Crockpot Hot Chocolate for a Crowd

Thick, creamy crockpot hot chocolate made with milk, cream, sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. It stays warm for hours, so it's perfect for holiday parties.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 5

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 12 cups

Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients

6 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips about 12 oz
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes for serving

Instructions

Add the cocoa powder and about 1 cup of the milk to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Whisk until smooth with no lumps.
Add the rest of the milk, the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and salt. Whisk well.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes, until the chocolate is melted and the drink is hot and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla. Turn the slow cooker to WARM and whisk now and then while serving.
Ladle into mugs and set out marshmallows, whipped cream and crushed candy canes for toppings.

Notes

Make ahead: Mix everything except the vanilla in the slow cooker insert, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add 30 to 45 minutes to the cook time.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in jars for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat, whisking, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
Variations: Add 1 tsp peppermint extract for peppermint hot chocolate, or use white chocolate chips for white hot chocolate. Do not cook on HIGH, as the milk can scorch.

Keyword crockpot hot chocolate, hot chocolate for a crowd, party hot cocoa, slow cooker hot chocolate