Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a rich, velvety mug of Crock Pot Hot Chocolate on a chilly day. This recipe is pure chocolate bliss, slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this hands-off method brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Creamy, sweet, and irresistibly smooth, this crock pot version takes all the guesswork out of stovetop stirring. Just toss in your ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come back to the most luxurious hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted. It’s ideal for holidays, parties, or a simple cold-weather treat.
What Kind of Cocoa Should I Use?
For the richest flavor, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa will give your drink a smoother, deeper chocolate taste, while natural cocoa brings a touch of brightness. Want a fun twist? Add a few dark chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar for extra decadence.
Ingredients for the Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt

How To Make the Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Add the whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until well mixed. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Stir in the Chocolate
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and give it one more stir to evenly distribute.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the hot chocolate is silky and fully melted, ladle into mugs and serve with your favorite toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or chocolate shavings.
Serving and Storing Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
This creamy hot chocolate is best served warm straight from the crock pot. Keep it on the “warm” setting if you’re serving over a longer period, like at parties or holiday gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk and coconut cream. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it completely dairy-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it a day ahead and reheat it in the crock pot on LOW until warmed through.
What toppings go well with this hot chocolate?
Marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all delicious options.
Can I spike it for adults?
Absolutely! Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps for a grown-up twist.
Will this work with white chocolate?
Yes, but reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly since white chocolate is sweeter.
Want More Drink Ideas to Keep You Warm?
If you’re loving this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate, you’ll probably want to try some of these cozy creations next:
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a savory dinner to pair it with.
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake to make it a dessert night done right.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread that complements any warm mug of chocolate.
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a festive twist.
- Irresistible Funnel Cake Bites that bring fairground fun to your kitchen.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And if you try it, I’d love to hear what toppings you used! Did you go classic marshmallow or peppermint twist? Drop your version in the comments below.
You can also follow more cozy favorites on my Pinterest: Nina Dishes
Let’s keep sharing warmth, one cup at a time.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, velvety, and slow-cooked to perfection, this Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy treat. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply want something warm on a cold day, this recipe is the definition of chocolate comfort.
Ingredients
6 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pinch salt
Instructions
1. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until well mixed.
3. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
5. Once fully melted and creamy, ladle into mugs and serve with toppings of your choice.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate flavor.
Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid chocolate settling.
Add a splash of liqueur for an adult version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: crock pot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, winter drinks
