Dreamy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chilly winter nights call for a comforting slow cooker hot chocolate that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, creamy, and impossibly smooth, this decadent beverage promises pure indulgence with every sip.

Melted chocolate and creamy milk blend perfectly in the slow cooker, creating a luxurious drink that beats any store-bought mix.

The aroma of warm cocoa will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around for a cozy treat.

Each batch serves a crowd, making it ideal for holiday parties or lazy weekend afternoons.

Topped with fluffy marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon, this hot chocolate transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and discover your new favorite winter comfort drink.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2-3 hours

Total Time: 2-3 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Used In Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky texture to the hot chocolate.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, classic liquid foundation for the drink.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings deep sweetness and helps thicken the mixture.

• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the chocolate's profile.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall chocolate flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Melts into a velvety, decadent base that creates the signature rich chocolate taste. Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best results, preferably semi-sweet or dark varieties for deeper flavor complexity.

Tools To Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

• Slow Cooker: 6-quart size essential for making the hot chocolate, ensuring even cooking and ample space.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving hot chocolate smoothly into mugs without spills.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing chocolate from sticking to the bottom.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk, cream, and other liquid ingredients.
• Mugs: Needed for serving the deliciously rich hot chocolate.
• Optional Toppings Spoon: Useful for adding marshmallows, whipped cream, or sprinkles.

Easy Steps For Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

• Slow Cooker Setup Prep a dreamy chocolate haven with your trusty slow cooker, ready to transform simple ingredients into liquid comfort.
• Chocolate Melting Magic Gently layer all ingredients into the slow cooker, letting them slowly dance and blend together over low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally to create a velvety smooth texture.
• Flavor Transformation Let the ingredients mingle and warm, developing a rich, decadent chocolate experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
• Serving Ritual Pour the luxurious hot chocolate into your favorite mugs, crowning each with fluffy marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for that perfect finishing touch.
• Warm Hospitality Keep the chocolatey goodness simmering on warm setting, inviting friends and family to enjoy multiple cups of pure, creamy happiness throughout the day.

Helpful Tips For Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

• Creamy Chocolate Magic: Transform your hot chocolate experience with these genius tips and delightful variations!
• Chocolate Chip Selection: Select high-quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli or Guittard for richer, deeper flavor profiles that melt smoothly and create luxurious texture.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the hot chocolate base up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, then reheat gently in the slow cooker for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap dairy milk with coconut, almond, or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains incredible creaminess and rich chocolate taste.
• Flavor Adventure Station: Experiment with fun mix-ins like peppermint extract, caramel sauce, cinnamon, or orange zest to create unique hot chocolate experiences that surprise and delight taste buds.
• Garnish Galore: Top with marshmallow fluff, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle to elevate the presentation and add extra layers of indulgence.

Serving Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Warm And Cozy

• Cozy Campfire Companion: Serve this rich hot chocolate during outdoor winter gatherings, snuggled around a warm fire with friends and family.
• Winter Movie Night Delight: Pour into festive mugs and pair with soft blankets and classic holiday films for the ultimate comfort experience.
• Decadent Topping Bar: Create a fun station with marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, cinnamon sticks, and chocolate shavings for personalized mugs.
• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Complement the hot chocolate with classic sugar cookies, brownies, or shortbread for a luxurious sweet treat combination.

Storing Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate The Right Way

• Smart Storage Strategies: Transfer any leftover hot chocolate to airtight glass containers, which help maintain flavor integrity and prevent refrigerator odors from seeping in.
• Cooling & Refrigeration: Let the hot chocolate cool completely before storing in the refrigerator, where it can safely stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated hot chocolate in the microwave or stovetop, stirring frequently to restore its original creamy texture and prevent scorching.
• Freezing Option: Pour cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, allowing you to enjoy individual servings later by thawing and reheating as needed.

Creamy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2-3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy slow cooker hot chocolate delights winter evenings with rich chocolate and marshmallow goodness. Warm mugs of this comforting beverage will wrap you in sweet, indulgent memories of cold-weather bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (14 oz/397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate shavings
• Crushed candy canes
• Caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Liquid Fusion: Combine milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk in the slow cooker, whisking to create a harmonious base for the decadent hot chocolate.
2. Chocolate Integration: Gradually add chocolate chips into the liquid, stirring gently to ensure smooth melting and preventing any potential scorching.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate a nuanced pinch of salt and pure vanilla extract to deepen the chocolate’s complexity and elevate the overall sensory experience.
4. Slow Transformation: Set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency over 2-3 hours.
5. Periodic Refinement: Whisk the mixture every 45 minutes, promoting even chocolate distribution and preventing any sediment from forming at the bottom of the cooker.
6. Serving Preparation: Once the chocolate fully dissolves and the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy texture, prepare for presentation.
7. Artful Presentation: Ladle the hot chocolate into pre-warmed mugs, garnishing with optional toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a delicate cocoa powder dusting.
8. Continuous Enjoyment: Maintain the hot chocolate’s optimal temperature and texture in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to ensure a consistent, indulgent experience for subsequent servings.

Notes

• Prevent Chocolate Burning: Stir chocolate chips gradually and whisk every 45 minutes to ensure smooth melting without scorching or clumping at the bottom.
• Control Temperature Carefully: Maintain low slow cooker setting to develop rich flavors and prevent milk from scalding or separating during the cooking process.
• Enhance Flavor Complexity: Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and consider experimenting with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or semi-sweet for varied taste profiles.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free versions, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Category: Drinks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg