When winter’s chill sets in and you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket, there’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy mug of Crockpot Hot Chocolate to bring the warmth. This homemade version beats anything from a packet, blending real chocolate, velvety cream, and perfectly melted marshmallows into a comforting cup of joy. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen as it gently simmers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a movie night, or just treating yourself after a long day, this Crockpot Hot Chocolate is a crowd-pleaser that adds a festive touch to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hot Chocolate
This recipe brings you a smooth, decadent chocolate flavor that’s miles ahead of store-bought mixes. The hands-off slow cooker method means less work for you and more time to enjoy. It’s also great for serving a group, making it perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or snow days with the kids.
Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings—whipped cream, peppermint, caramel drizzle, or a mountain of mini marshmallows.
What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?
You’ll want a mix of good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. This combo gives the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Avoid baking chocolate as it tends to be too bitter. If you want a gourmet twist, you can also use chopped chocolate bars or dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor.
Ingredients for the Crockpot Hot Chocolate
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a layer of richness or sweetness that makes every sip unforgettable.
- Whole Milk: The base that makes this drink creamy and satisfying.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: For sweetness and extra creaminess.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Delivers rich cocoa depth.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Adds that classic, sweet chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall taste with a subtle warmth.
- Mini Marshmallows (optional but encouraged): For topping and fun!
How To Make the Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Add the Base Ingredients
Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk into your slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate
Toss in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. These will melt slowly and evenly, creating that dreamy chocolate base.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Set your crockpot to low and cook for about 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and doesn’t stick to the sides.
Step 4: Stir in Vanilla
Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. Give it a good mix and reduce the setting to warm.
Step 5: Serve and Top
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows or your favorite toppings. Keep the crockpot on warm to serve throughout your gathering.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot Hot Chocolate
This rich drink serves about 8 people, making it ideal for sharing. Serve straight from the crockpot into your favorite mugs with a variety of toppings nearby.
If you have leftovers, let the hot chocolate cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What to Serve With Crockpot Hot Chocolate?
Chocolate Chip Cookies
The classic pairing—soft, chewy, and full of melty chocolate chips.
Peppermint Bark
For a festive minty crunch that balances the rich cocoa.
Mini Donuts
Perfect for dipping and delightfully sweet.
Biscotti
Add a little crunch and a hint of almond to your sip-and-snack routine.
Whipped Cream Topped Brownies
Fudgy and fluffy—ideal with a hot chocolate chaser.
Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, gooey, and spiced just right.
Shortbread Cookies
Their buttery crumb complements the smooth chocolate.
Fruit Skewers
A fresh contrast that pairs well with the drink’s richness.
Want More Drink Ideas?
If warm and cozy drinks are your thing, you’ll love diving into these comforting options on Nora Nosh:
- Christmas Frost Fairy Punch for a magical holiday sip.
- Spicy Sailor’s Dip adds a fiery kick to your appetizer spread.
- Classic Almond Biscotti Recipe to dunk with any warm beverage.
- Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for a sweet morning pairing.
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest drinks board so you can cozy up with it anytime!
And let me know in the comments how your batch turned out. Did you swirl in caramel? Add a pinch of cinnamon? I’m always excited to see how you make these recipes your own.
Explore more health-boosting, soul-warming drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes and find your next favorite sip!
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Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get cozy with this decadent *Crockpot Hot Chocolate*—a slow-cooked, ultra-creamy drink made from real chocolate, cream, and milk. It’s the ultimate easy recipe for winter gatherings, holiday parties, or lazy weekend mornings. This comforting hot beverage is perfect when you’re looking for *quick breakfast ideas*, *easy recipes*, or *drink ideas* to warm you up. Whether you’re looking for a sweet *food idea* to share with loved ones or simply craving a luxurious *healthy-ish snack*, this one delivers pure chocolate bliss in a mug.
Ingredients
6 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Pour whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Add both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips to the mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure smooth melting.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
5. Reduce heat to warm and ladle into mugs.
6. Top with marshmallows or your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent chocolate from sticking to the sides.
For a gourmet twist, try using chopped dark chocolate or adding a dash of cinnamon or peppermint extract.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
