The trifecta creamy, chocolatey, and cozy, this crockpot hot chocolate recipe is sure to be a hit as the temperatures drop. Homemade hot chocolate is such a delight, and this easy slow cooker recipe will have everyone asking for a refill and the recipe!
When the weather outside is frightful, this crock pot hot chocolate sure is delightful. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and enjoy the delicious hot beverage that is the result. Keep it kid friendly or add some liquor for a boozy spiked hot chocolate. Grab your favorite mug and enjoy this decadent beverage!
Ingredients For Homemade Hot Chocolate
- Heavy cream: This is the base for making your hot chocolate creamy.
- Milk: I used skim, but any fat content milk will do.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is often by the evaporated milk at the store but they are not the same. Make sure to check your label.
- Vanilla extract: This adds the perfect kiss of vanilla flavor. You could also use peppermint extract.
- Chocolate chips: You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or a combination as long as it totals two cups.
- Cocoa powder
- Liquor: This is optional for a spiked hot chocolate. You can see my recommendations below for good alcohol to add to hot chocolate.
How to Make Hot Chocolate in the Crockpot
With only five minutes of prep time, let your slow cooker do the work with this simple recipe. Here is a brief overview of how this crockpot hot chocolate recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all of the measurements and cooking time suggestions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Combine all ingredients. Add all ingredients except the liquor to your crockpot.
- Mix together. Whisk until cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are mixed well.
- Cook. On low, stirring occasionally.
- Add liquor and serve. When it is done, add liquor and enjoy.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
I love a cocktail that is boozy and also tastes like dessert. This one possesses both of those while being hot. What more could you ask for on a chilly day or during the holiday season? The reason we leave out the alcohol until you are ready to serve is that some of the alcohol will cook off and it’s also just not necessary to heat your alcohol up like the other ingredients. The drink will be plenty warm without that being warmed. Also, it is a great way to keep this recipe for both kids and adults.
Best Alcohol for Spiked Hot Chocolate
There are many different alcohols that compliment hot chocolate well, creating a delicious spiked hot chocolate. Some options that work well are Baileys, Kahlua, Crème de Cocoa, Godiva liqueur, RumChata, Fireball, and Whiskey or Bourbon.
Serving
Once your crockpot hot chocolate has completed its cooking time, turn your slow cooker to warm. Leave on warm for up to two hours. Serve your homemade hot chocolate in mugs straight from the crockpot. Add 1/2 to 1 ounce of liquor to each mug of hot chocolate and top with desired garnishes. Enjoy while warm.
Tips and Tricks
The best hot chocolate is good enough to enjoy as is or to be garnished with your favorite toppings and mix-ins. Set up a hot chocolate bar with various fixings and liquor options to allow each mug to be customized.
- Top your hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Instead of vanilla extract, use peppermint extract. You could also add a candy cane to each mug for stirring.
- Add a caffeinated kick with a shot of espresso to create a mocha hot chocolate. Instant espresso powder is a great way to do this!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Storing and Reheating
Store your leftover homemade hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop.
Other Cozy Cocktails
When the weather gets cold, nothing warms you up like a cozy cocktail. Try one of these delicious drinks that will warm you up from the inside out.
If you try this crockpot hot chocolate recipe or any of my other cocktail recipes, leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 6 cups milk we used skim
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- liqueur optional
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into the crockpot.
- Whisk until cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk are mixed well.
- Cook on low for about 3 hours stirring occasionally.
- Once ready, serve with 1/2-1 ounce of favorite liqueur.
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes
Christy Pridgen says
This hot chocolate is delicious and super easy to make! It will be my go to beverage for the holidays!!
So happy you liked it!
Fosterbeach says
This got rave reviews! I was on a cabin trip with friends in the north woods, and forgot to bring the chocolate chips. We were miles from a store so I just added more cocoa. Even without the chips it was amazing. I’ll make this again!
So glad you liked it!