• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Carefree Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Cheese
      • Dips
    • Breakfast
      • Quick Bread Recipe
      • Breakfast Casseroles
      • Eggs
      • French Toast
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Sides
      • Potatoes
      • Rice
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • No Bake
    • Breads
    • Sauces & Condiments
    • Drinks
    • Einkorn Flour
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Drinks » Crockpot Hot Chocolate

    Crockpot Hot Chocolate

    Published: November 30, 2022 · Jill Baird · 10 Comments

    homemade hot chocolate in a mug, crock pot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate.

    Sharing is caring!

    24147 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    slow cooker white hot chocolate, hot chocolate in a crock pot
    easy hot chocolate recipe in slow cooker, crockpot hot chocolate recipes.
    easy hot cocoa recipe, hot chocolate slow cooker, hot chocolate recipe in crock pot.
    how to make creamy homemade hot cocoa, crock pot hot cocoa.
    hot chocolate recipe slow cooker recipe
    hot chocolate recipe slow cooker recipe
    hot cocoa recipe slow cooker recipe

    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
    • Ingredients in Crockpot Hot Cocoa
    • How to Make Hot Chocolate
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

    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!

    Hot chocolate in a crockpot with a ladle. crock hot chocolate, hot cocoa crock pot.

    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

    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!
    A pot full of hot chocolate with a ladle. crockpot hot chocolate recipe, crockpot hot coco, stovetop hot chocolate recipe.

    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.
    Crushed peppermint on the rim of a mason jar for 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.
    how to make a candy dipped hot chocolate mug, A mason jar rim dipped into a bowl full of candy cane pieces.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make hot chocolate in the microwave?

    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.

    What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

    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.

    How should I reheat hot chocolate?

    You can either reheat in the microwave, or return to a small pot and gently reheat over medium heat until warm.

    What should I serve with Crockpot Hot Chocolate?

    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

    nutella hot chocoalte in a mug
    Print

    Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

    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.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 160kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    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

    Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 449mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 0.004mg | Calcium: 307mg | Iron: 1mg

    Here are some of the best non-alcoholic drink recipes:

    • Strawberry Pina Colada Smoothie
    • Mint Lemonade
    • More Drink Recipes

    More hot chocolate recipes:

    • Crockpot White Hot Chocolate
    • Nutella Hot Chocolate
    • Unicorn Hot Chocolate

    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!!

    pinterest pin for crockpot Hot Chocolate.

    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.

    « Gingerbread Muffins
    Italian Mini Kebab Appetizers »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. M

      November 27, 2022 at 9:15 pm

      Really simple, very good flavor! Not overly sweet!

      Reply
    2. Courtney

      September 24, 2022 at 7:12 am

      How many cups does this make?

      Reply
      • Jill Baird

        October 17, 2022 at 1:06 pm

        It makes about 8 cups, and I've estimated about 8 oz per serving.

        Reply
    3. Treva

      October 20, 2021 at 11:23 pm

      Are you able to cool the hot chocolate in the fridge and re heat the next day or is it best served that day?

      Reply
      • Suzanne Kiser

        January 05, 2022 at 12:20 pm

        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.

        Reply
    4. Susan

      February 05, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
    5. Pam

      February 05, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      Wow! How easy and fun is that?! I would love to try https://www.mimiscountrycandies.com/ mixed in this.

      Reply
    6. Monica

      December 24, 2020 at 8:16 am

      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.

      Reply
      • The Carefree Kitchen

        January 22, 2021 at 9:20 am

        So glad this recipe helped! What a great way to keep warm!

        Reply
        • Sharon

          January 10, 2022 at 8:48 pm

          I made this for a football get together and it was wonderful. Rich and creamy, so easy and yummy.

          Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Jill.

    I love sharing my love of food with you and helping you find easy solutions for all of your family's meals and delicious treats.

    Learn More

    Let's Be Friends!

    • Facebook
    • Instragram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Most Popular Posts

    • Walking Tacos
    • Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas
    • Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings
    • Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip Recipe
    • Mini Lemon Blueberry Bread
    • Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
    • Best Hot Fudge Sauce
    • Best Cheesecake Filled Strawberries

    Explore More Recipes

    Footer

    About The Carefree Kitchen

    The Carefree Kitchen is where I get to share my love of food with you! Every recipe is tested and approved by my family and friends. These recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer • Terms and Conditions

    24147 shares