertaining or last-minute plans.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a crockpot full of rich, steaming Crockpot Hot Chocolate with your favorite people. Whether you keep things classic or dress up your mugs to the nines, I promise this recipe will become a new tradition in your home—give it a try and prepare for serious wintertime joy!