Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate recipe that is to die for! This easy hot cocoa will warm you up on those cozy, cold winter days and is a great hot drink to serve for Christmas. I make this for every party in the colder months.
If you’re “lucky” enough to live in a part of the country that’s snowy and cold all winter long, then you can really use some warming up on those freezing cold days. Whether you call it hot chocolate or hot cocoa (what DO you call it, by the way?) you will LOVE this smooth and comforting creamy crock pot hot chocolate recipe for the slow cooker.
Whatever you call it, it is absolutely delicious and perfect on a cold day and is a must try for special occasions or just a lazy winter day spent at home. I made it again recently for my family and they all raved about it and said it was the best hot chocolate they have ever had. It would be hard to go back to the hot cocoa packets after trying this – be warned!
This would be great to serve at your Christmas Eve parties! Just saying…
I’m so glad you’re here! Follow along on Pinterest for more inspiration!
This is a really great hands-off and super easy way to make hot chocolate for a party, Christmas, or any holiday gathering…basically anywhere there will be a good crowd of people! I made a double batch of this for my big Groundhog day party and it made my life a heck of a lot easier so I could concentrate on the rest of the food-making.
Mouthwatering, decadent Crock Pot Hot Chocolate (this coming from someone who isn’t even crazy about chocolate)…..once you try this hot chocolate recipe, you won’t go back to store bought packets, I promise you that.
What is your favorite hot chocolate topping?
Watch my How To Video with Tips on Making This Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate!
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups of milk chocolate chips (can also use half semi-sweet)
- Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a 5 quart crock pot (if doubling, use a 6-7 quart slow cooker/crock pot).
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally with whisk, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted.
- Once it is heated through and chocolate is melted, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. Stir again before serving. (If you have trouble getting the chocolate to melt, turn to high temporarily).
- Garnish individual cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Recipe source: adapted from mrshappyhomemaker.com
I definitely don’t live in a cold part of the country, but it’s freezing and rainy here today! Would LOVE to stay home with a cup of this yummy hot chocolate!
Rain counts as a hot chocolate day! 🙂
Made a batch today~ LOVE IT! Doubled the recipe though so there will be some left over…Can it be put in the freeze to be used later or what is the best storing method?
Yes I have frozen it and reheated later on! So glad you liked it!
can left overs be frozen?
Yes! I have done that before!
Such a hit!! Best hot chocolate! Thanks.
Ashley, could I put this in one of those big coffee urns to serve at a wedding?
Yes, I don’t see why not!
We did that for my daughter’s wedding last January and did all the toppings and it was a big hit.
I am new to reviewing recipes but I wanted to help anyone who might make the error I did. I used almond milk because I was treating a volunteer group who came to rake up my leaves. Since so many children have issues with cow’s milk I used Almond milk. The chocolate chips did melt adequately and their were gobs of chocolate in the bottom of the pot. It tasted okay but I was disappointed. It is obviously a yummy recipe. I will hang on to your recipe and try again but it is worth noting – alter contents at your own risk;-(
Do I *have* to share this, or can I drink it all for myself? 😉
Sharing is not mandatory!! 😉
Best hot chocolate I have ever had! I made it for a cookie exchange I hosted last year and found the recipe again for this year’s cookie exchange!
Am I the only one who cannot find out where the sweetened condensed milk goes in?
It’s considered milk, so you mix it in the beginning with the milk.
Ashley – me oh my – this hot chocolate sounds sinfully delicious!
Thanks Shashi!!
Can this sit on warm overnight without scorching it?
I wouldn’t leave it on that long without stirring it.
Wouldn’t the milk sour out overnight?
Mmmmm this reminds me of having sledding parties at my house and my mom would make a crock-pot full of hot chocolate!
LOVE
Awwww what a great idea!
What a great way to fill up hot cocoa mugs quickly! I love this idea, Ashley!
I had no clue you could make hot chocolate in the crock pot! What a lovely treat to come home to after a long hard day! Now all I’m missing is a blanket 🙂
Your hot cocoa sounds rich and delicious. I would love to top with cinnamon. Take Care, BAM
Crazy question but me n my hubby n sometimes our teenager drinks hot chocolate every night. So my question is can it be refrigerated and reheated when we want it? I read the comments of freezing it but was curious about just sitting it in the refrigerator and I also thought since it’s just us I could cut the recipe in half.
Yes, that would work out just fine!
Hello, can I make this recipe using an instant pot with the same ingredients? Or about the same?
Yes I think so!
This looks like a great idea for a large group!
Dangerous recipe! 😉 My husband said me yesterday “you’re craving chocolate, aren’t you?” Uhh, yes…
Of course you are! And you should eat all that you want since you are pregnant 🙂
I use the terms hot chocolate and hot cocoa interchangeably, but I’m using one term to describe this: DELICIOUS! I had no idea you could make hot cocoa in the crockpot but now my crockpot will pretty much be exclusively used for this reason only 🙂
The best use of the crock pot, in my opinion 🙂
Lov hot chocolate! Marshmallows all the way for me. 🙂
Me too!!
I want chocolate so badly right now 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Haha story of my life!
Great idea for parties! Hot cocoa is a huge hit here, especially when we are covered in snow 😀
Thank you!
Question…after the 2 hours and it’s on warm does it put a skim on top? I’ve tried other recipes before and every time we would want more I always had to take a thick skim off the top. Hoping to try this over Thanksgiving. Thanks 🙂
I would like to know, too! Also, storing leftovers…what’s the best way and for how long will it continue to be good as a left-over?
Whoa! I almost want to jump in that crockpot of hot chocolate and go swimming! It looks fabulous.
…Yum, that looks wonderful! Never thought about making it in a crockpot, that’s cool!
check out my recent post, cheesecake with strawberry topping!
Michael 🙂
http://michaelswoodcraft.wordpress.com/2014/02/09/strawberry-topped-cheesecake/
It’s so easy in the crock pot!
White milk or chocolate milk?
I always use white milk!
Okay, this looks great, BUT we have to back up and talk about the “someone who’s not crazy about chocolate” part. *needle scratch* WHAT?! I need to know more!
I know! I’m insane!
I love the idea of hot chocolate in a crock pot but I never tried it. This is about to change, it looks incredible!
Try it!! It’s the best!
I’ve always wanted to make this and never took the time to do it! Thanks for the recipe! I am going to love this tonight!
I have been wanting to make hot chocolate for my students. This might work. ..15 students???
I would double it for 15 people! They will love it!
Can you use white chocolate chips to make white cocoa?
I think that would work fine!!
I just made a batch of hot chocolate but it just doesn’t taste right.I used Hershey s milk chocolate chips,what chocolate chips did you use?
Tried it with white chocolate and it came out a bit too sweet. We needed to add more milk to mellow it out and I still had a hard time finishing a full cup.
Since we have milk-allergies in the family, and those same family members love hot chocolate, I’d LOVE to hear your or any recommendations for milk-free substitutes or recipes.
Can it be made the night before and stored in the fridge for the next day? Have an early morning event and would love this to be on our menu!
Yes that is fine to do!
I saw the page on a facebook message from a friend, about your blog, and especially about the wonderful Hot Cocoa/chocolate made in a crock pot! Amazing idea! Making for my family for Christmas. Love your sites.
Donna
I live in Upstate Ny where it gets very cold and lots of snow. I think im gonna try this because there are 7 kids alone in this house and 2 boxes of the store bought hot chocolate seem to disappear within 2 days. Plus the 3 adults in the house like hot chocolate as well. Thank you very much for the idea to make it in the crockpot.
I’m from buffalo And I wait to try this this week especially with this cold weather we’re having
Thanks, Branden! yes – it got SO cold all of a sudden!
Hello! I was wondering if you could do this in a large stock pot? only because I think I would have to triple the recipe and I don’t have a crock pot large enough?
That’s probably fine but be very careful about not letting it burn on the bottom! I would stir very frequently. :). Enjoy!
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I fixed this today. It is very creamy and chocolatey. My only issue was the hot chocolate didn’t get hot enough on the low setting. I turned it to high the last 30 minutes and it was the perfect temperature.
Thanks for letting me know, Donna!! It’s so hard to predict how long crock pots take since they are all so different (older ones cook slower, etc.). I’m glad it turned out great for you!
I love all the recipes you can make with a crock pot! This looks delicious!
Awww thanks girl!! I appreciate it!!
I made this but it was too chocolatey for us. Tasted like melted chocolate bars. I tweaked it to a half gallon of milk and 1.5 cups chips, other ingredients the same as the recipe and its perfect!
I made this a couple weekends ago,and loved it,but was wandering about making this in a coffee urn instead of the crock pot.it would make it easier for serving.have you ever made it like that?
I haven’t so I’m sorry that I can’t be of more help!! If you try it please let me know how it turns out 🙂 I actually just made this again tonight and my family all raved about it!
I make it in a crockpot or stockpot and then transfer to large coffee serving thermoses for easy dispensing.
Never gets real cold here. We have even worn summer clothes at Christmas, but I love hot cocoa. I may have to run the air conditioner to drink the cocoa.
How long can you leave it in the crockpot? Say, several days?
If you make it ahead of time I would store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
My daughter’s class is having Pajama Day and the teacher wants to serve Hot Chocolate. This is PERFECT for sending in ahead and keeping warm. Question for you…when you say 6-8 servings is that large cups? Small? I have 20 1st graders to serve. The cups will only be filled about 3/4 of the way or just under. Trying to decide if I need to double or triple the recipe. Thanks!
Those are decent size cups! Hope you love it! 🙂
I made this for my daughter’s Christmas party and it was gone before I could get a second cup. I believe the adults kept it a secret and drank it instead of the kids. Thank you for sharing.
This is EXTREMELY sweet… if we make again, we will use evaporated milk, NOT sweetened condensed…
Have you tried it? I want to make this but I don’t want it too sweet either, so I’m wondering how it turned out with evaporated milk?
If doubling, just use 1 can evaporated milk
Looks so good will have to make this my family loves hot chocolate. Thanks for sharing.
Made this tonight for handing out on Halloween. I used 8 oz paper cups and got 20 cups 3/4 full (leave room for marshmallows of course)! It was very very sweet but good. I wonder if you left out the condensed milk how it would taste. It was so nice that it was “real” — people commented on how it smelled even. I’ll try it next time without the condensed milk and maybe add it at the end if it is lacking something :).
So glad you loved it! Maybe I’ll try it sometime that way, too! Thanks, Kelly!
What if I’m making for 50 ppl
When I drink hot chocolate I use 1 1/5 or 2 cups. So multiply that by 50. Most crockpot hold 4 quarts(16 cups) but some hold 7 quarts (28 cups) Either make 3 pots or 2.
Can I do this on a stovetop?
Yes, you sure can do it on the stovetop.
I am confused, when do i put in the sweetened condensed milk, do i use both sweetened condense milk and regular milk as well.
Sorry. When I say add “milk” I mean the regular milk AND the sweetened condensed milk. Hope that helps!
I made this today at the office for our “Baby, it’s cold outside” theme hot chocolate bar today… was easy to put together and was a big success! I doubled the recipe and added an extra 300g bag (aprox 2 cups) of chocolate chips and it was almost too rich, I would have been good just as-is, but was afraid of not making it chocolaty enough. I did get the lovely compliment of “best I’ve ever had” which was great to hear! thank you for sharing this recipe, I will use it again (but next time I’ll follow your directions – haha)
That’s awesome!! Thanks so much for telling me!!
Do you use whole milk or 2%?
Either one will work just fine!
Made this for my daughter’s surprise birthday party! It came out great. I used half and half didn’t have heavy whipping cream. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks so much for letting me know! So glad it was a hit!
Do I add the sweetened condensed milk in at the start?
All that is missing is a dose of grated cinnamon and a pinch of chili (yes!) for Xocolata Asteca!
Can you please tell me the quantity of ingredients for about 30 people? I’ll be following your recipe for my son’s birthday but I’m worried. Thanks!
Sounds like the perfect hot chocolate for a party.
I’m going to be drinking this ALL fall long!! Thanks so much for the great recipe!
Such a great recipe for the cold winter evenings of New England. can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
So good, and makes the house smell amazing!
I want to drink this whole thing myself!
Perfect for the team table at swim meets but also THE best for Christmas Eve!
SO comforting! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
I’m making this all winter long!
So rich and creamy! I love this after coming in from a cold day!
There’s nothing like coming inside from the cold to a warm crockpot full of this!!
Nothing warms you up from the cold like a hot crockpot full of this.
Loving this!!!
Sounds easy, and I can’t wait to try this hot chocolate recipe! ( I may use half sweet condensed milk and half canned unsweetened milk)
FYI- hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and sugar, which is thin and much sweeter than hot chocolate. There is a difference and they are two different drinks!
Do you know how long I could keep this on the “keep warm” setting? I wanted to cook it before bed to take to my daughters school in the morning, but didn’t know if it would be ok on that setting all night? Thanks!
I kept mine on “keeping warm” and it turned solid!
Not good
What happened?
I saw it was bubbling on warm.
That’s so strange! I will have to think about what could have gone wrong. I make this all the time and never had that happen!
It’s hot cocoa if it’s made with water, and hot chocolate if there’s milk/cream. My friend told me this the other day!
Interesting! Good to know! Thanks.
Can I make this and leave on all night ?
Yes but I would have it go to warm setting
Chiming in on the chocolate verus cocoa discussion, When the beverage is made with milk and chocolate (usually pieces of chocolate) it’s considered hot chocolate. When the beverage is made with powdered chocolate, water or milk it’s considered cocoa. Other ingredients can be added to both.
In our area, cocoa means it’s made from the powdered packets or powdered chocolate with water. It’s a lighter beverage. When you say hot chocolate it’s made with milk. It’s a heavier textured beverage. Other areas of the world the terms may be used differently.
Sorry, your friend is incorrect. Do some research.
If I double the recipe do I have to double the cook time too ?
No. It should be the same, maybe an extra hour to heat through.
I also wondered how long it will stay “good” if set on “warm” for several hours, like the duration of a holiday party. Or does it need to be consumed shortly thereafter the 2 hour cook time?
I have left it on warm for entire parties before and it was great!
I made a trial batch today in my smaller crock pot. It’s delicious!! My boys (5 & almost 7) loved it, as did my husband. I’m going to double the recipe for my son’s ice skating party this weekend. Thank you!
Can this be made a day ahead without having to freeze? How would you store and reheat for the next day? I won’t have 2 hours to make it on the day I need it… or could it be cooked on high for shorter time?
Yes just reheat it the next day!
Thank you for this! Can I make it longer than 2 hours ahead of time like 5-6? I would love to let it sit longer if possible.
Yes. Just keep it in warm setting for the longer term.
Hi! If I double the recipe, do I need to double the time???
No. It should be good with just maybe an hour extra to melt the chocolate.
Making it for Xmas it’s amazing ^.^
I made this for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! WOW!!! What a hit!!! Everyone loved it! I did double the recipe and substituted half and half for the whipping cream. I also used dark chocolate morsels. There was plenty to reheat for the next day in the crockpot. The hot cocoa bar was a success!!! I served 10 guests each day.
I made this one cold night a few years ago for my mother. After one sip, her reaction was “Oh my God! You have to make this into ice cream. I did. The only alteration I made was to increase the cream to two cups. Every person who tasted it, including a professional chef and a guy who owns an ice cream shop said it was the best chocolate ice cream they had ever tasted. Since then, I started using 1/2 milk chocolate and 1/2 semi sweet chocolate. Absolutely everyone who has tasted both say that it’s even better. I’ve found that cooking this up, letting it cool before making it into ice cream and then stirring in dark chocolate chunks before putting it into the freezer to set results with the best ice cream a lot of people have ever experienced. Thank you for this recipe.
How did you make it into ice cream? Did you just freeze it?
I’m not sure what you’re referencing
Tried the crockpot hot chocolate last night for company. It was delicious and a big hit!!! Well worth your time to have REAL hot chocolate! Easy too!
Quick question! For those of you who made a day ahead , stores in fridge over night, and reheated….how long did it take to get it hot again. I need it to hot and ready by 7am for transport to the party. When should I start it? Thanks!
I would let it come to room temperature and give it at least a couple of hours!
The hot chocolate sounds heavenly; however, we have a diabetic in the family and I sure would like a sugar free recipe.
They make sugar-free chocolate chips, and you can use cream or half & half rather than condensed milk.
They make sugar-free chocolate chips, and you can use cream or half & half rather than condensed milk.
Oh, Ashley, go Red Sox, and Go Astros!!
So, from what I’m reading, I can make this today. Store it in the fridge overnight and reheat tomorrow for the little kiddos fighting frostbite while trick or treating?
I’m going to try it with dark chocolate me and my husband love dark chocolate. I will let everyone know how it turns out. When I get home next weekend.
This cocoa was a hit at a baby shower I helped with last night. There were so many comments about the taste. I never would’ve thought to use three milks but that was brilliant. One lady said, “Oh I know this isn’t Swiss Miss” lol! Thanks for sharing.
I made one change and used evaporated milk instead condensed. If I could add a pic here I would of the got chocolate bar.
I have made this 5 times so far. Im Activities Director
for an Assisted Living amd my Residents loved it. Whip cream amd crushed peppermint on top so yummy.I made this for Christmas Eve amd Christmas was a huge hit and everyone had to have the recipe.
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
Thanks so much! Glad you love it!
Do you use milk chocolate, semi sweet or both? Thanks
I use semi-sweet normally!
So good. And rich. And creamy. No more box hot chocolate for me.
This is ridiculously good. I followed the instructions exactly with no modifications. Best hot chocolate I have ever had!
That looks incredible. We won’t use this for Christmas. But, there’s other Winter activities that it would be nice to have warm hot cocoa already waiting.
I am not sure it could leave in refridge?
I make this for my family party !
They look so yummy! I am so going to try this
Question, when you say 1 teaspoon vanilla, do you mean vanilla extract or real vanilla ?
Making these today! They look so yummy! Hopefully I will get back & post how they turned out. Thank you for this recipe.
I just made a batch it was absolutely the best hot chocolate I have ever had!!! I am saving some for tomorrow to take to my friends.
Excellent recipe, very easy to make, and everyone loved it. Thank you
Will this work in an Insta Pot?
Looks so delicious, My daughters love this, I will definitely try it your way, thank you for sharing. Looking forward to seeing more recipes. I’ll be back.
WAY too good tasting!
Love it been using it for years but I always get this odd floating layer of chocolate that never get fully Incorporated even with stirring. I end up having to take a little strainer to try and get it out.
Loving this Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate! Thanks for the recipe!
The reason I’ve chosen this recipe is you mentioned making it for Groundhog Day! Well I work in Punxsutawney Pa and we are having a brunch!!!! It’s cold in Punxsutawney Pa and PHIL will make his prognostic prediction tomorrow. No matter what he says Hot chocolate will be served!!giving it 5 stars hoping it’s delicious!
It’s super easy to make and a great recipe that everyone loves. Thank you
If you were to add alcohol what would it be?
Peppermint schnapps!
I leave the peppermint snaps by the crockpot and the adult can add to their cups; the kids have marshmallows to add to theirs!
I love this idea so much!
4 oz Hot Chocolate
1/2 oz Jack Daniel’s
1/2 oz Baily’s
1/2 oz Kahlua
Stir and top with whipped cream!
I make this recipe every year for a “Hot Chocolate Bar” for my staff. I bring in all kinds of toppings. Everybody always enjoys it and I make a double batch. So much fun!
You ask what our favorite topping is… My dad taught us that a scoop of ice cream is the best thing for hot chocolate. It melts into creamy sweetness. You ought to give it a try!
Saw this recipe online over the holiday season and after making homemade eggnog decided to give it a try. My first time making this and it is definitely a keeper. Was on another website and it had a recipe similar to this one and a lot of the comments said that it was too sweet. I felt that this was a very rich hot chocolate but it was very good.
I really enjoy drinking this during the winter and spring season. Thank you for your article and recipe, it’s very simple and quick.
I agree! It’s such a perfect drink for the winter and spring seasons. The recipe really is simple and quick—thanks to the author for sharing it!
Great website, thanks for the great recipes… I’ll use them again in the future 😉 THANK YOU !!! Greetings
Really nice creamy crock pot hot chocolate. 🙂
I love this recipe! I mixed the cocoa with the condensed milk before adding it. Didn’t heat it. Worked out great!
Such a great recipe for the cold winter evenings of New England. can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
It’s absolutely the perfect drink for cold autumn evenings! Thanks for the recipe. I was thinking about adding alcohol – either Baileys, rum, or another cognac. Do you think this is a good idea?
I tried the recipe and I’m never going to use hot chocolate packets ever!! Omg.. I took it to work and it was a hit!!
If I could…What kind of alcohol can I use for an adult party??
This would not smooth out for me until I used an immersion blender and then it was creamy and delicious