The kids’ all-time favorite cold-weather drink is ready to warm you up all winter long. This slow cooker hot chocolate uses whole milk, real cocoa powder, sugar, milk chocolate, and a splash of cream to create a rich, crowd-pleasing batch of homemade hot chocolate. Make it in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for essentially hands-free sipping all day.
Homemade Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa
If you love being outdoors, you know there’s nothing better after a cold day on the slopes than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy families or winter gatherings because it’s essentially dump-and-go: combine the ingredients, set the slow cooker on low, and let it warm and melt into a smooth, velvety cocoa that serves a crowd.
I hadn’t skied in twenty years, but this season we made time to get back out there. With limited or no chalet services at some mountain areas, bringing warm drinks in a thermos is a must. A large slow cooker batch lets you load up insulated bottles and keep everyone warm from the inside out.
Recipe Ingredients
- 10–12 ounce bag milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 cups whole milk
- 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
How To Make This Recipe
- Combine the milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate in a large slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine, then cover and set the slow cooker to Low.
- Cook about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate melt evenly.
- Once everything is hot and smooth, stir in vanilla if desired and serve immediately.
What Kind Of Chocolate Works For This Recipe?
Use the chocolate you enjoy most. Milk chocolate chips give a sweet, creamy flavor that kids love. For a richer or less sweet cup, substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate. You can use chocolate bars grated with a cheese grater instead of chips — higher-quality chocolate will produce a deeper, more complex flavor, while chips are convenient and melt well in the slow cooker.
If you prefer, experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, or a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty variation. Top servings with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a festive finish.
More Recipes
- Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
- Slow Cooker Roast Beef Dinner
- Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
Slow cooker hot chocolate is one of the easiest dump-and-go hot cocoa recipes. Use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot and enjoy warm, creamy hot chocolate with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 10–12 ounce bag milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a slow cooker on Low. Cover and let heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even melting.
- Serve hot and garnish as desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 12 servings — Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving (estimate): Calories: 1795; Total Fat: 100g; Saturated Fat: 62g; Trans Fat: 0g; Unsaturated Fat: 29g; Cholesterol: 115mg; Sodium: 302mg; Carbohydrates: 196g; Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 172g; Protein: 28g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
Tips and variations: to make this in an Instant Pot, use the sauté or low-pressure settings briefly to melt the chocolate, then switch to a warm setting to keep it at serving temperature. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for a few days — reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker on Low. For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free chocolate.