There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot chocolate to chase away the chill on a cold day. But what if you could take this comforting classic to the next level—rich, creamy, and effortlessly made in your slow cooker? Enter Crock Pot Hot Chocolate, the ultimate winter treat!

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This recipe is a game-changer for cozy nights at home, holiday parties, or any time you need to whip up a crowd-pleasing drink with minimal effort.

Just toss the ingredients into your crock pot, let it work its magic, and in a few hours, you’ll have the silkiest, most indulgent hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re topping it with fluffy marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of festive flair, this hot chocolate is sure to warm hearts and bring smiles. Ready to sip on something amazing? Let’s dive in!

Try Crock Pot Apple Cider for another warm treat for a crowd.

What you need

Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!

On the recipe card below, click “print recipe” and from there you can print out the page or screenshot it to save to your phone’s photo album.

Pin this recipe to save to Pinterest so you can make it later! You can Pin It from the recipe card below. Just click the “Pin Recipe” button. If you’d like to follow me on Pinterest , my page is Steph Gigliotti.

6 quart Crock Pot
1 bag milk chocolate chips- can sub semi sweet or dark chocolate chips
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
12 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
5 cups milk- 2% or whole milk works best. You can use plant based milk, just be sure it’s full fat for the best taste.
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract – or use peppermint extract for a fun twist

How to make it

It’s so simple to make crock pot hot chocolate! Gather your ingredients.

Add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through using a whisk.

After 2 hours, stir well using a whisk to incorporate all of the chocolate. Turn your crock pot to the warm setting and serve warm from the crock.

Add your favorite toppings such as mini marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chocolate sugar. Enjoy!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @StephGigliotti on social media and #StephRealLife. I would absolutely love to see your finished dish! Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section.

Tips for the perfect hot chocolate

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality chocolate (chips or chopped bars) and 2 % milk or above for a richer, creamier flavor.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir the mixture after 1 hour to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t scorch. After 2 hours stir well and turn the crock pot to the warm setting.
Keep It Warm: Once the hot chocolate is ready, switch the crock pot to the “keep warm” setting so guests can enjoy it throughout the day.
Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or a dash of peppermint extract for a fun twist.
Serve with a Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings station with whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles.
Double the Recipe for a Crowd: This recipe scales up easily—just be sure your crock pot is large enough!

FAQ’s

Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes! Almond, oat, or coconut milk works well. Use full-fat varieties for a creamier texture.
What type of chocolate should I use? Milk chocolate, semi-sweet or dark chocolate all work well.
How do I prevent it from getting too thick? If your hot chocolate thickens too much, whisk in extra milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I spike it for adults? Absolutely! Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps for a festive grown-up version.
How do I store leftovers? Cool the hot chocolate and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipes to go with your hot chocolate

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