Easy & Delicious Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This recipe was provided by Jamielyn Nye, who is a cookbook author and food blogger at I Heart Naptime. For more easy, family-friendly recipes visit IHeartNaptime.net 

When it comes to cozy Christmas traditions, a steaming mug of hot chocolate tops the list. This easy crockpot hot chocolate recipe transforms your slow cooker into a winter wonderland, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of chocolatey goodness. 

Perfect for festive gatherings or a quiet night by the fireplace, this slow cooker hot chocolate is the best way to embrace the holiday spirit. Thanks to the addition of sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips, this crockpot hot chocolate recipe promises a decadent experience, making it the ultimate treat for cold weather gatherings. Leave it on a low heat and let guests serve themselves… and don’t forget to provide a wide array of garnishes!

Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

• Prep time: 5 mins

• Cook time: 1 hour hr 30 mins

• Total time: 1 hour hr 35 mins

• Servings: 20

Ingredients

• 6 cups milk, 2% or whole

• ½ pint heavy cream

• 6 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 can

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, more to taste

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a slow cooker set to low heat, blend milk, cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Avoid high heat to prevent the milk boiling or the chocolate burning. 

2. Let the mixture melt for 1.5 - 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Add a pinch of salt and cinnamon for extra flavor.

4. Switch to warm setting until serving time. 

5. Stir, ladle into glasses or mugs, and top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream if desired. 

Toppings

Hot chocolate is only the beginning: everyone knows the fun is in the toppings!

Create a hot chocolate toppings station for your guests to serve themselves, Include an array of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks. Add caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for adventurous palates. 

Provide stylish mugs, stirring spoons, and napkins for a complete setup, and let your guests unleash their imaginations!

Variations and Substitutions

• Experiment with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips for varied flavors.

• For a hint of bitterness, experiment with bittersweet chocolate, adding depth to your hot cocoa flavor.

• If you have a high-quality chocolate bar, grate some shavings into the mix instead of using chips for a gourmet touch.

• If you're out of sweetened condensed milk, you can enhance cream or whole milk with a touch of granulated sugar as an alternative.

• Reduce sweetness by adding 1/2 cup more milk or water.

• Tailor the recipe to your needs by halving the ingredients for smaller gatherings. 

Notes

• Prepare this crockpot hot chocolate in advance - it stores well and reheats like a dream. 

• Refrigerate leftover hot chocolate for up to 4 days.

• To reheat individual servings, microwave in 30-second intervals. For larger batches, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.

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