Crockpot Hot Chocolate – Rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate made easily in a slow cooker.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate
This Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is so delicious and perfect on a cold day! This recipe is great for a crowd. I made this earlier this week and it got two thumbs up from my whole family. Once you try this hot cocoa recipe, you won’t go back to store bought packets!

How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- First combine hot water and cocoa. Whisk until smooth.
- Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker, whisk and set slow cooker to low for about three hours.
- Whisk occasionally and once hot chocolate is heated through, switch Crockpot to warm setting.
I popped in some big marshmallows, but this would be great with mini marshmallows or homemade whipped cream on top. I recently made this alongside an epic Hot Chocolate Dessert Board and it was the perfect way to serve the hot chocolate. With the Crockpot set to warm, I simply let everyone serve themselves from the slow cooker and customize the toppings and add ins from the board.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Variation
If you would like to make a Peppermint Hot Chocolate variation, add a teaspoon of pure peppermint extract in addition to the vanilla extract. The vanilla and peppermint extract compliment each other nicely. Note: Peppermint extract is very strong and will taste bitter if too much is added.
Topping Suggestions
- Marshmallows
- Mini Marshmallows
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Crushed Candy Cane
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Cinnamon
Spiked Hot Chocolate
A fun option for adults is to offer mix-ins. Some ideas are:
- Peppermint Schnapps
- Vanilla Vodka
- Coffee Liqueur
- Cinnamon Whiskey
- Irish Cream

This easy crockpot hot chocolate is perfect for parties or serving a crowd!
- 2/3 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup Hershey's Cocoa – Natural Unsweetened
- 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- dash of salt
- marshmallows
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In a small bowl, combine hot water and Hershey’s Cocoa. Stir until smooth.
-
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, including cocoa mixture, and whisk to combine.
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Heat on low for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Stir in marshmallows and serve.
Recipe you might like
- Hot Chocolate Dessert Board
- Christmas Cookie Decorating Board
- Candy Cane Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Peppermint Snowball Cookies
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Oh wow this looks so good! Can’t wait to try it out 🙂
Sounds yummy, I will have to give this a try! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! I made this for my daughter’s slumber party a couple of weeks ago and it was a big hit.
I just tried this recipe a couple days ago, when it was so cold after the late-season blizzard that hit us. I made it a little healthier by using fat-free sweetened condensed milk, fat-free half-n-half, skim milk, and splenda instead of sugar and it was still very good 🙂
Are you kidding? Healthier version? You need to research your mistaken perceptions. Please read the ingredient list on these so called healthy choices. Splenda is never ever good for you NEVER.It causes migraines, and fibromyalgia symptoms it is poison. Try honey or maple syrup if you want a healthier sugar. And stevia tastes just like the fake sugar but is actually good for you– if you have grown to like the taste of chemical laden sweeteners switch to stevia. And fat free condensed milk is made thick to feel like cream by using corn syrup. All of your choices are worse for you than eating regular sugar and real milk.
I agree with Robynn.
Research shows that healthy fat is good for you — like cream and butter. Avoid all processed, low-fat, sugar-free crap… it is filled with chemical fillers and will make you feel crummy and gain wait even FASTER. Plus, all of the damage that ingesting chemicals will do (can you say CANCER)? No thanks. Give me the real stuff! It’s all about moderation.
While I do agree with this, everything in moderation, I think there’s a much nicer way of saying it. Some people don’t realize the dangers of “low-fat” items on the shelf. Enlighten, don’t criticize.
Just curious if you have made it in a smaller batch.
I am making the single serving chocolate chip cookies tonight for a late night surprise to my partner, and I would like to include this delicious looking beverage, but I don’t want to make a whole slow cooker full!
Thanks!
I haven’t, but on the side of my Hershey’s cocoa container, there is a recipe for a single serving hot chocolate. That just might do the trick!
Has anyone tried to double this recipe?
This is the best hot chocolate ever! I made it halloween night for the kids to drink after trick or treating but the adults drank most of it before we got back! I am making a double batch for Thanksgiving!
Awesome! Thanks, Jennifer!
How many servings does one recipe make.?
Hi there! It serves about 12.
Made this for Christmas Eve breakfast. It was a hit!
hey, i just tried this, its nice but SOOO sweet!! I had to add more milk and cocoa powder as it didnt taste too chocolately… does anyone else think its really sweet?
How much and what would I use to spike this with ?
made this last year, am making again this year for our now annual hot chocolate bar. we had options for spiking with fireball whiskey, peppermint schnapps and rumchata – huge hits! people poured liquor if desired in their own mugs
That sounds amazing!!!
Have you made this ahead of time? There is no way my kids will wait 3 hours for hot chocolate on Christmas morning. I’m thinking about making it on Christmas Eve and just heating it up on Christmas morning.
I agree with the above statement. I’m having a brunch at 9 which means I’d have to start this around 5:30 to have it on in time. Can I make this ahead and reheat in crockpot for say 2 hours?
Love this recipe! I just added it to a blog post and linked it back to ya! Happy Holidays! 🙂
Thank you!
I served this last year for our community youth caroling event–had to increase the amount since we had 70 kids! It was a hit, and I plan on serving this again tonight!! 🙂 Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Does it really need to heat for 3 hours?
Your slow cooker time may vary.
Love crock pot hot chocolate!! I especially love it when we have guests over or for entertaining. It stays nice & warm, without having to do anything! My favorite drink all winter!
I added the peppermint and it was fantastic! Great recommendation.
best hot chocolate ever
There is nothing better than hot chocolate that has been simmering in a crock pot all day!! It’s so rich & hits the spot on a cold day!
Thank you! I made this for my family and loved how simple it was to prepare. Delicious too!
My daughter had a sleepover last weekend and we made this for her friends! WOW! It was a hit and I loved that it stayed warm for them through the evening.