If you are craving a hug in a mug, you have landed in the right place. This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is the silky, rich, crowd-pleasing elixir you want on chilly nights, rainy afternoons, post-skating celebrations, and basically anytime you want to feel comforted and a little extra . No stove babysitting needed just set it and forget it while you crush your cookie dunking game.

Whether you call it crockpot hot chocolate or slow cooker indulgence, this easy crock pot hot chocolate elevates hot cocoa from kid-friendly drink to adults-can-have-marshmallows-too level deliciousness.

Creamy and decadent hot chocolate made easy in a slow cooker with a secret ingredient to make this the BEST hot chocolate! - 1
  • What Makes This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate So Good
  • What Goes Into This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
  • Play With These Add-Ins and Substitutions
  • How To Make This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
  • Tips to Make It Even Better
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe

What Makes This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate So Good

  • Slow magic for ultra smooth flavor : Letting the milk and chocolate mingle over low heat in the crockpot builds a creamy, dreamy texture that is way richer than microwave or stovetop versions.
  • Zero stress entertaining drink : Make a big batch without stirring every two minutes, so you can keep your guests warm mugs and still chat.
  • Custom happy place fuel : Toppings and add-ins are encouraged because there is no wrong way to hot chocolate .

What Goes Into This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

ingredients for slow cooker hot chocolate - 2

This slow cooker hot chocolate uses simple pantry staples to create a rich and creamy drink that tastes like a warm hug in a mug. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to stay cozy at home, these ingredients deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort.

  • Milk: Use full cream or 2% milk as the base for a luscious, silky texture.
  • Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and body—choose heavy cream for an ultra-decadent version.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt slowly in the crock pot to give deep, chocolatey flavor without bitterness.
  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

Play With These Add-Ins and Substitutions

These extras take your slow cooker hot chocolate in fun directions without changing the base:

  • Flavored syrups : caramel or hazelnut drizzled in for a sweet twist
  • Instant espresso powder : tiny spoonful bumps up the chocolate intensity
  • Peppermint extract : festive and refreshing when you want minty vibes
  • Coconut milk : swap part of the dairy for a tropical spin
  • Spicy kick : a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for warm heat

How To Make This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Combine ingredients in slow cooker, including milk, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla - 3
  1. Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients into a slow cooker, including milk, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
Whisk for 5 minutes until cocoa powder is fully dissolved - 4
  1. Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk vigorously for about 5 minutes until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and everything is smooth and well combined.
Cook and cover on low for 2 to 3 hours. - 5
  1. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, whisking occasionally to prevent chocolate from settling or burning at the bottom.
Serve with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallow or extra chocolate chips - 6
  1. Finish and Serve: Once creamy, stir in marshmallows and let them melt. Serve warm with toppings like whipped cream or extra chocolate chips.

This slow cooker hot chocolate is perfect with cozy treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies , Snickerdoodles , or Mixed Berry Nutella Brownies . The creamy richness pairs well with buttery or spiced baked goods.

Tips to Make It Even Better

  • Stir halfway through the cook so chocolate melts evenly and you get a gorgeously smooth texture.
  • Use good quality chocolate You are already going slow why not have it taste next level
  • Keep it warm If your party runs late set the slow cooker to warm so everyone can sip without reheating hassles.
  • Taste before serving Adjust sweetness with extra brown sugar or a pinch of salt to suit your crew.

Not at all. The gentle heat of the slow cooker keeps the milk from boiling, so it stays smooth and creamy without curdling.

Chocolate chips add a rich, velvety texture and deeper flavor that cocoa powder alone can’t deliver. You can skip them, but the result won’t be as indulgent.

Absolutely. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work well—just make sure to choose unsweetened versions to control the flavor.

Slow cooker hot chocolate made easy! Forget boxed, instant or powdered store bought cocoa in a cup - 7 Karina in a white and black dress with her hair blowing back, standing in front of her cooktop, cooking salmon in a pan - 8

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IngredientsUSMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1.5 quarts milk full cream or 2%
  • ▢ 24 oz evaporated milk or 2 cups heavy cream
  • ▢ 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ▢ 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ▢ 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • ▢ 1 pinch coarse salt optional
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ▢ 1 cup marshmallows optional

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients into a 6-quart slow cooker bowl.
  • Whisk vigorously until cocoa powder has dissolved and ingredients are well combined (about 5 minutes).
  • Cook for 2-3 hours on low setting while whisking occasionally to prevent the chocolate from burning on the bottom.
  • When hot chocolate is ready, add marshmallows into the hot chocolate and let melt little before serving. Additional toppings: finely chopped (or flaked) chocolate), chocolate fudge sauce, chocolate chips, smashed candy canes.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Creamy and decadent Hot Chocolate made in a slow cooker with cocoa powder, chocolate chips in milk, evaporated milk or heavy cream and marshmallows! - 9

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

  • 1.5 quarts milk full cream or 2%
  • 24 oz evaporated milk or 2 cups heavy cream
  • 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch coarse salt optional
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup marshmallows optional

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients into a 6-quart slow cooker bowl.
  • Whisk vigorously until cocoa powder has dissolved and ingredients are well combined (about 5 minutes).
  • Cook for 2-3 hours on low setting while whisking occasionally to prevent the chocolate from burning on the bottom.
  • When hot chocolate is ready, add marshmallows into the hot chocolate and let melt little before serving. Additional toppings: finely chopped (or flaked) chocolate), chocolate fudge sauce, chocolate chips, smashed candy canes.

Notes

Nutrition

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