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.
Jump to:
Homemade Hot Chocolate in the Crockpot
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 in Crockpot Hot Cocoa
- 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 Hot Chocolate
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve. Stir well, then ladle into mugs and serve with whipped cream. Enjoy!
How to Make Hot Chocolate on the Stovetop
- In a large stock pot, add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt and milk. Whisk well.
- 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).
- Remove from the heat and serve.
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
You can - but you will need to make about half a batch or less. Just add all ingredients into a microwave-safe container, whisk and heat on high for about 1 minute. Stir, repeating until the mixture reaches 160-185 degrees F.
While the two terms can be used interchangeably, hot chocolate tends to be more rich as it’s typically made with real chocolate. Hot cocoa is often made with cocoa powder and is a little thinner and sweeter.
You can either reheat in the microwave, or return to a small pot and gently reheat over medium heat until warm.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Candy Cane Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Brownies
Chocolate Mint Dipped Oreos
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Crushed Oreo Cookie
Soft Gingersnaps
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 14-oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ cup Cocoa Powder unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- 8 cups Milk
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir well, then ladle into mugs and serve with whipped cream. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Here are some of the best non-alcoholic drink recipes:
More hot chocolate recipes:
If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest, feel free to leave a comment and photo there too. Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!
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.
M
Really simple, very good flavor! Not overly sweet!
Shelby Gaddis
I have made this before & loved it! In fact, it has become a yearly tradition to have every fall! I was wondering about doubling the recipe though. Would I just double the ingredients? I just don’t want to throw off the yummy taste!!
Jill Baird
Yes, you can double the recipe, and doubling the ingredients will work great.
Courtney
How many cups does this make?
Jill Baird
It makes about 8 cups, and I've estimated about 8 oz per serving.
Treva
Are you able to cool the hot chocolate in the fridge and re heat the next day or is it best served that day?
Suzanne Kiser
I do this with my hot chocolate! It lasts as long as the milk is good. Just shake your container well before pouring in a mug and heating in the microwave.
Susan
I really liked the recipe. Wish I would have found this during xmas time. I am going to try putting gourmet caramels in it next time.
Pam
Wow! How easy and fun is that?! I would love to try https://www.mimiscountrycandies.com/ mixed in this.
Monica
Thank you for this recipe! I have searched dozens and this looks like a winner. Having our Christmas outside 9in Canada) due to covid and this will be our warmer-upper.
The Carefree Kitchen
So glad this recipe helped! What a great way to keep warm!
Sharon
I made this for a football get together and it was wonderful. Rich and creamy, so easy and yummy.