Cozy up, my dear friends! Today, we’re diving into the warmth of the season with something truly magical — Crockpot Hot Chocolate. Picture this: the snow gently falling outside, the air crisp and cool, and the delightful aroma of rich, chocolatey goodness wafting through your home. This recipe is like a warm hug in a mug, one that brings back childhood memories of curling up by the fire, wrapped in a soft blanket, and sipping something sweet and creamy.
When I think of winter recipes, nothing makes me feel cozier than this comforting drink. With every sip, you can feel the comfort of the season enveloping you. This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is so easy to make and perfect for chilly gatherings, movie nights, or just an evening spent enjoying your own company. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax.
- Family-Friendly Delight: This creamy concoction is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Rich, velvety, and indulgent — it’s a treat that everyone will ask for seconds of!
- Endless Customization: Add your favorite mix-ins and toppings to personalize each mug, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a winter party or a quiet night in, this hot chocolate is the ideal companion for cozy moments.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful Crockpot Hot Chocolate, gather these simple ingredients:
- 6 cups milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles (for toppings)
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have everything prepared, let’s create this deliciousness together! Follow these simple steps for the ultimate cozy experience:
- In your slow cooker, combine the milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and sugar. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Set your slow cooker to low heat, cover, and let it cook for about 2 hours. The chocolate will melt beautifully and blend with the milk to create a rich, creamy base.
- After 2 hours, stir the mixture gently to ensure all the chocolate is melted and fully mixed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once it reaches your desired creaminess, remove the slow cooker from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.
- Serve hot in your favorite mugs topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and your choice of fun toppings — marshmallows, crushed candy canes for a festive twist, or colorful sprinkles!
- Enjoy this warm cup of joy with loved ones or savor it during a quiet moment while you cozy up with a good book.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, why not experiment with some delightful variations? Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist that screams holiday spirit.
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce into the hot chocolate for an indulgent flavor. Top with caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt!
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Mix in a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick that’s oh-so-cozy on a chilly night.
- Nutty Chocolate Delight: Stir in some hazelnut syrup or a splash of Frangelico for a nutty, velvety treat.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are a few of my personal tips to ensure your Crockpot Hot Chocolate turns out perfectly every time:
- Make-Ahead Magic: This hot chocolate can be made ahead of time! Prepare it and keep it warm in the slow cooker for gatherings. It stays delicious for up to 2 hours on the low setting.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want a lighter version, feel free to substitute the heavy cream with more milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Storage Suggestions: If you have leftovers (though I can’t imagine you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before enjoying again.
- Serving Size Savvy: This recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for sharing, but don’t hesitate to double it for larger gatherings.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some common questions to ensure your hot chocolate experience is delightful:
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and keep it warm in your slow cooker.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the milk and cream for any non-dairy alternatives you enjoy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
How long does it last?
If kept in the slow cooker on low, it can stay warm and delicious for up to two hours.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, my lovely food enthusiasts! This Crockpot Hot Chocolate is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of winter, bringing friends and family together around warmth and laughter. As you sip on this indulgent treat, may you create sweet memories, just like the ones from my childhood, filled with joy and coziness.
Save this Pin by Belly Full | Family-Friendly E on Winter Recipes | Crockpot Hot Chocolate, Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe, Hot Drinks Recipes to your "Winter Wonderland Recipes" board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Let’s make this winter a little warmer, one mug at a time!
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Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 160 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy hot chocolate made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles (for toppings)
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and sugar. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Set your slow cooker to low heat, cover, and let it cook for about 120 minutes.
- After 2 hours, stir the mixture gently to ensure all the chocolate is melted and fully mixed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once it reaches your desired creaminess, remove the slow cooker from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve hot in your favorite mugs topped with whipped cream and your choice of toppings.
Notes
This hot chocolate can be made ahead and kept warm. Feel free to substitute heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: hot chocolate, winter drinks, cozy beverages, crockpot recipes, family-friendly