There’s nothing quite like a warm, rich mug of homemade hot chocolate to chase away winter chills. This slow cooker hot chocolate is creamy, chocolatey, and indulgent—the perfect drink to cozy up with during cold days. Made with real melted chocolate, this recipe serves a crowd and requires just a few minutes of prep before your slow cooker does the rest. Topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a drizzle of caramel, it’s the ultimate comfort drink for holiday gatherings, snow days, or simple weekend indulgence.
This recipe has been updated with tips to make sure your hot chocolate comes out perfectly smooth, extra creamy, and full of rich chocolate flavor every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
This homemade hot chocolate is nearly effortless. With only 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker handles the rest, letting the chocolate melt perfectly into a creamy, frothy drink. Unlike packet mixes, this slow cooker hot chocolate tastes rich and luxurious—almost like melted chocolate in a cup.
Not only is it perfect for a quiet evening at home, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for parties and holiday events. Whether served alongside cookies or enjoyed on its own, this hot chocolate recipe is guaranteed to delight everyone.
Here’s what some readers had to say:
- “Rich, decadent, and perfectly chocolatey. I added marshmallows and a mini candy cane—it was heavenly!”
- “I went back for seconds… and thirds! Definitely a drink to share, if you can.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get the perfect slow cooker hot chocolate, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Each element adds to the creamy texture and rich flavor. Here’s what you need:
- Whole milk: Acts as the base, providing a creamy, full-bodied texture. You can substitute 2% or 1% milk if desired, but whole milk gives the richest results.
- Heavy cream: Essential for silky smoothness. If using whole milk, you could substitute half-and-half, but heavy cream is highly recommended.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the hot chocolate to perfection.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Use 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate bars (not chips). Chocolate bars melt smoothly into the drink and create the richest chocolate flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Adds extra chocolate depth and helps thicken the hot cocoa. Both natural and dutch-processed cocoa powder work.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and rounds out the chocolate taste.
Optional Toppings and Flavors
You can get creative with your hot chocolate:
- Marshmallows or homemade marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Peppermint extract for a festive touch
- Espresso powder for a mocha-style drink
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
The slow cooker method is simple and almost hands-off:
- Combine ingredients: Place milk, cream, sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, and vanilla into your slow cooker. Whisk to fully combine, making sure the cocoa powder is mixed in and no lumps remain.
- Cook slowly: Set your slow cooker to low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. Whisk the mixture every 45–60 minutes to prevent burning at the bottom.
- Serve: Ladle into mugs and add your choice of toppings. Marshmallows, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel make this hot chocolate extra indulgent.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stove: whisk milk, cream, and sugar in a large pot over medium-low heat. Once the mixture begins to simmer around the edges, whisk in chocolate, cocoa powder, and vanilla until fully melted and smooth.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Whisk regularly: Even with a slow cooker, chocolate can settle and stick to the bottom. Whisking every 45–60 minutes keeps the mixture smooth and prevents scorching.
- Choose quality chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate bars work best. Chocolate chips tend to separate and don’t melt as evenly, which can create a grainy texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste your hot chocolate during cooking. Add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink or reduce for a darker chocolate flavor.
- Keep warm: After the hot chocolate is done, you can leave it on the “keep warm” setting for hours—perfect for parties or gatherings.
Flavor Variations
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract along with the vanilla. Top each mug with a candy cane.
- Caramel Hot Chocolate: Drizzle salted caramel over the top of each serving for an indulgent twist.
- Mocha Hot Chocolate: Dissolve 1 tablespoon espresso powder in 1 cup warm milk before adding it to the slow cooker mixture.
These variations allow you to customize your hot chocolate for holidays, special occasions, or simply to match your favorite flavors.
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Decadent Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
