Magical Creamy Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Recipe for Cozy Holidays

Winter’s chill melts away with this decadent slow cooker hot cocoa that wraps you in pure comfort.

Cold nights call for something special, and this creamy hot cocoa promises pure bliss.

Rich chocolate swirls through every sip, creating a luxurious drink that warms from the inside out.

Each batch brims with deep, velvety flavor that invites relaxation and joy.

The slow cooker works its magic, blending ingredients into a smooth, indulgent treat.

No need for complicated steps or multiple pots – this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll savor every delightful moment of this soul-soothing beverage that turns ordinary evenings into cozy celebrations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Festive Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky texture to the hot cocoa, creating a dreamy mouthfeel.
• Milk: Provides a smooth, creamy foundation that helps blend all flavors harmoniously.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Introduces delightful sweetness and helps thicken the hot cocoa for a more indulgent experience.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, comforting depth and rounds out the chocolate's deep notes with its subtle aromatic touch.

• Chocolate Chips: Melt into a velvety smooth base, delivering intense chocolate flavor and creating the signature richness of the hot cocoa.

Tools for Simmering Festive Hot Cocoa in a Slow Cooker

• Slow Cooker: 5-6 quart size perfect for making creamy hot cocoa.
• Whisk: Essential for stirring ingredients and helping chocolate melt smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Needed to accurately measure milk, cream, and sweetened condensed milk.
• Ladle or Large Serving Spoon: Great for serving hot cocoa into mugs.
• Mugs: For enjoying the festive hot chocolate.

How to Make Holiday Hot Cocoa for a Crowd

• Slow Cooker Setup

Grab your trusty slow cooker and prepare for a cozy chocolate adventure. This method creates a luxurious hot cocoa that’ll warm everyone’s heart during chilly days.

• Creamy Chocolate Blend

Toss all the delightful ingredients into the slow cooker – chocolate chips will mingle with cream and milk, creating a silky smooth base that promises pure comfort.

• Gentle Warming

Let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat. Occasional whisking helps chocolate chips dissolve smoothly and prevents any stubborn clumps from forming.

• Melting Magic

Watch your chocolate transform from chips to a dreamy liquid. If melting seems slow, bump up the heat momentarily to encourage those chocolate bits to surrender completely.

• Serving Sensation

Once everything is perfectly blended and steaming hot, switch your slow cooker to warm. Pour into mugs and crown each serving with fluffy marshmallows or a cloud of whipped cream for ultimate indulgence.

Flavor Ideas for Festive Cocoa Mixes

• Hot Cocoa Magic Swirls: Whisk the chocolate chips gently during cooking to create silky smooth texture without burning or sticking to the slow cooker bottom.
• Flavor Boost Hacks: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to create unique taste profiles that match your mood or holiday theme.
• Cozy Topping Tricks: Layer marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top to transform each mug into a delightful winter treat that looks as good as it tastes.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy alternative that works perfectly for those with lactose sensitivities while maintaining rich hot cocoa goodness.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the hot cocoa base up to 24 hours in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat in the slow cooker when ready to serve – perfect for holiday gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.

Serving Cocoa at Parties or Cozy Nights

• Cozy Mug Magic: Top each steaming cup with fluffy marshmallows or a cloud of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch that melts beautifully into the rich chocolate.
• Winter Wonderland Toppings: Sprinkle crushed candy canes, drizzle caramel sauce, or add a dash of cinnamon to transform your hot cocoa into a festive seasonal treat that delights the senses.
• Grown-Up Cocoa Twist: For adults, stir in a splash of Bailey's Irish Cream, bourbon, or peppermint schnapps to create a warming cocktail that adds a delightful grown-up kick to the classic drink.
• Presentation Party: Serve in oversized mugs, garnish with chocolate shavings, or add a cinnamon stick stirrer to make each cup feel like a special occasion that guests will remember.

Best Way to Keep Cocoa Warm and Ready

• Cocoa Cooldown Strategy: After enjoying your hot beverage, allow the remaining mixture to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to maintain smooth consistency.
• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Transfer leftover hot cocoa into sealed glass containers or mason jars. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring an airtight seal to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Reheat Revival Technique: When ready to enjoy again, gently warm the cocoa in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent separation or scorching of milk components.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the hot cocoa base a day before your event and store in the refrigerator. This method allows flavors to meld together, creating an even richer chocolate experience when served.

Cozy Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy slow cooker hot cocoa brings festive warmth to winter gatherings with minimal effort. Rich chocolate mingles with smooth milk and sweet marshmallows, creating a comforting drink you’ll savor by the fireplace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (1.4 L) milk
• 2 cups (340 g) milk chocolate chips
• 1 14-oz (397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position a large slow cooker, ensuring ample space for all liquid ingredients without potential spillage.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Combine milk, heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips into the slow cooker, creating a smooth liquid base with even ingredient distribution.
3. Heating Process: Activate the slow cooker on low temperature, enabling gentle and consistent chocolate melting without risk of burning or scorching ingredients.
4. Chocolate Integration: Periodically whisk the mixture every half-hour, facilitating uniform chocolate dissolution and preventing ingredient stratification or bottom-of-pot adhesion.
5. Temperature Management: After approximately one hour, if chocolate chips remain unmelted, cautiously elevate the temperature to medium, continuing careful stirring to maintain a silky, homogeneous liquid texture.
6. Serving Optimization: Transfer the slow cooker to warm setting once chocolate completely dissolves, preserving the ideal serving temperature and luxurious consistency.
7. Final Preparation: Conduct a conclusive whisking to guarantee perfect ingredient blending, eliminating potential chocolate settlement.
8. Presentation: Ladle the velvety hot cocoa into decorative mugs, garnishing with whipped cream or marshmallows for an elegant and indulgent finishing flourish.

Notes

• Prevent Overflow: Choose a slow cooker large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably, leaving at least 2 inches of space from the top to avoid messy spills.
• Chocolate Melting Technique: Stir every 30 minutes to guarantee smooth chocolate integration and prevent uneven melting or bottom-of-pot burning.
• Temperature Control: Start on low heat to gently melt chocolate, gradually increasing to medium if chips resist melting after an hour, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
• Serving Perfection: Whisk thoroughly before serving to blend all ingredients completely, creating a luxurious, consistent hot cocoa with no settled chocolate at the bottom.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Drinks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg