Crockpot Hot Chocolate

One of my favorite winter traditions is making my kiddos hot chocolate after they come in from playing in the snow. The huddle over their mugs with cheeks red from the cold, pile in the mini marshmallows, and grin in delight.

Homemade Hot Chocolate could not be easier with this slow cooker recipe. Everything comes together perfectly and you are left with the best hot chocolate recipe.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients

• Heavy cream: The key to making your hot chocolate extra creamy.
• Milk: I used skim, but any fat content milk will do.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This is often by the evaporated milk at the store so make sure to double check your label, they are not the same.
• Vanilla extract: This adds the perfect burst of vanilla flavor. Not too overpowering, but the right amount to add to the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate chips: You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or a combination.
• Cocoa powder
• Liquor: This is optional for a grown up version. You can see my recommendations below for good alcohol to add to hot chocolate.

How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Making Hot Chocolate in the crockpot only takes about five minutes of prep time and will result in a hot, creamy, indulgent beverage that is perfect for those cooler temperatures. Here is a brief overview of how easily this crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe comes together, for the full measurements and cooking time suggestions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Combine all ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to your crockpot, minus the alcohol if you are spiking your hot chocolate.
2. Whisk to combine. Whisk the ingredients until the cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are mixed in.
3. Cook. On low for three hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Spike and serve. Add liquor if desired and serve.

Spiking Hot Chocolate

The best Hot Chocolate sometimes contains a boozy kick that enhances the creamy, decadent flavor. The reason we leave out the alcohol until you are ready to serve is that some of the alcohol will cook off and it’s also just not necessary to heat your alcohol up. The drink will be plenty warm without that being warmed. Also, it is a great way to keep this recipe for both kids and adults. See below for some liquor ideas to add to make spiked hot chocolate.

How to Serve

Once your Crockpot Hot Chocolate is done and ready to enjoy, turn your slow cooker to the warm setting. Leave on warm for up to two hours. Serve your hot cocoa while it is warm in mugs. See the ideas below for how to garnish your Hot Chocolate and the best way to store any leftovers.

Tips and Variations

The best hot chocolate is good enough to enjoy as is or to be garnished with your favorite fixings. Most of these ideas can be added to individual mugs to allow each person to make their mug of hot chocolate exactly how they like it. Here are a few ideas on how to spruce up your Crockpot Hot Chocolate.

• Top it off. Marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings all make delicious garnishes.
• Peppermint delight. Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla or add a mini candy cane to each mug. I also love topping with peppermint andes baking chips!
• Make it spiked. See my recommendations above for the best alcohol for hot chocolate
• Add a shot of espresso to create a mocha hot chocolate. Instant espresso powder is great for this!

Storing and Reheating

Store your leftover hot chocolate in a covered pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Other Cozy Drinks

Grab your cozy blanket and snuggle up with one of these cozy cocktails.

• Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider
• Hot Toddy
• Eggnog

If you try this Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe or any of my other cozy concoctions, leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!