This super easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe makes a classic warm drink that is incredibly creamy and chocolatey. You only need a few ingredients, and it’s totally hands-off in the slow cooker, so you’ll have some tasty hot cocoa ready to go for parties and snow days.

A crockpot filled with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

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Why We Love This Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy drink recipe for your next holiday get-together, this slow cooker hot cocoa is the perfect choice. It’s super hands-off, stays warm for hours, and can be adapted to suit any taste. Plus, it has the creamiest texture that makes it extra comforting. Don’t forget to pile up every cup of hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows!

Ingredient Variations on Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

While I personally prefer unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use any kind of cocoa powder you have on hand for this hot chocolate recipe. Any kind of chocolate chips will work too. You can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a slightly lighter beverage. Other sweeteners that work well in this recipe include agave syrup and honey.

Mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
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How to Store and Reheat 

Store crockpot hot chocolate (fully cooled) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan or a crockpot set over low heat until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tasty slow cooker hot chocolate with marshmallows and dollops of whipped cream. Add some crushed candy canes, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to take it to the next level.

A person holding a cup of Crockpot hot chocolate with marshmallows.

More Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipes To Try

Recipe Card

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 from 7 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 drinks
Author: Laurel Perry
A crock pot filled with chocolate and marshmallows.
This creamy hot chocolate is so easy to make in a slow cooker, and it's a great way to keep it warm for parties.
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Equipment

  • Crockpot

Ingredients 

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa power
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 7 cups whole milk
  • ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Marshmallows min and large-sized

Instructions 

  • Add the cocoa powder and heavy cream to the Crockpot.
    ½ cup unsweetened cocoa power, 1 cup heavy cream
    Ingredients for hot chocolate.
  • Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Then, whisk in the whole milk, chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
    7 cups whole milk, ¾ cup milk chocolate chips, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. At the 1 hour mark, whisk the mixture to incorporate the melted chocolate chips. Continue cooking until the hot chocolate is heated through to your liking.
    A crock pot filled with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
  • Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
    Marshmallows
    A person holding a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Try using good quality white chocolate for a white chocolate hot cocoa.
  • Use the recipe slider to adjust the number of servings and easily double the recipe!
Storage: Store crockpot hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving: 1drinkCalories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 9gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 164mgPotassium: 518mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 783IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 316mgIron: 1mg

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

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate Step by Step

Mix the Cocoa and Cream: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 cup of heavy cream to the Crockpot, and whisk until smooth.

Ingredients for crockpot hot chocolate.

Add the Remaining Ingredients: Whisk in 7 cups of whole milk, ¾ cup of milk chocolate chips, ¼ cup of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt.

Hot chocolate mixture cooking in a slow cooker.

Cook the Cocoa: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. At the 1-hour mark, whisk the mixture to incorporate the melted chocolate chips. Continue cooking until the hot chocolate is heated through to your liking. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows.
How do you keep hot chocolate warm for a party?

You can keep this hot chocolate warm in the crockpot for up to 2 hours!

Is hot chocolate good with water instead of milk?

I do not recommend attempting this recipe with water instead of milk, as it doesn’t use hot cocoa mix. Some brands of hot cocoa mix include dry milk powder in the ingredients so you can just add water, but this recipe will not work.

Meet Laurel Perry

Laurel Perry has been a professional food videographer and recipe developer since 2014. Her work can be seen across the internet and on The Cookie Rookie. When not cooking, she spends her time with her husband and sons, wanders as many farmers markets as she can, and sneaks in a fitness class as often as possible.

5 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)
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Betty Gasperson Wolfe Reed
Betty Gasperson Wolfe Reed
December 19, 2023 2:11 pm

Sounds delicious5 stars