If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate on a chilly day. That’s why I absolutely love this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe—it’s hands-off, super simple, and results in a velvety drink that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cozying up on a weekend or need a quick treat for friends, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort: Just whisk, slow cook, and you’re ready to serve—the crockpot does all the magic while you relax.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: Heavy cream, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk make this hot chocolate unbelievably smooth and indulgent.
Perfect for Gatherings: Making a big batch means you can share the warmth with friends and family without standing over a pot.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients or add your favorite extras for a personalized touch.

Two white mugs filled with dark brown hot chocolate topped with many small white marshmallows. One mug is in the front and the other is slightly blurred in the back. Around the mugs, there are scattered marshmallows, a small wooden bowl with more marshmallows, and some pine cones on a colorful red, green, and white plaid cloth. The whole setting is on a wooden table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Hot Chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, slow cooker hot cocoa, creamy hot chocolate, comforting winter drinks

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a luscious, thick, and perfectly balanced hot chocolate. I find that using whole milk brings out the best creaminess, but skim works if you want to lighten it up a bit!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl of smooth unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white bowl holding rich heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl with golden sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl containing fresh whole milk, a single small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, and two whole uncracked brown eggs arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crockpot Hot Chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, slow cooker hot cocoa, creamy hot chocolate, comforting winter drinks

Heavy whipping cream: Gives the hot chocolate that rich and velvety body I love.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a smooth, almost caramel-like depth.
Chocolate chips (semi-sweet): Semi-sweet strikes the perfect balance without being too bitter or cloyingly sweet.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate intensity and helps create that iconic deep cocoa flavor.
Milk (whole preferred): Creamy and full-flavored; skim is an option if you’re watching calories.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round everything out with warmth and aroma.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe depending on vibe and crowds. You can totally make it your own—the possibilities truly are endless!

Spiced Choco Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little chili powder for a warming twist—I discovered this combo after a chilly winter morning walk and it’s a game changer.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk and plant-based creamer, and sweetened condensed coconut milk if you can find it. Tastes just as indulgent!
Minty Fresh: Drop in a few mint extract drops or a crushed peppermint candy cane during the last 30 minutes—it’s especially festive during holidays.
Extra Chocolatey: Stir in a handful of white chocolate chips or drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving to satisfy every chocoholic’s dreams.

How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Whisk

Start by placing the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract all together in your crockpot. Whisk them thoroughly right in the slow cooker—this helps avoid clumps and ensures smooth chocolate bliss from the start.

Step 2: Slow Cook and Stir

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for about 2 hours. The key here is to whisk it every 20-30 minutes if you can—this not only helps melt the chocolate evenly but keeps everything wonderfully smooth without separating. The aroma alone will have you sneaking little sips while it cooks!

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s perfectly heated and smooth, pour your hot chocolate into mugs and get creative with toppings. I always go for heaps of marshmallows and a generous swirl of whipped cream. Then, just dive right in and savor every creamy mouthful.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Regular Whisking: I’ve learned that stirring every 20 minutes keeps the chocolate from sticking and clumping—totally worth the little extra effort.
Choosing Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips melt best for me—baking chips have the right melting properties, so avoid chocolate chunks or bars which can seize up.
Avoiding Separation: If your hot chocolate cools and thickens, just give it a quick whisk or warm it a bit before serving to bring back the creamy texture.
Using the Right Crockpot: A smaller slow cooker works best for this recipe, so it doesn’t spread out too thin and heats evenly.

How to Serve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

A white cup is filled with smooth, thick hot chocolate flowing from a ladle held above it by a woman's hand. The hot chocolate is rich brown and creamy, slightly swirling as it pours into the cup, which is placed on a wooden table with a white marbled texture background. Behind the cup, a white slow cooker is slightly visible, and to the right, there is another empty white cup. A small wooden bowl with white marshmallows is at the bottom right corner, and in the bottom left corner, a red and green plaid cloth adds a touch of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Hot Chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, slow cooker hot cocoa, creamy hot chocolate, comforting winter drinks

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are fluffy marshmallows, a generous dollop of whipped cream, and sometimes a sprinkle of cinnamon or shaved chocolate on top. I also love adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer—it adds charm and a little extra warmth to each sip.

Side Dishes

Pairing this hot chocolate with warm cookies, biscotti, or even soft pretzels never fails—it’s a little celebration of sweet and salty contrasts that my family goes crazy for. For brunch, it’s amazing alongside cinnamon rolls or chocolate chip muffins.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, I pour this hot chocolate into clear glass mugs to show off the rich color, then top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint or colored sprinkles. Little touches like adding edible gold dust or serving alongside themed stir sticks make it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover hot chocolate keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store it in a sealed container, then before reheating, give it a good whisk to recombine any settled ingredients for that perfect creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover hot chocolate a few times in small portions. When thawed slowly in the fridge and warmed gently, it tastes just as good—just be sure to whisk well after thawing to bring everything back together.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is slowly on the stove or in the crockpot set to warm, stirring often. This keeps the texture smooth and helps prevent burning or separating—microwaves work too, but whisk frequently for the best result.

FAQs

Can I make this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can prepare this recipe on the stove over low heat or in the microwave by blending the ingredients and heating in short intervals while whisking often. The slow cooker just makes it super hands-off and perfect for parties.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best because they melt smoothly and provide balanced sweetness. Avoid chocolate chips meant solely for baking with stabilizers, and stay away from novelty chips that might not melt evenly.
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream or almond milk-based creamers in place of heavy cream and milk, and swap traditional sweetened condensed milk for a coconut or soy-based version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
How long does it keep warm in the crockpot?

Once it’s done cooking, you can keep the hot chocolate warm in the crockpot for 1-2 hours on the “warm” setting, just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
Can I add alcohol to this hot chocolate?

Definitely! Adding a splash of peppermint schnapps, Irish cream, or spiced rum right before serving adds a cozy, adult-friendly twist to this already fantastic Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe has become the star of the day in my house. It’s so easy and reliably delicious that I’ve stopped fussing over stovetop methods. Whether you’re warming up after a snowy day or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe feels like home in a mug. Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become your cozy little secret, just like it did for me.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 138 reviews

Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 1 minute
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgently chocolatey drink that’s perfect for cozying up during colder months. Utilizing a slow cooker to combine and gently heat the ingredients ensures a smooth texture and deep flavor, making it an effortless yet delicious crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate Base

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups whole milk (whole milk is best, but skim works)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a small slow cooker, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Cook and Stir: Cover the slow cooker and heat the mixture on low for about 2 hours. Whisk regularly during this time to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and the ingredients blend smoothly.
Serve: Once heated through and smooth, pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired, then enjoy immediately.

Notes

To speed up the process, blend all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 1-minute increments, whisking in between until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Serve immediately or keep warm in a slow cooker.
This recipe can be made ahead by preparing as written, refrigerating, and then whisking well before reheating in the slow cooker.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg