Crock Pot Hot Cocoa is the ultimate cozy drink for chilly days and holiday gatherings. Rich, creamy, and indulgently smooth, this slow‑cooked version lets the flavors meld together while filling your kitchen with irresistible chocolatey aroma. With minimal effort, you’ll have a big batch ready to serve.
If you love to warm up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate, then you have to try my Homemade Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Chips and my DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs.
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Why this Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe is a Keeper
This easy crock pot hot chocolate recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make. It’s quick and the kids are going to love this recipe for the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had.
- 5 Minutes: So quick and easy to make for a party or a cozy winter night.
- Easy Ingredients: Only 5 simple ingredients makes a big batch.
- Family Friendly: Perfect for a kids party or a football party.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb or dairy free hot cocoa.
Can I Leave the Slow Cooker On All Night?
I don’t recommend letting the crock pot stay on overnight, but it can be on for several hours at a time. Just be sure to check on it every once in a while.
Pro Tip for Homemade Hot Chocolate
Booze it Up: For an adult holiday party, prepare as usual and then have a bar with Bailey’s, Kahlua, Fireball or your favorite alcohol and your guest can create their own masterpiece.
Ingredient Notes for Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients you probably already have, or can grab in one quick trip to the store. I’ve made this hot chocolate for wonderful holiday get-togethers.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chocolate: Use chocolate chips that are high quality when making hot cocoa. This recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate instead of cocoa powder and heavy cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The sweetened condensed milk will help make the base of the chocolatey goodness. Do not use heavy cream, or evaporated milk.
- Milk: Use whole milk to dilute the chocolate base to make a wonderfully rich hot chocolate.
Variations and Substitutions for Crock Pot Hot Cocoa
Easily customize this recipe by experimenting. Take it to the next level by using different ingredients and trying different flavors.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chips for balance, milk chocolate chips for sweeter, dark chocolate for richer. Top with mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Flavor Twists: Add cinnamon sticks or a splash of espresso. Use peppermint extract to make peppermint hot chocolate.
- Toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or chocolate shavings.
- Milk: Whole milk for creaminess or use a dairy free alternative such as almond milk or oat milk.
Special Equipment for Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
To make this creamy slow cooker recipe, you will need a couple different kitchen items to make it just right.
- Slow Cooker: Use a 4 quart crockpot to slowly heat the hot chocolate mixture. Cook on low for perfectly decadent slow cooker hot chocolate. You will need a bigger pot to double the recipe.
- Ladle: Heat-safe ladle for serving this easy crockpot hot chocolate recipe.
How to Make Hot Cocoa in the Crock Pot
This recipe comes together in just 2 easy to follow steps. This slow cooker homemade hot chocolate is made so easily. I make it every winter.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Melt Chocolate: To a slow cooker, add the unsweetened chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Let cook on high for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chocolate is melted.
- Add Milk and Heat: Whisk in 2 cups of milk at a time until all milk and vanilla is mixed. Cover and cook until hot. Whisk before serving.
Prep Ahead for Rich and Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a party.
- Measure: Chop chocolate or measure chips the night before for chocolate chips hot chocolate.
- Mix: Pre-mix dry ingredients (cocoa, sugar, spices) in a jar.
- Toppers: Prepare the toppings that you want to serve with the Cocoa.
Alternate Cooking Methods for this Hot Cocoa Recipe
Make this recipe another way by using your stove, instant pot or microwave if your crock pot is occupied with something else.
- Stovetop: Simmer on low, stirring often to prevent scorching.
- Instant Pot: Use “Keep Warm” after heating on sauté mode.
- Microwave (small batch): Heat milk in intervals, stir in chocolate until smooth.
Store and Reheat Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Store: Refrigerate this easy recipe in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, whisking to restore creaminess. Or place in a large slow cooker and add a few more chocolate chips.
- Use leftovers: Blend this delicious and easy recipe into iced mocha, freeze into popsicles, or stir into coffee for a mocha latte.
Common Questions About this Chocolate Flavor Drink
Yes! Feel free to replace the ingredients with your favorite sugar-free or dairy-free substitutes.
Of course, try adding cinnamon, which is the signature spice, but recipes often add nutmeg, cloves, or chili powder/cayenne for a subtle heat.
Tips Set Up A Hot Cocoa Bar
- Stir: Stir occasionally to prevent chocolate from settling, and so that chocolate isn’t burning.
- Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate, or white chocolate, for the best flavor payoff.
- Lid: When you make this homemade hot chocolate, keep the lid on to retain heat and prevent a skin from forming.
- Bar: Serve homemade hot cocoa as a “hot chocolate bar” with hot chocolate toppings for parties.
- Serve With: Rich and creamy homemade cocoa with real chocolate can be served with Strawberry Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, Christmas Chex Mix or Hershey Fudge Recipe.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients
- 4 ounces Unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk
- 8 cups Milk, divided
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
Instructions
- In 3½ or 4-quart slow cooker, combine first three ingredients and mix well.
- Cover; cook on high setting for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chocolate is melted.
- Whisk in stir 2 cups of milk until smooth.
- Gradually stir in remaining 6 cups milk and vanilla.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until hot.
- Before serving, whisk until cocoa is full combined.
- To serve, leave in slow cooker and reduce heat setting to low or warm.
- Top with your favorite toppings.
Christina’s Notes
- Make More: If you are going to your kids game, make in the Crock pot while you are getting ready and put in an insulated container and give everyone a treat.
- Booze it Up: For an adult holiday party, prepare as usual and then have a bar with Bailey’s, Kahlua, Fireball or your favorite alcohol and your guest can create their own masterpiece.
- Its all in the Extras: This is great for a kids party so make the crock pot hot chocolate as directed and then add flavored whip creams, candies, and syrups and let the kids have a ball.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Lovely crock pot recipe Thanks