There’s nothing quite like the rich, velvety indulgence of homemade slow cooker hot chocolate. With just five simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a decadent treat that’s creamy, smooth, and deeply satisfying. The slow cooker works its magic over two hours, melding the flavors of rich cocoa, sweet sugar, and luscious cream into a drink that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, it’s a dessert-worthy beverage that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Each sip is a symphony of textures and flavors—silky chocolate, a hint of vanilla, and a luxurious richness that lingers on your palate. At just five minutes of prep, this recipe lets you focus on savoring the moment while the slow cooker does the work. Whether you’re curling up with a book or hosting friends, this hot chocolate is a crowd-pleaser that promises comfort and joy in every cup.
What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for Rich Hot Chocolate
- 6 cups 1% milk (or any milk of your choice, such as whole, almond, or oat milk)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (adds creaminess and sweetness)
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Combine ingredients: In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the milk, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or whisk to mix.
- Cook on low heat: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes with a whisk to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Check for doneness: The hot chocolate is ready when the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Switch to “keep warm”: Once done, switch the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting. This allows the hot chocolate to stay warm and ready to serve for several hours (up to 5 hours). Stir or whisk every 45 minutes to maintain a smooth texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired. Perfect for cozy gatherings!
Toppings and Swirls to Elevate Your Hot Chocolate
Take your slow cooker hot chocolate to the next level with fun and delicious toppings! Try a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a festive touch, add mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, or a dusting of cinnamon. Pro tip: For a grown-up twist, stir in a splash of peppermint schnapps or Irish cream liqueur before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Cozy Sipping
This rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with sweet or savory snacks. Serve it alongside warm chocolate chip cookies, buttery shortbread, or fluffy cinnamon rolls. For a savory contrast, try it with pretzels or a cheese board. Bonus idea: Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with toppings and sides for a fun, interactive treat!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist!), store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Note: The mixture may thicken when chilled, so add a splash of milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Customize Your Hot Chocolate
This recipe is super versatile! Swap the milk chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free version, use almond, oat, or coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha twist.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Days
Short on time? Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply pour everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Quick tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can melt the chocolate chips in the microwave first, then add them to the slow cooker to reduce cooking time.
Homemade Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe (5 Ingredients)
Equipment
- slow cooker
- wooden spoon
- whisk
Ingredients
- 6 cups 1% milk any kind of milk will work
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, combine milk, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract (I used a large wooden spoon).
- Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so (I actually used a whisk to stir it to help make it smooth).
- It’s ready to drink when the chocolate chips are completely melted and the hot chocolate is smooth.
- Once it’s finished cooking, switch the heat on the slow cooker to “keep warm” and this hot chocolate is good for a few hours (I kept mine on warm for almost 5 hours during the day and people kept coming back to get more!). You will just want to be sure to give it a good stir/whisk every 45 minutes or so.