Crockpot Hot Chocolate: A Decadent Delight for Chilly Days
For the richest, creamiest, most decadent hot chocolate, turn to your slow cooker! This crockpot hot chocolate is easy to make, perfect for parties, and satisfies even the biggest chocolate cravings.

Cold weather brings a yearning for warm drinks. While I still appreciate an iced shaken espresso in winter, nothing quite compares to the comfort of a hot beverage. These warm drinks are essential for winter or holiday gatherings. A warm beverage station, featuring everything from spiced apple cider to hot chocolate, truly makes guests feel welcomed.
This crockpot hot chocolate is a must-try for your next party! Rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolaty, it’s also incredibly easy to prepare and keep warm throughout your gathering.
Making the Most Decadent Hot Chocolate in the Slow Cooker
There are countless ways to create hot chocolate, from stovetop variations to quick mixes. After testing numerous recipes, I turned to my trusty slow cooker—a tool I’ve used for everything from apple butter to pulled pork, but rarely for dessert.
This crockpot hot chocolate is undeniably some of the best I’ve ever had, and the ease of preparation makes it a new favorite for parties. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delightful drink that stays warm and invites guests to indulge.
What’s the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?
It’s important to note that “hot chocolate” and “hot cocoa” are not interchangeable. Hot chocolate is crafted from melted chocolate, resulting in a thicker, richer texture, sometimes referred to as “drinking chocolate.” In contrast, hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, milk, and sugar, typically creating a thinner beverage.
This recipe offers a genuine hot chocolate experience—it’s thick, rich, and incredibly indulgent. A small cup is all you need to satisfy your chocolate cravings and keep you warm.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Your friends will be astonished at how rich and decadent this hot chocolate is, as they’ll never guess how simple it was to prepare!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate bars
- 4 ounces of Ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate bars
- 7 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
After experimenting with various chocolate types, a blend of semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate offers a perfectly balanced flavor—not too sweet yet rich. I recommend Ghirardelli, known for reliability in recipes. Avoid chocolate chips, as they don’t melt smoothly.
You may use 2% milk instead of whole milk, though this will yield a less creamy final product.
Making My Crockpot Hot Chocolate
To maximize melting efficiency, coarsely chop your chocolate bars before adding them to the slow cooker. This recipe yields about 10 cups of hot chocolate, so use a slow cooker with at least a 3 to 3.5-quart capacity.
Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and turn it to low. Cook for 2 hours, whisking periodically to ensure uniform melting of the chocolate. That’s it—it really is that simple! Now, let’s explore how to enhance this recipe for your gathering.
Recipe Variations
The simplicity of this crockpot hot chocolate allows the chocolate flavor to shine, yet you can customize it with these variations:
To Make It Sweeter: Opt for all semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter drink.
To Make It Less Sweet: Start with half the can of sweetened condensed milk, tasting before adding more.
To Make It Less Rich: Use 2% milk instead of whole milk, and consider half-and-half instead of cream.
For a Peppermint Twist: Incorporate peppermint extract for a holiday hint, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste.
For a Spicy Kick: Add cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
There are numerous fun ways to serve this crockpot hot chocolate. Set up a toppings bar for guests to customize their drinks! Consider these topping options:
- Marshmallows
- Candy canes
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon
- Salted caramel sauce
You can also provide bottles of peppermint schnapps, Baileys, or Kahlua for those wanting a spirited twist!
Party Prep and Reheating Tips
This crockpot hot chocolate is perfect for gatherings as it requires minimal attention. Simply combine the ingredients a few hours before guests arrive. If your slow cooker has a “keep warm” setting, use it to maintain warmth during the party. If not, keep it on low and check periodically to prevent overheating. Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove over medium-low heat, whisking well.