Hot Chocolate (Crockpot)
This Hot Chocolate (Crockpot) recipe is a comforting, rich, and creamy drink made effortlessly by slow-cooking milk, cocoa, chocolate, and sugar to create the perfect cozy treat for cold nights or festive gatherings. With customizable flavors and hands-free preparation, it’s ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying a relaxing moment with loved ones.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk (or any milk/plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt into your crockpot. Whisk together gently to blend the dry ingredients and dissolve the sugar before heating.
- Heat Slowly: Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to warm gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent cocoa powder from settling or clumping.
- Add Chocolate: Once the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 1 to 1.5 hours), add the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Stir until all the chocolate melts completely into the mixture.
- Finish with Vanilla: Turn off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant boost, and give it one final stir. Your Hot Chocolate (Crockpot) is ready to serve!
Notes
- Keep the crockpot on low to prevent scorching or curdling.
- Stir every 20-30 minutes to maintain smoothness.
- Use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or bars for richer flavor.
- Avoid boiling the mixture to prevent grainy texture.
- Keep the crockpot covered to preserve moisture and heat.
- Whisk cocoa powder with sugar before adding liquids to avoid clumps.
- This recipe can be customized with spices, extracts, or dairy-free alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; stir well before re-serving.
- Freezes well up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or crockpot low, stirring frequently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, crockpot hot chocolate, slow cooker chocolate drink, creamy hot chocolate, holiday drink, warm chocolate beverage, cozy drink