Slow cooker hot chocolate is rich, decadent, hot, steamy and soooo easy. Learn how to make a big batch of hot chocolate for a crowd in your slow cooker.
When you want to make a big batch of hot chocolate the last thing you want is to have to stand at the stove stirring for ages. Using the slow cooker takes all that stir-time out of it.
And, I’ve got to say, this recipe makes a really amazing hot chocolate with real chocolate flavor. It’s particularly luxurious because it has both whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk in the mix. Thick, creamy, and delicious.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
How To Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Here’s what you do: Measure whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, milk, and chocolate chips into the slow cooker. I used my Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker, but any sort of of crock pot works for this hot chocolate recipe. A pinch of salt, some vanilla, and an optional cinnamon stick or two go in as well.
Then you put it on low for at least 2 hours to melt the chocolate and heat everything through. Every 30 minutes or so give it a stir and then cover it back up again. Give it a good whisking and it’s ready to serve.
Sometimes a thin layer of chocolate doesn’t fully incorporate on the top. That’s fine. Don’t worry about. Just go ahead and serve it. It’s going to taste great.
After the two hours on low, you can set the slow cooker to a warm setting, if your machine has one. It will keep it at a really warm drinking temperature for hours so you can go back for more. And more. And more.
Hot Chocolate Variations
Looking for a bit of variety? Try adding these to your hot chocolate to make it extra special:
- Substitute 1 cup of butterscotch chips for 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
- Use white chocolate chips
- Use milk chocolate chips
- Add a dash of peppermint extract (or peppermint schnapps)
- Add caramel chewy candies and sprinkle mugs with salt
- Add a chili pepper in the pot with extra cinnamon sticks
- Serve with a side of raspberry liqueur
This is also a great recipe if you want to do a Hot Chocolate Bar with Toppings like mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes. You’ll make the hot chocolate in the slow cooker, put a ladle in there, arrange your toppings and syrups all around, and all your guests will love it!
More Cocoa Recipes
Need a recipe for when you don’t need to make a full slow cooker of cocoa? Try these too.
Podcast Episode: Making Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Listen to learn how to make this recipe, along with some great tips from Christine:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
Print
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe
Rich. Decadent. Hot. Steamy and soooo easy. Learn how to make a big batch of hot chocolate for a crowd in your slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 cups milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 cups dark chocolate chips
- 2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into slow cooker and whisk until combined. Cook on low and stir occasionally. Cook until chocolate chips are melted and beverage is hot, about 2 hours. Whisk again to really combine.
- Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows.
This post originally appeared in December 2015 and was revised and republished in September 2024.
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