There’s something magical about wrapping cold hands around a mug of hot chocolate, creamy and rich enough to feel like a treat. What’s not so magical? Standing at the stove stirring forever just to keep it smooth. That’s where the slow cooker saves the day. A little prep, a few hours of patience, and suddenly you’ve got the coziest, most chocolatey drink waiting to warm you up. Say hello to Crockpot Hot Chocolate!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate isn’t just a drink—it’s the kind of thing that makes a gray winter afternoon feel special.
Rich cocoa, melted chocolate, plenty of milk, and just a touch of vanilla all come together low and slow until every sip tastes like pure comfort. No store-bought mix can come close. It’s creamy, cozy, and exactly what I want in my hands when the temperatures dip.
If you are looking for more sweet treats in the slow cooker, don't miss my Crockpot Peanut Clusters and Slow Cooker Apple Crisp.
Ingredient Notes
- Milk - You can use regular dairy whole milk, but if you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk work just as well.
- Sugar - Feel free to use a sugar alternative if you are watching your sugar intake.
- Peppermint Extract (Optional) - If you're a fan of mint-chocolate combinations, adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract will give your hot chocolate a refreshing twist. Adjust the amount according to your preference—remember, a little goes a long way!
Tips and Tricks
- Sweeten with Condensed Milk - Looking for a twist on traditional crock pot hot chocolate? Try substituting part of the regular milk with sweetened condensed milk. This creamy, sweet addition not only adds a unique flavor but also gives your hot chocolate an extra velvety texture.
- Top it Off - The fun doesn't stop once your hot chocolate is ready. You can add some excitement to your cup with toppings like crushed candy canes, fluffy marshmallows, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Stir it Up - Don't forget to give your hot chocolate a good stir every now and then as it cooks. This ensures that the cocoa powder and sugar are well incorporated and that the semi-sweet chocolate melts evenly.
- Keep it Warm - Planning a holiday party or family movie night? Your slow cooker can double as a hot chocolate warmer! After the hot chocolate is done cooking, just set your slow cooker to the 'warm' setting. This way, everyone can help themselves to a warm cup of cocoa anytime.
- Experiment with Flavors - Once you've mastered the basic recipe, don't be afraid to get creative with flavors. Try adding a dash of cinnamon for a Mexican-inspired version, or a splash of coffee for a mocha spin. The possibilities are endless!
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Stovetop Instructions
If you don't have a crockpot, you can make this on the stovetop. To do this, warm milk, canned coconut milk, cocoa powder, and Swerve sweetener in a saucepan, stirring frequently.
Easy CrockPot Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 7 cups Milk regular or dairy free
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or Swerve
- 6 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract more or less to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Add milk, cocoa powder, sweetener, chocolate, vanilla extract and peppermint extract to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Notes
- In place of the chocolate bar and peppermint extract, use mint chocolate.
- Make this keto by using heavy cream in place of the milk and coconut milk.
- Omit the peppermint extract and inside add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger for Spiced Hot Chocolate.
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