Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Published Feb 26, 2026
This Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is ultra creamy, decadent, and chocolatey and it only takes a few minute to prep. It’s the perfect winter drink to warm you up!
The best hot chocolate
When I tell you this is the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted I mean it!
This year we had more snow days than we usually do and my boys always asked for a steaming mug of hot chocolate every time they came inside from playing in the snow. Loaded with mini marshmallows of course!
One day I decided I wanted to make a real cup of hot chocolate to surprise them with instead of just the store bought packets.
I couldn’t believe how amazing this hot chocolate was! And honestly it couldn’t be easier to make. I just added all of the ingredients to a slow cooker, stirred it once or twice, and let the slow cooker do its magic!
Ingredients needed
- Whole milk: for a rich and think consistency.
- Heavy whipping cream: this gives the hot chocolate an ultra creamy and thick consistency and decadent taste.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: to add the cocoa favor.
- Milk chocolate chips: I love the classic flavor and sweetness that the milk chocolate adds to this recipe. You can substitute the chocolate for dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips, just keep in mind it may affect how sweet the hot cocoa tastes.
- Vanilla extract: for added flavor.
- Salt: just a pinch!
How to make crock pot hot chocolate
Step 1: Add the milk, heavy whipping cream, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla extract and salt to a slow cooker. Whisk the ingredients vigorously for 1-2 minutes to incorporate the cocoa powder so that it does not sit on the top.
Step 2: Cook the crock pot hot chocolate on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes to one hour so that the chocolate does not burn to the bottom.
Serving
Serve this hot cocoa recipe in a mug topped with mini marshmallows or whipped cream on top.
I am already planning to make this for the holidays. This would be perfect for serving at Christmas parties or making a hot chocolate bar with. Once you taste real homemade hot cocoa you will fall in love!
There is nothing like a big mug of homemade hot chocolate to make you feel like a kid again. Tasting this brought back all my own memories of warming up by the fire while drinking hot cocoa after a long day of sledding!
Can I cook this on the stove top?
Yes! You will just add all of the ingredients to a pot and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir or whisk often, until all of the chocolate melts and it is hot and ready to serve.
Storing
This crock pot hot cocoa is easy to store (if you have any left!) Simply store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in a covered container. Reheat any leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Hot chocolate topping ideas
This would be so fun to serve with a DIY hot chocolate bar! Here are some ideas for topping.
- Mini marshmallows
- Whipped cream: classic or peppermint flavored would be fun!
- Candy canes: whole for stirring or crushed for topping
- Chocolate: shavings, curls, or chocolate chips
- Syrup: chocolate syrup or caramel syrup
- Toffee bits
- Sprinkles
Tips for success
- Cook on low: I do not recommend cooking hot chocolate over high heat as it will be more likely to burn.
- Keep warm: if you are serving this for a party, switch your crock pot over to the keep warm setting once it is done. Keep a close eye on the hot chocolate as it gets closer to the bottom as this can make it easier to burn.
More chocolate recipes
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- mini marshmallows, for serving
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large slow cooker. Whisk the mixture vigorously for 1-2 minutes to incorporate the cocoa powder so that it does not sit on the top.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes to one hour so that the chocolate does not burn to the bottom.
- Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini marshmallows for serving.
