Hot Chocolate in the slow cooker

A ladle full of slow cooker hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

This rich and silky slow cooker hot chocolate is the reliable decadent drink for any party or special occasion. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

This is the signature treat for hot chocolate lovers, you’ll never want to use a dry mix again! This is one of my go-to holiday drinks along with Christmas punch, slow cooker apple cider and lime sherbet punch.

What better drink recipe for a cold day than a piping hot mug of hot chocolate? This slow cooker hot chocolate puts those little packets of powder to shame, it’s rich and silky and reliable for a party. All it takes is 5 minutes of prep time, which is really not much more time than you’d spend making a cup of instant cocoa!

If you serve this hot chocolate for holiday parties and get togethers check out my go-to holiday entertaining recipes like chocolate covered cherries, peppermint brownies and rum balls.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Ingredients

To make luscious slow cooker hot chocolate you will need cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, cream, vanilla extract, semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Have some marshmallows and whipped cream handy for a garnish.

How Do You Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate?

This crock pot hot chocolate recipe is pretty unfussy. First place unsweetened cocoa powder, condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips in a slow cooker. Stir everything together. Heat the mixture on low for 2 hours. Stir everything again. You can use a spoon or a whisk. Turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. Serve the hot chocolate with your go-to toppings!

A mug of crock pot hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.

Tips For The Reliable Hot Chocolate

If you want to cut a few calories, 1% or 2% milk is fine. I recommend against using skim milk.
I like to use a combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. You could use one or the other instead of both if you prefer.
When you first take the lid off your slow cooker, all the chocolate chips will have melted to the bottom. Simply stir, stir, stir and after a few minutes your hot chocolate will come together into a smooth and silky drink.
I like to make a large batch of this slow cooker hot chocolate for the holidays. I leave it on the warm setting with a ladle and some mugs.

Quick Tip

For the creamiest hot chocolate use whole milk.

Slow cooker hot chocolate topped with an assortment of marshmallows.

Recipe FAQs

How long will slow cooker hot chocolate stay good in a crock pot?

You can keep your hot chocolate in a slow cooker on the warm setting for 2 hours. Make sure that your slow cooker keeps the chocolate at a temperature of at least 140 degrees F.

How long does leftover hot chocolate last in the fridge?

Leftover hot chocolate will stay good up to three days in the fridge in an airtight container. If you put the drink in the fridge while it is still warm, make sure is away from perishable items and leave it unsealed until it cools off.

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Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Flavor Variations

While this hot cocoa is silky and satisfying as written, you can modify the recipe with other flavors to suit your own taste.

Peppermint: You can add a holiday twist by adding a few drops of peppermint extract and garnishing with candy canes. I’ve done this before and it’s a big hit!
Toppings: Marshmallows and whipped cream are the classic toppings. However, feel free to put chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, sea salt or crushed candy canes on mugs of cocoa. You can leave the toppings out so guests can help themselves to a hot chocolate bar.
Alcohol: For an adult beverage version, try adding some Baileys Irish Cream or Peppermint Schnapps.

This slow cooker hot chocolate a fun little indulgence. It’s the finest possible way to warm up on a chilly day. Throw out the hot cocoa packets and make your own tasty, silky hot chocolate.

Other Holiday Recipes You’ll Love

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Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen A ladle full of slow cooker hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

This rich and silky slow cooker hot chocolate is reliable for any party or special occasion. Don’t forget the marshmallows! Time Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes

Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Serves 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup cocoa powder sifted
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
7 cups milk use whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate!
1 cup heavy cream can use half and half, but cream gives the finest results
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips etc. for garnish

Instructions

Place the cocoa powder, condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook on LOW for 2 hours. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. Turn the slow cooker to the KEEP WARM setting until you’re ready to serve the hot chocolate. Garnish with marshmallows and/or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For the creamiest hot chocolate use whole milk.
If you want to cut a few calories, 1% or 2% milk is fine, but I would recommend against using skim milk.
When you first take the lid off your slow cooker, all the chocolate chips will have melted to the bottom. Simply stir, stir, stir and after a few minutes your hot chocolate will come together into a smooth and silky drink.