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This slow cooker hot chocolate recipe transforms ordinary cocoa into a luxurious treat with minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot, and you'll have creamy, warm cocoa ready whenever you want it—perfect for winter gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting.
I discovered this method while hosting a holiday party last year and needed a hands-off way to serve hot drinks. The slow cooker kept everything at the perfect temperature all evening, and guests could help themselves whenever they wanted a refill.
Ingredients
- 8 Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix Envelopes I use Swiss Miss for its reliable flavor and smooth texture
- 64 ounces milk creates a richer and creamier hot chocolate than using water
- Whipped Dairy Cream Topping adds a luxurious finish that slowly melts into the hot chocolate
- Mini chocolate chips provide little bursts of chocolate in every sip
- Chocolate syrup drizzled on top creates an impressive presentation and extra sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients
- Pour all eight hot cocoa mix envelopes into your slow cooker, then add the 64 ounces of milk. Make sure your slow cooker is at least 4 quarts in capacity to prevent any overflow issues.
- Mix Thoroughly
- Use a whisk to blend the cocoa powder and milk together until completely smooth. Take your time with this step to ensure there are no powder lumps hiding at the bottom of the pot.
- Heat Gradually
- Set your slow cooker to high heat and cover with the lid. Allow the mixture to warm for one full hour, stirring occasionally to prevent any film from forming on top.
- Serve and Garnish
- Once hot, reduce heat to warm setting for serving. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and drizzle with chocolate syrup for a decadent finishing touch.
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My favorite part of this recipe is setting up a little hot chocolate bar next to the slow cooker with various toppings. My nieces and nephews love customizing their own cups, and the adults appreciate having something warm to sip while we catch up.
Make It Your Own
This basic recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to the mixture before heating. For adults, a splash of Kahlúa, Baileys, or peppermint schnapps can transform this into a more sophisticated treat. You can even use different flavored hot chocolate mixes like caramel or peppermint for variety.
Storage Solutions
If you have leftover hot chocolate, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. The texture may separate slightly but a quick stir will bring it back together.
Dairy-Free Options
This recipe works beautifully with non-dairy alternatives. Almond milk creates a lighter version, while full-fat coconut milk makes an incredibly rich and decadent hot chocolate. Oat milk provides a middle ground with its naturally creamy texture. Just be sure to check that your hot cocoa mix is also dairy-free if needed.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use water instead of milk for this hot chocolate?
Yes, you can use water instead of milk. The recipe calls for 64 oz of either milk or water. However, using milk will result in a creamier, richer hot chocolate. If using water, the texture will be lighter but still delicious.
- → How long does this hot chocolate stay warm in the crockpot?
After the initial hour of cooking on high, most crockpots can keep the hot chocolate warm on the "warm" setting for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top. For food safety, don't keep dairy-based mixtures at warm temperatures for more than 4 hours total.
- → Can I double this hot chocolate recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough. Simply use 16 hot cocoa mix envelopes and 128 oz of milk/water. The cooking time remains approximately the same, though you may want to add 15-30 minutes extra to ensure everything is thoroughly heated.
- → What other toppings work well with this hot chocolate?
Beyond the suggested whipped cream, chocolate chips, and chocolate syrup, you can try: marshmallows (regular or mini), crushed peppermint candy, caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, flavored whipped cream, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur for adults.
- → Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can make this hot chocolate a few hours before serving and keep it warm in the crockpot. If you need to make it a day ahead, refrigerate the mixture after cooking, then reheat in the crockpot on low for about an hour before serving, whisking occasionally to restore the smooth texture.
- → How many servings does this hot chocolate recipe make?
With 64 oz of liquid and 8 cocoa mix envelopes, this recipe makes approximately 8 standard servings (8 oz each). If using smaller cups or serving as part of a dessert offering, you could stretch it to 10-12 smaller servings.