This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is the coziest drink you can make for a crowd. Milk, cream, sweetened condensed milk and real chocolate chips melt together slowly in the slow cooker into the richest, silkiest hot cocoa you’ve ever had. Set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own mug.
It’s perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, sledding days and holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Made with real chocolate for a thick, velvety drink.
- Hands-off. The slow cooker does the work and keeps it warm for hours.
- Serves a crowd — about 12 mugs.
- Kid-friendly and alcohol-free.
Ingredients
- Whole milk – 6 cups (1.4 L).
- Heavy cream – 2 cups (480 ml).
- Sweetened condensed milk – One 14 oz (396 g) can.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 2 cups (340 g).
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon.
- Salt – A pinch.
- Toppings – Halal or vegan mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
1. Add everything to the slow cooker
Pour the milk, heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chocolate chips, vanilla and salt and stir.
2. Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes, until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth and hot.
3. Keep warm and serve
Switch the slow cooker to WARM. Whisk well before ladling into mugs, then add your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate
- Whisk often so the chocolate doesn’t settle and scorch on the bottom.
- Don’t cook on HIGH — the milk can scald.
- Use good chocolate chips; they’re the main flavor.
- Make a toppings bar for parties.
Variations
- Peppermint: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- White hot chocolate: Use white chocolate chips.
- Dark chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet drink.
- Cinnamon: Stir in 1 tsp cinnamon.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, whisking well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it on the stove?
Yes. Warm everything over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until smooth and hot, about 10 minutes.
How long does it stay warm?
Up to 3–4 hours on the WARM setting; whisk occasionally.
More Cozy Holiday Recipes
PrintCrockpot Hot Chocolate
Rich, creamy slow cooker hot chocolate made with real chocolate. Perfect for parties and serves a crowd!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1.4 L) whole milk
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings: halal or vegan mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Add milk, cream, condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker; stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes, until smooth.
- Switch to WARM, whisk well and ladle into mugs. Add toppings.
Notes
- Do not cook on HIGH or the milk may scald.
- Keeps warm for 3–4 hours on the WARM setting.