This easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe is simply irresistible on a cold Winter day and will be the hit of your holiday parties!
If you want to make a smaller serving, you can make this amazing Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe instead!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
There’s nothing better than a cozy mug of Hot Chocolate on a chilly day, right? And this dreamy, creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe is such a cinch to make!
Sandi writes: "Made this recipe for a Christmas open house. Everyone loved it! Rave reviews!"
Just 3 ingredients, and you’ve got the BEST rich and creamy hot cocoa that can be served straight from your slow cooker!
It’s the perfect way to warm up the family on a chilly Winter weekend. Plus, it’s an absolute must have at your Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings!
At our home, we call this the Best Hot Chocolate EVER!!
The flavor is out of this world, and thanks to just 3 easy ingredient’s it’s SO simple to make!
So are you wondering how to keep hot chocolate warm for a party? The Crock Pot is your solution.
It’s the perfect tool to keep your hot chocolate hot and ready all party long!
It’s also the perfect way to keep a large amount of hot chocolate hot. Whether you need it hot and ready for a game day, tailgating, birthday parties, and more.
So go grab the Crockpot. Let’s get this ultimate homemade cocoa started, shall we?
Here’s what you’ll need…
Related: More Amazing Fall Drinks and Hot Chocolate Recipes
What Is The Secret Ingredient In Gourmet Hot Chocolate?
The secret to making gourmet hot chocolate is to only use real ingredients.
Like real cocoa powder and real sugar!
Then… when you add in rich and creamy whole milk, you’ll send it over the top!
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Ingredients
It takes just a few simple ingredients to make the absolute best homemade Crock Pot hot chocolate.
Look in your refrigerator or pantry.
Or grab these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store…
- Milk – the higher the fat content, the creamier the cocoa!
- Cocoa Powder – natural, unsweetened cocoa
- Sugar – just your standard granulated sugar (white sugar)
Then add some hot water and you’re all set!
That’s it, easy peasy! Just 3 simple ingredients.
You’ll also need a 4 – 6 quart Crock Pot to get the job done. (or 7+ if doubling the recipe)
How To Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own homemade Crockpot Hot Chocolate. It’s actually SO easy!
1. Start by creating your chocolate sauce on the stove top as directed.
2. Then transfer the mixture to your Crock Pot.
3. Next, add in your milk to the Crock Pot, stir and cover.
4. Cook as directed.
5. Give it one last stir before serving… and you’re done!
Do you have a favorite hot chocolate topping? I like to serve mine in mason jar mugs, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles just for fun.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix up the flavor of this Crockpot Hot Cocoa!
If you’re feeling wild, try one of these options…
- Coconut Hot Chocolate: Add 2 tsp. Coconut Extract when adding Milk. When serving, top whip cream with Shredded Coconut.
- Nutella Hot Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup Nutella to Cocoa/Sugar/Water Mixture in pan.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 4 tsp. Starbucks or Torani Peppermint Syrup to Milk
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Add 10 tsp. Starbucks or Torani Caramel Syrup to Milk (+ 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt – or if you don’t like sweet & salty flavor, simply leave out the salt)
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this dreamy Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Recipe…
Robin writes: “Simple and delicious!!”
Jaime writes: “Made this tonight for my hot chocolate bar. It was perfect!”
Brynn writes: “I took to an annual cookie exchange & it was a hit, so I’m making again for my Winter open house”
Bobbi writes: “This is soooo much better than store bought”
Catesia writes: “Yummy – perfect to drink on Christmas Eve cozied up in your fuzzy socks watching a Christmas classic”
Hope writes: “I made the Hot Chocolate. This was really nice. Kept great in the crock pot. Yum!”
Madison writes: “It was so yummy! Just add some whip cream and marshmallows!”
Sandi writes: “Made this recipe for a Christmas open house. Made a double batch and had to take time to make another double batch in the middle of the open house. (Just added it to what was left in the crockpot and it was still plenty hot) everyone loved it! I served it with mini marshmallows and caramel topping. Rave reviews!”
Becky writes: “Went out for dinner while hot chocolate cooked. Great with mini marshmallows and whipped cream! Enjoy!”
Bonnie writes: “Wonderful and easy!! Used raw cane sugar”
Heather writes: “Yummy. I added half and half with milk”
Patti writes: “I’m making a crock put full of hot chocolate for Christmas Eve family dinner & games. Easiest way to offer a hot beverage to a crowd.”
Erica writes: “I’ve made this recipe 3 times with great success. The first time I used my crock pot, the next two times I did it on the stovetop and served it right away because I didn’t need to keep it hot for a long time.”
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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups Milk (Nonfat 1%, 2% or Whole will all work)
- ½ cup Hershey’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ½ cup Granulated (White) Sugar
- 1 cup Hot Water
Instructions
- Add Cocoa, Sugar, and Hot Water to medium saucepan, and cook over Medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Increase heat to Medium-High, and bring chocolate mixture to a gentle boil, still stirring constantly.
- Transfer mixture to 4 quart Crockpot, add cold Milk, and stir.
- Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours, or until hot.
- Stir again, just prior to serving.
- Pour into mugs or mason jar mugs, then top with Whip Cream and Sprinkles! ENJOY!!
Notes
More Easy Drink Recipes
So are you craving even more delicious Hot Drinks for cold days? Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered!
I’ve got even more fun recipes to share I know you’re going to LOVE!
Have fun getting inspired with these yummy ideas below…
Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipe
If you just need stovetop hot chocolate for one, simply cut the recipe in half. If you want to make cocoa for the whole family, you can double or triple the recipe.
Crockpot White Hot Chocolate Recipe
I know this yummy white chocolate drink is going to bring a smile to your face! Are you ready to indulge your senses with some white chocolate happiness today?
Crockpot Hot Vanilla Recipe
Baby, it’s COLD outside! In addition to delicious Hot Cocoa on a chilly day, this yummy Crockpot Hot Vanilla will warm you to the toes!
Crock Pot Peppermint Mocha Recipe
Did somebody say Crock Pot Peppermint Mocha Recipe? Why yes… yes please! It’s that time of year again, and I’m SO excited about that fact! Bring on the Peppermint… and Candy Canes… and Christmas coffee bliss!
Easy Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Nothing screams Fall like a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee! (YUM!) It’s the perfect way to savor that morning cup of coffee!
Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Recipe is oh-so-tasty, will warm you to the toes, and is a holiday must-have!
Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe
With just 5 Ingredients, this Crock Pot Caramel Apple Cider Recipe is a such a cinch to make!
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch Recipe
If you could pour Fall into a glass and drink it, you’d be tasting this Sparkling Apple Cider Punch Recipe!
Orange Fall Party Punch Recipe
Orange is the perfect color to add to your Fall Parties!
More Fall Drinks and Hot Chocolate Recipes
Serve up some cocoa goodness with this delicious Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipes!
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So have you tried this easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe yet?
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Jenn says
Has anyone tried this with a milk alternative? I have a milk intolerant child and was thinking of using almond milk…
Heidi says
I honestly haven’t, Jenn… but if you do, let me know how it turns out!
Molly Pisula says
Yum to crockpot hot chocolate! Such an awesome party idea for my teens with fall/winter birthdays!
Heidi says
Oh that’s a great idea, Molly… this is such a fun party drink! 🙂
Rebecca Dillon says
I love this. This is perfect for sitting around the tree with family opening gifts and reminiscing over holidays past.
Heidi says
I agree, Rebecca… the perfect cozy drink for winter nights with family!
Amanda says
Could I make this ahead of time, following steps 1 and 2. Then, put it in the fridge for two days, stir, then pour into the crockpot and heat. I know it’ll take some time to get up to temperature coming from the fridge.
It is for a work Christmas party that is after work on Friday. I won’t have any time during the day to prep this, so I’m wondering if I can do it ahead of time.
Thanks 🙂
Heidi says
Hi Amanda ~ I haven’t ever tried making it that way before. If you do, let me know how it turns out!
Kari Zimmerman says
Heidi…I want to take this to work in the a.m. If I do the first step (boil water, cocoa and sugar) and pour that by itself into a thermos and then travel the 10 min to work and then dump the thermos into the crockpot and add the milk do you think this will work?
Heidi says
Hi Kari ~ I honestly haven’t tried it this way before. I’m thinking it should work, but there is the potential that the cocoa liquid might separate a little bit during the drive.
Marissa Torres says
can i just throw everything in the crockpot from the start?
Heidi says
Hi Marissa ~ unfortunately that won’t work, as you’ll end up with an uneven and clumpy consistency. Make sure to follow the instructions above for a rich, creamy and smooth cocoa. Hope that helps! 🙂
Marissa torres says
one more question…how long is it safe to leave hot cocoa containing milk like that in the crockpot for even if i keep it pn warm setting?
Heidi says
Hi Marissa ~ when I make it, I’ve always had it last for several hours kept on the warm setting.
Jaime says
Made this tonight for my girls’ night hot chocolate bar. It was perfect! Thanks for the recipe!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Jaime… so glad everyone loved it! 🙂
Stephanie says
What size crock pot do I need to make this?
Heidi says
Hi Stephanie ~ a 4 quart or larger will work great. Hope that helps! 🙂
Jessica says
Ok I need to make this for my daughter’s school christmas party. There are 24 kids. When you make this does it only fill up the crockpot halfway? If so can I double it to fill the crockpot up all the way?? I see it makes 5. Just trying to see if I need 2 or 4 crockpots?
Heidi says
Hi Jessica ~ the recipe will fill up a 6 – 7 quart Crockpot about halfway, and yes… it can be doubled. Hope that helps! 🙂
Tonja says
Just made your crockpot hot cocoa. It was fabulous!!! Wanted Starbucks earlier today but the line was crazy. I put cinnamon on my whipped cream and a small candy cane in mine. It was better than Starbucks in my opinion! Thanks for sharing a new family favorite!!!
Heidi says
Aww ~ you’re very welcome, Tonja! I’m so glad you loved it… even more than Starbucks! 😉
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
I made this for Christmas morning and it was a big hit! I found some awesome super mini marshmallows at the Amish store which made it even more awesome. 🙂
Heidi says
So glad you liked it, Stacy! The mini marshmallows sound like a fabulous addition! 😉
Nicole says
Can this be left on low to stay warm over a long period of time? Was going to make it for work and left the ladies drink it throughout the day.
Katie Raguindin says
I have a 3 combo crock pot of 1.5 quarts each. I want to make 3 different hot chocolate recipes to go in each one. Are these recipes easily adjusted to fit that small of a crock pot? If so, what would you suggest the changes be?
diane scott says
Can this be doubled/tripled?
Heidi says
Hi Diane… yes ~ this recipe can definitely be doubled. Just make sure you have a crockpot big enough to hold the amount you’re making. 😉 ENJOY!
Lisa says
Made this tonight for a Christmas party and everyone loved it! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
: )
Vickey Wirtz says
Tried this for a Church function and it was great had one of those three crockpots and three batches fit into them great. Will use again.
Aleesha Swank says
What a great idea. Can’t wait to have this ready Christmas morning while everything else is cooking. My kids will love it!
Sheree' says
How many will this serve?
cindy says
Since 6 cups of liquid are used my guess is 6 1 cup servings
carrie says
Do you how many this will serve? I want to make it for my birthday party .
Kathryn says
This is the hot cocoa we grew up on, only Mom didn`t have a slow cooker. She just stood there and stirred constantly. Wonderful cold weathertreat. Delicious.
jul says
Omg…i remember my mom doing that
shannon says
I see your using cocoa unsweetened…could you use the regular bulk powdered cocoa mix you can use for choco milk or hot cocoa and just not add the sugar? Thats what I have on hand and would love to make this for halloween tonight cause we have family and friends coming over for trick or treating time….thanks 🙂
Crow Bird says
can u use reg hot cocoa, or chocolate drink mix???
Annie says
No, this is a homemade cocoa recipe. Mixes have all kinds of other ingredients in them besides cocoa. It would almost be like using a boxed cake mix instead of flour in a cake recipe.