Amazing Crockpot Hot Chocolate 2 Ways

There’s just something magical about a steaming mug of hot chocolate when the weather turns chilly, isn’t there? My absolute favorite way to make it, hands down, is in the slow cooker. It’s like a little hug in a mug, and honestly, making this crockpot hot chocolate is almost as easy as boiling water. I remember one particularly frosty evening, I just tossed everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing while we watched a movie. The smell that filled the house was just heavenly, and when we poured it out, it was so rich and creamy. It’s the perfect, no-fuss treat for any cold day!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Honestly, this recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons:

• Super Easy Cleanup: Just one pot to wash!
• Rich & Creamy Flavor: It’s decadently chocolatey and oh-so-smooth.
• Set It & Forget It: Perfect for busy days or entertaining.
• Ultimate Comfort: It’s pure warmth and cozy goodness in a mug.

Ingredients for the Perfect Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Getting this rich, creamy goodness going is seriously simple. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry staples that come together like magic:

• 4 cups Milk: Whole milk works best for that super rich texture, but 2% is fine too.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens for creaminess!
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Make sure it’s the unsweetened kind so you can control the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Adjust this up or down a bit depending on how sweet you like it!
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: This really brings out all those chocolatey notes.
• Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip this! It balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Seriously, forget stirring constantly on the stovetop! Making the perfect crockpot hot chocolate is ridiculously simple. You just need to toss a few things into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s truly one of my favorite easy recipes for a cozy day.

First things first, grab your slow cooker. You’re going to dump in your milk, heavy cream, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and just a little pinch of salt. The salt is super important, trust me, it just makes all that chocolate flavor sing!

Now, this is key: give it a really good whisk. You want to make sure all that cocoa powder and sugar are dissolved and there are no clumpy bits hiding at the bottom. Like, really get in there and swirl it around until it looks nice and smooth. Nobody wants lumpy hot chocolate, right?

Once it’s all mixed up, pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. You’ll want to let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours. The most important part here is to just stir it every now and then – maybe once an hour or so. This helps keep it from getting too hot and scorching on the bottom, and also keeps it nice and smooth. Just a quick stir every so often is all it needs.

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve your amazing crockpot hot chocolate, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract. It just adds that perfect little something-something at the end. Then, ladle it up and enjoy the coziest, creamiest chocolate drink ever!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Alright, so this recipe is pretty foolproof, but a tiny bit of know-how can elevate your slow cooker hot chocolate from good to absolutely *amazing*. Trust me, a few little tricks make all the difference in getting that velvety smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor.

Ingredient Quality Matters for Crockpot Hot Chocolate

You see, even though this is a super easy recipe, using good quality ingredients really does make your crockpot hot chocolate taste so much better. Think of it like this: if you put in amazing cocoa powder and good milk, you’re going to get out an amazing drink! Don’t skimp on the cocoa powder; go for one with a nice deep flavor. And whole milk or even a splash of half-and-half will give you that luxuriously creamy texture that’s just unbeatable.

Preventing Scorching

The biggest thing to watch out for with slow cookers is that dreaded scorching on the bottom. The trick is honestly just giving it a stir every so often. I try to stir mine at least every hour when it’s on low heat. This gentle movement stops the milk solids from settling and burning. If you notice any little bits starting to stick, just scrape them up gently with your whisk or a wooden spoon. It’s really that simple to keep your hot chocolate smooth and delicious.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Topping Ideas

Okay, your amazing crockpot hot chocolate is ready, but what’s a cozy drink without some fun toppings, right? This is where you can really let your personality shine! I love to go all out sometimes, and other days, just a simple dollop is perfect.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a big cloud of whipped cream and a handful of melty marshmallows. If you’re feeling fancy, try some dark chocolate shavings sprinkled on top, or maybe a swirl of caramel sauce. A little cinnamon stick stirred in adds a lovely warmth, or even a tiny pinch of nutmeg can be surprisingly festive!

Don’t forget to check out some of my other sweet treats, like this Protein Oreo Fluff Dessert, for more inspiration!

Variations for Your Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This recipe is so forgiving, it’s almost begging you to play with it! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily jazz up your basic crockpot hot chocolate. It’s fun to experiment and find your own perfect twist. You could make it super rich by swapping some of the milk for half-and-half, or even try different types of milk if you’re feeling creative. The possibilities are pretty endless!

Spicy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Want to add a little warmth? Try a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny dash of chili powder. It gives your crockpot hot chocolate a delightful, subtle kick that’s super comforting and has a totally unique flavor profile. It’s like a cozy bonfire in a mug!

Peppermint Crockpot Hot Chocolate

For a refreshing change, a splash of peppermint extract is perfect. Add it towards the end of cooking so that lovely minty aroma really shines through. It turns your basic chocolate into something that feels extra special, especially around the holidays!

Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Got questions about this dreamy crockpot hot chocolate? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this crockpot hot chocolate dairy-free?

You totally can! Just swap out the dairy milk and cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Keep in mind it might be a little less rich than the original, but it’s still super delicious and a fantastic option if you’re avoiding dairy. Lots of people love using almond milk for a nice, light flavor.

How do I make my crockpot hot chocolate thicker?

If you like your hot chocolate extra thick, you have a couple of easy options! You can whisk together about a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of cold water to make a slurry, then stir that into your hot chocolate near the end of cooking time and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Or, you can just stir in a little extra cocoa powder; just make sure to whisk it really well to avoid lumps!

How to store and reheat crockpot hot chocolate?

Leftovers? Lucky you! Just pour your delicious crockpot hot chocolate into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, your best bet is the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently, or you can zap it in the microwave. Just be sure to stir it well after heating!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Keep in mind these numbers are just an estimate, as the exact values can change based on the specific milk and cream you use. But generally speaking, for about a 1-cup serving of this decadent crockpot hot chocolate, you’re looking at:

• Calories: Around 450
• Fat: About 25g (with 15g being saturated)
• Protein: Roughly 10g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g
• Sugar: Around 45g
• Sodium: About 150mg

Share Your Crockpot Hot Chocolate Creations!

Alright, now that you know how to whip up this dreamy drink, I want to hear ALL about it! Did you try it plain, or did you go wild with toppings? Maybe you discovered a new variation that I just HAVE to know about! Snap a picture, leave a comment below, or rate this recipe – sharing your creations totally makes my day and helps other home cooks! You can also reach out via my contact page!

Print