This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This hot cocoa in a Crock Pot is the ultimate cozy drink for the holidays. Made with real chocolate, milk, and a hint of vanilla, it delivers a rich, creamy cup of homemade hot chocolate that tastes like pure comfort.
It’s perfect for Christmas morning, winter movie nights, or anytime you need something warm and chocolatey. The best part? It’s almost hands-off, your slow cooker does all the work while your kitchen fills with the aroma of melted chocolate goodness.
If you love from-scratch recipes, pair this one with my Homemade Marshmallows for the fluffiest topping.
Let’s Chit Chat!
Every year when the weather cools down, I make this slow cooker hot chocolate on repeat. It’s rich, creamy, and completely effortless, the kind of cozy drink that makes your whole kitchen smell like a Christmas market!!
You toss everything into the slow cooker, let it warm slowly, and a few hours later you’ve got a silky, from-scratch hot chocolate that tastes like a holiday hug in a mug.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Cocoa Recipe
- Great for holiday parties, snow days, or cozy nights in
- Rich, creamy, and made with real chocolate (no packets required)
- Easy to make in your slow cooker or Crock Pot
- Stays warm for hours, perfect for serving guests
- Customizable with fun flavor add-ins or toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Crock Pot hot chocolate. (See the recipe card below for full measurements.)
- Whole milk: The base for a smooth, balanced cocoa.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and a velvety consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens the drink and adds creaminess.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the milk for true chocolate flavor. Swap for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version, or chopped chocolate bars if you prefer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and depth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the richness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
How to Make Hot Cocoa in a Crock Pot
- Add ingredients: Combine milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in your slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Whisk and serve: After 2 hours, whisk the hot cocoa until fully blended. Switch to the Keep Warm setting to serve throughout the day.
- Garnish: Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.
How to Serve Homemade Hot chocolate
Serve your hot cocoa in mugs topped with:
- Homemade marshmallows
- Whipped cream and chocolate curls
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Mini chocolate chips
- A drizzle of caramel or fudge sauce
Flavor Variations
- White Hot Chocolate: Replace some or all of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
- Salted Caramel: Stir a few tablespoons of caramel sauce into the mixture and drizzle extra on top before serving.
- Spiced Hot Cocoa: Add a cinnamon stick or two while it cooks, then sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
- Stir occasionally while heating to help the chocolate melt evenly.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Switch to Keep Warm once it’s ready to prevent scorching.
- For thicker cocoa, use more heavy cream and less milk.
- Whisk before serving to keep the texture silky.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Let the hot cocoa cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheat on the stove top or in the Crock Pot on low heat.
You sure can! Have the little ones enjoy this hot chocolate as is and make yourself a crock pot hot chocolate with alcohol by adding some Baileys Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnapps, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, Rumchata, Kahlua, or even Brandy!
It makes about 8-10 servings. If you need more than that for a party, you can easily double the recipe on the recipe card by hitting the “2x” button. If you need less than 8 servings and don’t want leftovers, you can half the recipe. You’ll just have to do the math, or have AI do it for ya!
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in the Crock Pot and refrigerate it before heating. When ready to serve, heat it on low, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through and smooth.
Yes, for 4–6 hours. Stir every 30–60 minutes to prevent a skin from forming on top.
Yes! Substitute the dairy milk and cream with oat, almond, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Yes! Use oat, almond, or coconut milk with dairy-free chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a vegan version.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot on Low until smooth and warm. Do not boil, it can separate.
You can also freeze leftover cocoa in mason jars or silicone molds for single servings, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 cups whole milk Divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt optional, enhances the chocolate flavor
Instructions
- Heat up 1 cup of milk in a saucepan or the microwave until warm but not boiling. Mix in the cocoa powder and stir until that dissolves.3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 7 cups whole milk
- In your Crock Pot, add the cocoa powder milk, regular milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.7 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla extract, A pinch of salt
- Cover and set to low heat for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt evenly.
- After 2 hours, whisk the hot chocolate to make sure everything is well combined and smooth. Reduce the setting to “keep warm” if you’re serving over time.
- Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
