Crock Pot Hot Chocolate (Rich & Creamy)

There’s something about a mug of homemade hot chocolate on a cold winter day. And when you’re making it for a crowd, this crock pot hot chocolate is an easy way to make sure there’s plenty to go around.

It’s made with semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk. The result is a rich, creamy hot chocolate with just the right balance of bitter and sweet. It’s not overly sweet, and the combination of chocolates gives it a deeper flavor than hot cocoa made with a mix.

One of my favorite parts is lifting the lid to give it a whisk and getting that wonderful aroma of melting chocolate and vanilla.

The slow cooker does most of the work. Just give it an occasional stir while the chocolate melts, then switch the crockpot to WARM and let everyone help themselves.

This is the kind of drink that could easily become part of your Christmas traditions. Set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and other favorite toppings so everyone can make their own cup.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

• Rich chocolate flavor. A combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and cocoa powder gives this hot chocolate a deeper chocolate flavor without making it overly sweet.
• Creamy without being too thick. Heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk give it a velvety texture, while whole milk keeps it easy to sip.
• Easy to make for a crowd. This recipe makes about 10½ cups of hot chocolate. You can keep it warm in the slow cooker so guests can serve themselves.
• A little vanilla makes a difference. Vanilla enhances the chocolate and rounds out the flavor.

Ingredients for Crockpot Hot Chocolate

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Dark chocolate chips
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips: I like using a combination of these two chocolates. The semi-sweet chocolate adds sweetness, while the dark chocolate gives the hot chocolate a deeper flavor. I use Hershey’s semi-sweet and Hershey’s 53% dark chocolate chips. You can use any combination of chocolate chips you like, though.

If you’re making this for kids or prefer a sweeter hot chocolate, swap the dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips. The finished drink will have a sweeter, more familiar milk chocolate flavor.

Sweetened condensed milk: The chocolate chips already contain sugar, but the sweetened condensed milk adds just enough sweetness to balance the dark chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder. It also contributes to the rich, velvety texture.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder adds another layer of chocolate flavor without adding the extra sugar and fat that come with using more chocolate chips. I wouldn’t skip it. It adds another layer of chocolate flavor.

Whole milk and heavy cream: Whole milk makes up most of the liquid, while heavy cream adds richness. Together with the condensed milk, they give the hot chocolate a creamy consistency.

Vanilla extract: Don’t skip the vanilla! It enhances the chocolate flavor and makes the finished drink taste more rounded. It’s also a little detail I use in my homemade Starbucks hot chocolate recipe, which uses a chocolate and vanilla combination.

How to Make Crock Pot Hot Chocolate in a Slow Cooker

You’ll need a slow cooker that holds at least 3 quarts.

Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.

1. Combine the ingredients. Add the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and vanilla to the crock pot. Whisk to combine.
2. Cook on LOW. Cover and cook for about 1½ hours, whisking every 15 to 30 minutes, until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
3. Switch to WARM. Once the chocolate has melted, switch the crock pot to WARM for serving. Add marshmallows during the last 10 minutes if desired.

Using a Temperature-Controlled Slow Cooker?
If your slow cooker has temperature settings instead of LOW, HIGH, and WARM, use approximately 160°F–185°F to melt the chocolate and heat the hot chocolate. Once it’s smooth and heated through, reduce the temperature to approximately 150°F–160°F to keep it warm for serving.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Tips

Use LOW, not HIGH. Don’t be tempted to turn up the temperature to melt the chocolate faster. High heat can scorch the chocolate and scald the milk. It can also cause a skin to form on top of the hot chocolate.

Whisk along the bottom of the crock pot. Chocolate chips tend to settle as they melt. When whisking, make sure you reach into the edges and scrape across the bottom of the crock pot. I sometimes use a rubber spatula to loosen any chocolate that has settled before whisking it back into the milk.

Make it your own. I like the combination of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips, but you can swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate. You can also stir in peppermint syrup for a chocolate peppermint variation.

Making a double batch? You’ll need a crock pot that holds at least 6 quarts.

Storing leftovers. Refrigerate leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger amounts gently on the stovetop. If it’s been sitting out at a party for an extended period, discard what’s left.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips?

Yes! Finely chop the chocolate bars before adding them to the crock pot. Smaller pieces will melt more evenly and are easier to whisk into the milk and cream.

Can I make this hot chocolate on the stovetop?

Yes! Add all of the ingredients to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Heat over LOW to MEDIUM-LOW heat, whisking frequently until the chocolate chips have melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and heated through. Avoid boiling or overheating the mixture, which can scorch the chocolate or scald the milk.

Transfer to a serving pot or keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally.

More Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipes to Try

• The Creamiest Hot Chocolate
• Starbucks Original Hot Chocolate
• Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
• Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
• Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate