This easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe uses whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cocoa powder to make the most rich, creamy, and chocolatey treat. Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows, and your favorite hot chocolate toppings.
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, let them heat up, and enjoy.
Email This Recipe
Get a link to this recipe emailed so you can save it for later + get all the latest Carefree Kitchen recipes!
By submitting this form you consent to receive emails from The Carefree Kitchen
My family likes theirs topped with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed Oreos, and mini marshmallows, but don’t feel like you need to stop there. If you are as hot chocolate obsessed as I am, you can quickly create an amazing hot chocolate bar, perfect for parties. You can top with crushed nuts, candy canes, chocolate chips, sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate and so much more!
Don’t have a crockpot? No problem—keep reading for instructions on the stovetop method below.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweetened condensed milk makes it extra rich and creamy. It adds sweetness and body without any gritty texture, while whole milk and cocoa powder create a smooth, deeply chocolatey drink.
- It’s just as easy as using a hot chocolate mix. Simply whisk five basic ingredients together in the slow cooker and let them heat on low—only about 5 minutes of actual prep is required.
- It’s perfect for a customizable hot chocolate bar. Keep the Crockpot on warm and let everyone add their own toppings, like whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed Oreos, candy canes, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.
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 Crockpot 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 burn the chocolate and sugars).
- Remove from the heat and serve.
Recipe Variations
- Peppermint hot chocolate. Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the slow cooker, then top each mug with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
- Dark hot chocolate. Add 3 extra tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
- Extra creamy. Swap 1 to 2 cups of the milk for heavy cream.
- Real chocolate. Stir in 1 cup of semisweet or milk chocolate chips during the last 30 minutes, whisking until melted and smooth.
- Nutella hot chocolate. Whisk ½ cup of Nutella into the slow cooker, or stir 1 tablespoon into each mug. Here’s my full [Nutella Hot Chocolate] recipe.
- Mexican hot chocolate. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick.
- Mocha. Stir in 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder for a grown-up coffee twist.
- Salted caramel. Drizzle each mug with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Cookies and cream. Top with whipped cream and crushed Oreos. This is my family’s favorite!
- Candy-rimmed mugs. Dip the rim of each mug in corn syrup, let it sit for about 1 minute, then dip into crushed peppermints or sprinkles.
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.
Cookies! 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
Craving something different? Try my Crockpot White Hot Chocolate, or set out all the toppings for a fun Hot Chocolate Bar.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups milk
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and half of the milk. Whisk until fully combined, then add the rest of the milk and whisk again.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low 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!
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Tiktok for more!
More of the Best Homemade Drink Recipes
- Mulled Cider
- Strawberry Pina Colada Smoothie
- Mint Lemonade
- Tropical Punch
- Purple Witch Punch
- Holiday Punch
- Wassail
- Berry Lemonade
- More Drink Recipes
- More Dessert Recipes
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.
Categories:
Christmas, Crockpot, Desserts, Drinks, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Vegetarian, Winter Recipes,
Love this recipe! It’s so good! Could you use cacao powder in place of the cocoa powder? Would it be the same ratio?
Really simple, very good flavor! Not overly sweet!
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!!
Yes, you can double the recipe, and doubling the ingredients will work great.
How many cups does this make?
It makes about 8 cups, and I’ve estimated about 8 oz per serving.
Are you able to cool the hot chocolate in the fridge and re heat the next day or is it best served that day?
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.
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.
Wow! How easy and fun is that?! I would love to try https://www.mimiscountrycandies.com/ mixed in this.
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.
So glad this recipe helped! What a great way to keep warm!
I made this for a football get together and it was wonderful. Rich and creamy, so easy and yummy.