Description

This Crockpot Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and perfectly warm beverage ideal for cozy cold days. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, it combines cocoa powder, heavy cream, milk chocolate chips, and maple syrup to deliver a luscious sweet treat. Topped with marshmallows, this homemade hot chocolate is comfort in a cup made easy with minimal prep and plenty of time to infuse flavors while simmering gently.

Ingredients

Scale

Hot Chocolate Base

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup heavy cream
7 cups whole milk
¾ cup milk chocolate chips
¼ cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings

Marshmallows (mini and large-sized, as desired)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Cocoa and Cream: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and heavy cream into the Crockpot. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps to create a creamy, chocolate base.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, milk chocolate chips, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a rich-flavored mixture.
Cook on Low: Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 2 hours. At the 1-hour mark, remove the lid and whisk the mixture thoroughly to help the chocolate chips fully melt and incorporate evenly. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the hot chocolate is heated through and reaches your preferred temperature.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini and/or large-sized marshmallows as desired. Serve immediately for a comforting, indulgent drink.

Notes

Stirring halfway through cooking ensures the chocolate chips melt evenly and prevents scorching.
You can adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if preferred.
Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; alternative milk can be used but may change flavor and consistency.
For an adult twist, add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s Irish Cream just before serving.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the Crockpot before serving.