The BEST Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

The best Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe you will ever try. The creamy and rich chocolate drink comes together easily in the crockpot. It’s just like what you would find on the Polar Express!

about this slow cooker hot chocolate recipe

I have been waiting for Christmas since last Christmas was over.

It is officially the holiday season (ok so it has been since November for us since 2020 is a MESS of a year) and I have not been able to stop the celebration. I have about 15 Christmas movies queued in Netflix/Prime and Christmas music is the only thing I am listening to from now until the 25th.

If there is anyone who could listen to Christmas music 24/7, it’s this girl.

Note: this post is an updated version from the original, posted on December 4th, 2012.

But let’s talk about hot chocolate…

This hot chocolate is just….. so…… FREAKING DELICIOUS. Ugh, I can’t even put it into words. It is the absolute best way to devour chocolate and it takes, like, no effort.

Do you remember the first time you read Polar Express? If you haven’t read this book then I demand you go buy it this instant and read it. And don’t be lazy and skip straight to the movie version. It really isn’t as good as the book.

Anyway, you know the part in the book where it talks about the hot chocolate on the train to the North Pole and how it is the best hot chocolate any child has ever tasted! This is that hot chocolate. I swear. It’s essentially chocolate crack.

Pair it with these insanely delicious and chewy Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies and thank me later! You could also enjoy linzer tart cookies for one of my favorite cookies of all time. Of course, if you really want to go over the top for the holidays, this peppermint three layer cake is perfection.

Want another warm and cozy drink? This hot butterscotch is a family favorite!

ingredients

heavy cream. For the creamiest hot chocolate, heavy whipping cream is a must. You could use whole milk instead, but the end result will not be as rich and thick.

sweetened condensed milk. The sweetness from the condensed milk is just the right amount to keep this hot chocolate balanced.

dark chocolate. Make sure that you use high-quality chocolate for this recipe. You can use chocolate chips or chop up chocolate bars. We usually aim for dark chocolate that is 70% or higher cacao.

bittersweet chocolate chips. The bittersweet chocolate helps add a little sweet chocolate, without adding too much. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips.

milk. Use whole milk for this recipe. You could also use 2% milk, but the hot chocolate won’t be as creamy.

vanilla. We like to make our own homemade vanilla extract so we can control the quality! It’s super easy to make and you end up saving a lot of money with this homemade method. If you’d rather buy it, we recommend this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey. You could also use peppermint extract instead to give this hot chocolate a peppermint flavor.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this slow cooker hot chocolate, you will need a slow cooker or crockpot.

You will need a whisk to stir everything together as it cooks.

how to make slow cooker hot chocolate

slow cook

Add all of the ingredients to the crock-pot insert. Cook for 40 minutes to 1 hour on High heat. Whisk the ingredients regularly, every 15 to 20 minutes. The hot chocolate is done when all of the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated with the other ingredients.

serve

Serve in mugs topped with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, fudge sauce or chocolate sauce, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and whatever else you like to top your hot chocolate with!

can you keep hot chocolate warm in the slow cooker?

Yes! Simply set the slow cooker to the Warm setting to keep it warm. Be sure to stir it together occasionally.

can you reheat crock pot hot chocolate?

Of course! If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop until warm through, stirring occasionally as it heats. This is the best method for individual or smaller servings. If you are reheating an entire batch, you can do so in a slow cooker set to High until warmed through. Then set to Warm to keep warm.

is this crockpot hot chocolate recipe good for a hot chocolate bar?

Yes, this drink is perfect for a hot chocolate bar! Simply make it in the slow cooker, then set to Warm throughout your party for your guests.

can I add alcohol to this hot chocolate?

You can definitely make this a boozy hot chocolate, if you prefer to make it an adult beverage. I recommend using about 2 cups of alcohol for the entire batch, but you can always adjust to taste. Use vodka, baileys irish cream, kahlua, or peppermint schnapps for the best flavor.

how to store

store. Store the cooled beverage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

reheat. You can reheat the hot chocolate in a saucepan on the stove or in the slow cooker for larger batches (set to High until warmed through).

Finally, if you make this easy crockpot hot cocoa recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

Want to know when I come out with a new recipe or the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter!