This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This thick and creamy Crockpot Hot Cocoa is perfect for a snow day or a cozy Christmas gathering. It’s decadent and rich without being overly sweet or heavy. This drinking chocolate is prepared in a slow cooker for easy serving to a group. Just dump the ingredients in, set it and forget it for a delicious, warm drink everyone will adore.
Hot Chocolate Made in a Slow Cooker
Put down that powdered hot cocoa packet. You’ll never need it again once you try this easy slow cooker version. Not only is it the easiest way to make hot chocolate, but it’s also the most delicious, most satisfying version you’ll ever have. After all, let’s make the calories count!
This crockpot hot cocoa is distinctly creamy and thick, and it tastes like you are drinking a delicious dessert. Using sweetened condensed milk instead of granulated sugar enhances the creaminess without making it overly sweet. It’s the perfect sweet finish to a great meal, fun to whip up on snow days or rainy days, and, of course, great for Christmas parties or Thanksgiving.
Grab These Ingredients:
This decadent crockpot hot cocoa recipe is so simple to throw together. Be sure to review the recipe card below for a full list of measurements.
- Dairy – a combination of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – we use unsweetened cocoa as the condensed milk adds the sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips – A bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips melts into the hot chocolate as it heats up.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This contributes to the creaminess and thickness without adding pure sugar.
- Espresso Powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor without allowing coffee to be distinctly tasted.
- Vanilla Extract – a splash rounds out all the chocolate flavor.
- Sea Salt – It helps balance out the sweetness and richness.
Here’s How It’s Made:
Place all the ingredients into a 4-quart slow cooker. Whisk until the cocoa powder gets incorporated; this can take a few minutes since the milk is cold.
Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for 2-3 hours, whisking every hour. Laddle into mugs and top with whipped cream and sprinkles or shaved chocolate.
Want to Modify This Crockpot Hot Cocoa?
The wonderful thing about making a big batch of hot chocolate from scratch is that it can easily be adjusted to your liking.
- Want it less thick and creamy? Use just a little less sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and just 1 cup of chocolate chips.
- Prefer a more milk-chocolate flavor? Leave out the espresso powder, which enhances the rich chocolate notes.
- If you want it lighter, use almond milk instead of whole milk.
- Make it boozy by adding some Kahlua and/or Baileys.
- Spice it up with a bit of cayenne and cinnamon. Or, peppermint extract can give a mint chocolate chip vibe.
Appetizers to Serve with Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa:
Parmesan Candied Bacon Crackers
Baked Caramelized Onion Dip
Cinnamon Roll Bites
Baked Brie Cranberry Bites
Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
I hope you enjoyed this slow cooker hot chocolate recipe. I look forward to your questions and feedback below.
Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe, and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments.
Crockpot Hot Cocoa Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk can substitute with almond milk if preferred
- 2 cups heavy cream can substitute with half and half if preferred
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 ounces sweetened condensed milk 3/4 of a 12 ounce can
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp finishing sea salt
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a 4-quart slow cooker. Whisk until the cocoa powder gets incorporated; this can take a few minutes since the milk is cold.
- Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for 2-3 hours, whisking every hour. Laddle into mugs and top with whipped cream and sprinkles or shaved chocolate.
