Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe for Cozy Evenings

This Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate blends real cocoa and milk into a smooth, decadent drink with deep chocolate flavor and a velvety finish. Slow-simmered for hours, it delivers that nostalgic, rich taste reminiscent of classic stovetop cocoa — only easier to make in a slow cooker.

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Hot Chocolate in two clear glass mugs with marshmallows in front of a crock pot.

This recipe has become a Christmas tradition here at the cottage. Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, we plug in the crockpot before we start setting up our faux tree. As the hot cocoa slowly warms, the house fills with the scent of rich, creamy chocolate, and by the time the lights are untangled, it’s ready to ladle into mugs while we hang the ornaments and talk about Christmases past.

The flavor is nostalgic and deeply chocolatey — like classic stovetop cocoa, only with more depth and a smoother, velvety texture from the slow simmer. Each mug gets a square of our Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows Recipe (How to Make), melting just enough to make every sip feel cozy and indulgent.

I usually keep a plate of Spritz Cookies Recipe | Classic & Nostalgic nearby, and later in the season, we take a thermos along with Soft Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies when we drive to see the lights. On Christmas morning, it pairs perfectly with Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Use Discard or Starter— a simple, time-honored ritual that always feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: Slow-simmered cocoa and cream create a deep, chocolatey taste that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Silky Texture: The combination of milk and heavy cream gives this hot chocolate a smooth, velvety finish.
Simple Prep: Just combine the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work while you decorate or unwind.
Family Favorite: Perfect for serving a crowd during the holidays, from tree-trimming nights to Christmas morning.

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A green crock pot with hot chocolate with two mugs in front of the v=crockpot with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Ingredients

Dutch Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep, authentic chocolate base with a smooth, slightly bittersweet flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture that balances the richness of the cocoa.
Whole Milk: Creates a soft, milky body that blends beautifully with the cream and chocolate.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Gives the hot chocolate its signature silky-smooth texture and rich mouthfeel.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melt slowly in the crockpot, deepening the flavor and adding a touch of indulgence.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Variations & Add-Ins

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract at the end of cooking. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce and a small pinch of sea salt before serving. Drizzle extra caramel on top for a sweet-salty finish.
Mocha Hot Chocolate: Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder with the cocoa for a rich, coffee-kissed version that’s perfect for chilly mornings.

Recipe Tips

Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your hot chocolate depends on the chocolate you choose. Opt for a good-quality cocoa powder and semisweet chips for the richest, smoothest taste.

Warm the Milk First: Heating the milk before adding it to the crockpot helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents any grainy texture.

Stir Occasionally: Give the mixture a gentle stir every so often to keep the cocoa from settling and ensure a uniform, creamy consistency.

Don’t Overheat: Keep the crockpot on low to avoid scorching the milk or curdling the cream — slow and steady creates the best texture.

Blend Before Serving: Using an immersion blender at the end smooths out any unmelted chocolate and gives the drink a silky finish.

Customize the Flavor: Add a splash of peppermint or a pinch of cinnamon for a seasonal variation that still keeps the creamy base intact.

How To Make Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

A woman in a blue apron is pouring in whole milk into a stock pot using a clear glass pitcher.

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, gently heat your milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved and smooth.

Two woman in a kitchen one is holding a bowl full of chocolate chips over a sage green crockpot.

Step 2: Add the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and semisweet chocolate chips to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine the ingredients evenly.

A woman in an apron is pouring in cocoa milk mixture into a crock pot.

Step 3: Pour the warm cocoa mixture from the stovetop into the slow cooker. Stir again to blend everything together into one creamy base.

A woman in a apron is putting on the top for a crockpot to cook hot chocolate.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate chips melt completely and prevent any separation.

A woman in a blue apron is using a kitchen aid immersion blender in a crock pot mixing up hot chocolate.

Step 5: Once the mixture is smooth and all chocolate is melted, use an immersion blender to create an extra silky, velvety texture if desired.

A woman is mixing up hot chocolate in a sage green crock pot with a wooden spoon.

Step 6: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, adding a bit more cocoa or condensed milk to your liking before serving.

A woman in a pink apron is ladling in crock pot hot chocolate into her mug with a wooden ladle.

Step 7: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows Recipe (How to Make) or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

Step 8: Keep any leftovers warm in the crockpot on the “keep warm” setting for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate once cooled and reheat gently for another cozy cup later.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerate: Once cooled, pour any leftover hot chocolate into a glass jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavor deepens slightly as it chills, making it easy to rewarm for another cozy cup.
Freeze: For longer storage, ladle cooled hot chocolate into freezer-safe containers or mason jars, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop or in your slow cooker, stirring occasionally until smooth and creamy again.

How To Gift Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Cocoa Mix Kit: Layer dry ingredients—cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate chips—in a jar for a ready-to-mix version, perfect for mailing or stocking stuffers.
Basket Wrap: Arrange a jar of hot chocolate alongside Spritz Cookies or Gingerbread Cookies in a small wicker basket lined with linen for a warm, cottage-style presentation.
Snow Day Tray: Package a thermos of hot chocolate with homemade Marshmallows or Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels on a wooden tray — ready for cozy afternoons at home.
Family Movie Night Kit: Combine the cocoa mix with popcorn, soft blankets, and a handwritten movie list. A heartwarming way to gift comfort and connection.

FAQ

Yes, you can prepare it a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the crockpot before serving.

Absolutely. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well, though the texture may be slightly lighter than when using whole milk and cream.

The hot chocolate is done when all the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture looks smooth, glossy, and evenly blended.

For a richer texture, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch or a bit more cocoa powder before cooking.

Yes! Try a splash of peppermint extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a dash of espresso powder for a new seasonal twist.

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Cottage Kitchen Essentials

Copper Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Rustic copper and wood measuring cup and spoon set, a charming and functional kitchen tool for precise baking and preserving.

Set of three clear glass mixing bowls in different sizes, nested and arranged on a white background.

Soft pink KitchenAid stand mixer with a stainless steel bowl—essential for mixing whole grain doughs with strength and ease.

Eco-friendly, non-stick parchment paper roll, perfect for wrapping and chilling laminated puff pastry dough or lining baking sheets.

A classic wooden rolling pin with smooth handles—simple and timeless, perfect for gently crushing graham crackers for a cottage-style popsicle crust.

Another favorite from my kitchen to yours, where the seasons guide the table and every meal is an act of love — may this recipe become a favorite in your kitchen too.
With gratitude & love,
Emily

More Cozy Drinks & Treats Recipes from The Cottage

4.67 from 6 votes

Easy Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

Author: Emily Rider

This creamy crockpot hot chocolate is the kind of simple comfort everyone looks forward to on a cold day. It’s rich, smooth, and chocolatey, made effortlessly in the slow cooker while your home fills with the cozy scent of something sweet and warm.

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Prep Time:10

Cook Time:2

Total Time:2 10

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: -15 cups

Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

1 Medium saucepan
1 4-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
1 Immersion blender
1 Whisk
1 Ladle
1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients

¼ cup Dutch chocolate cocoa powder 25 g
1 can sweetened condensed milk coconut-sweetened optional (396 g)
6 cups whole milk 1440 g
2 cups heavy whipping cream 480 g
1 tbsp vanilla extract 13 g
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 340 g
Mini marshmallows or homemade fluffy vanilla marshmallows for garnish

Instructions

Warm: Heat 6 cups of whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot but not scalding.
Whisk: Add Dutch chocolate cocoa powder and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Combine: In a 4-quart slow cooker, add sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and semisweet chocolate chips.
Mix: Pour the hot cocoa milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even melting.
Blend: Once the chocolate chips have fully melted, blend with an immersion blender until creamy and smooth.
Serve: Ladle into mugs and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream.

Video

Notes

Use quality chocolate: For the richest flavor, choose high-quality cocoa and chocolate chips.

Stir occasionally: This helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents it from settling.

Make it thicker: Add extra cocoa powder or a teaspoon of cornstarch if you prefer a thicker texture.

Dairy-free option: Use almond or coconut milk for a creamy dairy-free version.

Flavor twist: Add peppermint extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or sea salt for a custom touch.

Serve it cozy: Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate curls for a fireside tre

Nutrition

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Close-up of a woman in a peach blouse smiling and leaning against a kitchen counter, with fresh flour and wheat berries visible beside her.

Emily Rider

Cottage lifestyle blogger and home miller with 25+ years of sourdough and fresh-milled flour experience.
Sharing cozy homemade recipes that help you bake with confidence, celebrate each season, and savor the beauty of everyday cottage living.

About Me

Easy Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate