Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is creamy, rich, and full of chocolate flavor.  It’s a simple recipe that the whole family will love, made with whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla and just a pinch of salt.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with unique flavor additions, like a splash of peppermint or almond extract. And if you’re looking for more hot chocolate recipes, try our Crockpot White Hot Chocolate, Nutella Hot Chocolate, or this fun Unicorn Hot Chocolate.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

What’s cozier than homemade hot chocolate on a cold day?  Not much.  This crockpot hot chocolate is as easy to make as any hot chocolate mix—just combine the ingredients, eat, and enjoy.

Our family likes to serve this creamy hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed Oreos, and mini marshmallows, but don’t feel like you need to stop there.  You can top with crushed nuts, candy canes, chocolate chips, sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate and so much more!  

You are also not limited to the crockpot. We’ve given you instructions on the stovetop method below, too. And If you’re making a hot chocolate bar, we have lots of ideas for you!

Ingredients You Will Need

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – this keeps your hot chocolate extra creamy and adds sweetness without any gritty texture.  
• Cocoa Powder – the higher quality the cocoa powder the better.  If you like your hot chocolate a little darker, you can add a few extra tablespoons to the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract – pure vanilla extract tastes best.
• Salt – this cuts the sweetness just a touch.
• Milk – for the richest, creamiest hot chocolate be sure and use whole milk.  You can even substitute 1 cup of milk with heavy cream.

How to Make Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

1. Add ingredients to crockpot.  In a slow cooker, add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt and half of the milk.  Whisk until combined, then add the rest of the milk and whisk again. 
2. Heat.  Place lid on the slow cooker and turn to LOW.  Cook for about 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.  Once the mixture reaches 160-185 degrees F, turn off the crockpot or set to warm.
3. Serve.  Stir well, then ladle into mugs and serve with whipped cream.  Enjoy!

How to Make Hot Chocolate on the Stovetop

1. In a large stock pot, add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt and milk.  Whisk well.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate reaches 160 degrees (anything above 185 degrees will cause the chocolate and sugars to burn).
3. Remove from the heat and serve.

Hot Chocolate Variations

• Dark Hot Chocolate: to add more rich chocolate flavor, add an additional 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.  
• Extra Creamy: substitute 1 cup of cream for milk.
• Add real chocolate: in order to take this to an extra rich and creamy level, toss in a couple of your favorite chocolate bars, or put a few semi sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips into the bottom of each mug.
• Nutella Hot Chocolate: add 1 tablespoon of Nutella to each mug, then stir well.  If you want to make the entire batch Nutella, add ½ cup along with the rest of the ingredients.
• Candy Rimmed Mug: in one small bowl, add corn syrup.  In another small bowl, add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.  Dip the rim of each glass into the corn syrup, let it dry for about 1 minute and then dip into the crushed candies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe makes the best hot chocolate from scratch.  It’s as simple to make as hot chocolate mix but tastes so much better.