Warm up your winter days with this indulgent Crockpot Hot Chocolate! Perfectly creamy and delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering where friends and family can help themselves. Follow this easy, step-by-step recipe to create a luscious drink that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
Budget Information
This delightful Crockpot Hot Chocolate costs approximately $12.00 to prepare, which breaks down to about $2.00 per serving if you’re serving six. That’s a small price for a creamy hug in a mug!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe takes the stress out of holiday gatherings by utilizing a slow cooker, which means you can pour everything in, set it, and forget it! The combination of rich chocolate and creamy milk creates a texture that’s captivating in every sip. Plus, it allows for customization with your favorite toppings, making it a fun and interactive experience for everyone. It’s not just hot chocolate; it’s a cozy winter memory waiting to happen!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious hot chocolate:
- 3 cups whole milk ($2.00) – Use whole for that luscious creaminess.
- 1 cup half-and-half ($1.00) – This gives a smooth, rich texture, but feel free to swap with heavy cream for indulgence.
- 6 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate ($3.00) – Avoid chocolate chips; buy a quality bar for the best melt.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar ($0.25) – Adjust to taste if you prefer it sweeter.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder ($0.20) – For that extra chocolate punch!
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract ($0.50) – This elevates the flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional) ($0.30) – Just a hint to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Pinch of kosher salt (negligible cost) – It enhances all the flavors.
- Toppings of your choice: marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate chips (cost varies based on choice)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by grabbing your slow cooker. Toss in all the glorious ingredients—whole milk, half-and-half, chopped chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, instant espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good whisk to blend it well; don’t worry if it’s not perfectly combined just yet; the slow cooker will do the heavy lifting for you.
Step 2: Time to let the magic happen! Set your slow cooker to LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or to HIGH for 45 minutes to an hour. Whisk gently every now and then to ensure everything mixes well, and keep an eye out to avoid any chocolate mishaps on the bottom. When it’s smooth and hot, switch it to the KEEP WARM setting—trust me, this hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh and cozy!
Step 3: Now it’s showtime! Ladle this beautiful concoction into mugs, and encourage guests to unleash their creativity with toppings. From marshmallows to a drizzle of caramel or even a sprinkle of cinnamon, the world is their oyster. Just sit back, sip, and watch the smiles bloom around you as everyone enjoys your scrumptious hot chocolate!
Nutritional Facts
– Calories: 326 kcal
– Protein: 7 g
– Carbohydrates: 27 g
– Total Fat: 21 g
– Saturated Fat: 12 g
– Fiber: 3 g
– Sugar: 19 g
– Sodium: 88 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is quite the feat!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally to bring everything back together. You want it just warm enough to sip, not boiling hot!
Serving Suggestions
This rich hot chocolate is a delightful drink on its own, but for an added dimension, pair it with chocolate chip cookies, almond biscotti, or a slice of warm banana bread. It also pairs beautifully with seasonal treats like gingerbread or peppermint bark!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t skimp on the quality of your chocolate; it really makes a difference! You can also play around with flavors—try adding a touch of peppermint extract for a festive twist, or even a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a little heat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this hot chocolate vegan? Absolutely! Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and substitute the half-and-half with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate? It’s best to avoid chocolate chips as they don’t melt as smoothly, so stick with chopped chocolate bars for the best results!
What if I want to make this ahead of time? You can prepare it the day before, refrigerate it, and then reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve!
How can I make it extra special for adults? Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Baileys or peppermint schnapps, for an adult twist!
Can I double this recipe? Yes! Just use a larger slow cooker, and double the ingredients as needed!
