Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Rich and creamy crockpot hot chocolate…so easy to make, and perfect for cozy fall and winter days, holiday parties, and guests.
We are a hot chocolate family. Starting in September, my kids start asking for the hot chocolate station to be set out, and it stays out all the way until the first of May! Granted we live where it’s really cold and snowy, but this will give you an idea of how much they love it.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Homemade hot chocolate is their very favorite, and I love to make a big crockpot full on the weekend. If I’m lucky, it will last Saturday and Sunday. This recipe is also the one I make on the stovetop (adapted for the crock pot), and I’ve been making it for years. I got it from my mama, so I grew up drinking it!
Rich and creamy, this hot chocolate will warm you from head to toe! It’s definitely our go to on snow days, and after skiing or sledding. But it’s also wonderful on any cold day, just to warm up.
I host a Hot Chocolate party every year, and this is the most important recipe of the event! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day…all of these holidays are also perfect for Crockpot Hot Chocolate! Make a big batch, and then people come and serve themselves whenever they want to. It’s super easy, and SO yummy!
This recipe fills a 6 quart crockpot, so if you need more or less, you can adjust the recipe. It’s an easy one to cut in half if needed. There is also some versatility to the recipe as well—changing up the ratios of milk to heavy cream is just fine, depending on personal preference.
When it comes to the chocolate, I use a mix of milk and semi-sweet, and sometimes all milk chocolate. But again, that’s a preference. If you like darker chocolate, you can use it!
You also have an option when adding the chocolate. You can either put all the other ingredients in the crockpot and heat until warm, then stir in the chocolate after melting it in the microwave. Or you can add the chocolate chips from the beginning, then making sure to stir often the first hour or so they don’t burn on the bottom. I’ve done it both ways, and both work well–it just depends on what you want to do.
And good news! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can still make this. You can use this recipe on your stove too!! Place all the ingredients on a large stock pot. Keep on low, stirring often until all the chocolate is melted. Simmer with lid on, stirring occasionally.
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Favorite kitchen Items for this recipe:
Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk OR 3 cups whole milk and 3 cups half and half
- 2 -12 oz. cans evaporated milk
- 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together in a 6 quart crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring often the first hour, to make sure the chocolate incorporates and doesn't burn on the bottom.
- In the 30 minutes before serving, add large and mini marshmallows to the crockpot. They'll get all melty and yummy! Serve with all of your favorite hot chocolate toppings.
Notes
Don’t forget to check out my book, Simply Tradition: 70 Fun & Easy Holiday Ideas for Families. It’s chock full of holiday traditions, ideas, and recipes for every family–and it makes a great gift!
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Yum. The only problem is that I don’t have a crock pot :(
You can use this recipe on your stove too!! Place all the ingredients on a large stock pot. Keep on low, stirring often until all the chocolate is melted. Simmer with lid on, stirring occasionally!!
This looks so good! We’re definitely going to make this when the kids come!!!
YAY! That makes me so happy!! You’ll have to let me know what everyone thinks. :)
Thank you so much for sharing! Looking forward to making this on Sunday! We need to half the recipe. Should I cook it for the same amount of time or give it less time?
You’ll need less time…it’s really just until it’s heated through until it gets to be the temperature you want it to be. Then turn it down to warm! ENJOY!!
Looks delish! My son can’t wait to make it with me. What size (oz) can evaporated milk do you use?
I use the 12 oz. can!
Thank you! I made it this morning and it’s delish! I think this will be our day after Thanksgiving go to… sip on hot chocolate, relax, and start decorating for Christmas! ❤️
Yes!! That’s a perfect tradition! So happy you loved it too. xo
Hi. I am planning on taking this in a crockpot to an outdoor party. Is there a way to keep that top layer from forming while it sits in the crockpot.
Thanks
It happens when the hot chocolate starts to cool, or is introduced to cooler air. I try to frequently stir it after it’s heated through, and keep the lid on. Here is an article I found too: https://www.thekitchn.com/food-science-why-skin-forms-on-88664
Hope that helps!
It’s delicious! Can leftovers be refrigerated and reheated? It was so rich that we couldn’t finish it!
Yes, it can! I’ll put it back in the crockpot, on the stovetop, or even in the microwave in individual mugs. I haven’t had it in the fridge for longer than a few days though.
I made this for a work cocoa bar and everyone absolutely loved it! I have tried a couple different recipes that were just too sweet! This one was perfect the only sweetener was from the chocolate chips! Huge success!!
Yay!! I’m so glad everyone loved it! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me.
Do you use milk chocolate chips or semi sweet chips?
I’ve used both! I usually just grab what I have on hand, but we prefer milk chocolate. But it really is a personal preference.