The Best Hot Cocoa in a Crock Pot

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There’s something magical about a steaming mug of hot cocoa on a chilly day, and this crock pot version is about to become your go-to winter warmer. Silky smooth, indulgently chocolatey, and topped with pillowy toasted marshmallows, it’s a cozy treat perfect for snow days, movie nights, or holiday gatherings.

This recipe combines simple ingredients and the slow, gentle heat of a crock pot to create a luxuriously rich hot chocolate that beats anything from a packet. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want to sip on something decadent all evening long, this hands-off method makes it easy.

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What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the deepest chocolate flavor, unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder is ideal in this recipe. It has a smoother, more mellow profile compared to natural cocoa powder and blends seamlessly into warm milk. If you only have regular unsweetened cocoa powder, that will still work—just expect a slightly more robust, tangy chocolate flavor.

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Ingredients for the Best Hot Cocoa in a Crock Pot

• Whole Milk: Gives the hot cocoa its creamy base and rich mouthfeel. Don’t substitute with water—this is comfort in a cup!
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds thickness and a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Heavy Cream: Boosts the luxurious texture and keeps the cocoa feeling indulgent.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-processed for best results.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt into the cocoa to create an extra smooth, chocolate-loaded experience.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and rich elements.
• Marshmallows (Optional): Big ones, toasted for a gourmet finish, or minis for classic charm.

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How To Make the Best Hot Cocoa in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Set your crock pot to low heat. Lightly whisk the cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk together directly in the crock to avoid clumping. This helps the cocoa fully dissolve.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, then stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a thorough whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Cover the crock pot with the lid and allow the mixture to heat on low for 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and the texture stays velvety smooth.

Step 4: Final Stir and Serve

Once the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is steaming hot (but not boiling), give it one final stir. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Ladle into mugs and top with your choice of marshmallows—toast them with a kitchen torch for a dramatic flair, or simply pile on minis for that nostalgic charm. Sip slowly and let the warmth settle in.

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How to Serve and Store Your Crock Pot Hot Cocoa

When serving your crock pot hot cocoa, keep it on the “warm” setting so everyone can go back for seconds without it overcooking. A ladle and a stack of cozy mugs make it easy to self-serve at holiday parties or family nights. For toppings, think whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or even a drizzle of caramel.

Leftovers can be cooled and stored in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pour into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Avoid microwaving in short bursts, as it can scorch the milk or create hot spots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size crock pot should I use?

A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, especially if you’re serving 6 to 8 people. If you’re halving the recipe, a smaller 2-quart model works just fine.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for full-fat oat milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. Just be sure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free.

How can I make it less sweet?

Use fewer chocolate chips and consider unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of the whole milk. You can always add sweetener to taste at the end.

Can I spike it for adults?

Definitely. Add a splash of peppermint schnapps, Baileys, or bourbon just before serving. Stir it directly into each mug to control the strength.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can substitute with an equal amount of cream and sweeten with sugar or maple syrup to taste. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes, if your crock pot is large enough (6 to 8 quarts), doubling works well. Just add extra time to ensure it heats through evenly.

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Want More Cozy Drink Ideas?

If you love this creamy crock pot hot cocoa, you might also fall for these other comforting treats from Life with Jam:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter bite.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups when you’re craving a fruity dessert with your cocoa.
• Winter Brittle for a sweet, crunchy pairing.
• Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for a cool-meets-creamy indulgence.
• Chocolate Instant Pudding if you’re team chocolate all the way.

These recipes make perfect companions to a warm mug of hot cocoa. Try them throughout the season to build your own cozy dessert board.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest drink or dessert board so you can revisit it anytime: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And if you give this crock pot hot cocoa a try, tell me how it turned out in the comments! Did you go for the toasted marshmallow topper? Maybe added a splash of Baileys? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

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