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A close-up view of a glass mug filled with slow cooker hot chocolate, showcasing its rich, creamy texture.

Crockpot Hot Cocoa: The Ultimate Rich & Creamy Recipe

The easiest way to make rich, creamy hot chocolate for a crowd! This simple slow cooker recipe is perfect for parties and holidays, creating a decadent and delicious treat with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Beverages, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart slow cooker
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until no lumps remain.
  2. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn't scorch on the bottom.
  5. Once the hot cocoa is smooth and heated through, turn the slow cooker to the 'Keep Warm' setting.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

Tip 1: For an even richer flavor, substitute one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk for the granulated sugar and 1.5 cups of the whole milk.
Tip 2: To prevent a skin from forming on top, give the hot cocoa a quick stir every hour while it's on the 'Keep Warm' setting.
Tip 3: Do not cook on high, as it can cause the milk to scorch and ruin the flavor.