This big batch crockpot hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and loaded with 3 different kinds of chocolate. Perfect for entertaining during the holidays or for cozying up on the couch on a chilly day.

Crockpot Hot Chocolate in a mug topped with marshmallows and chocolate drizzle

Why this recipe works

Made with three different types of chocolate – dark, white, and milk, you can bet this crockpot hot chocolate recipe is ultra-indulgent. Big-batch hot chocolate is perfect for entertaining guests during the holidays. Simply dump it all in the slow cooker, remember to give it a stir every 30 minutes, and it’ll be ready to sip on in only 2 hours.

Don’t forget to deck out the serving station with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or extra chocolate chips to garnish with! If you’re serving this in the fall, our pumpkin spice hot chocolate makes a worthy companion on the beverage table.

Spoonful of Crockpot Hot Chocolate with marshmallows being lifted out of the crockpot

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CHOCOLATE – We used equal amounts of dark, white, and milk chocolate chips. The Ghiradellhi brand makes great chocolate chips but any kind will work. If preferred, you can chop up bars of baking chocolate instead. It goes without saying that you can definitely substitute or omit a specific kind of chocolate if you aren’t a fan of it. Simply replace it with the other kind you are using. Cinnamon, butterscotch, peppermint, and semi-sweet chips also work!

ADDITIONS – I would highly recommend sticking to heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk for this hot chocolate recipe. These are what make it super creamy. On top of those, you’ll also need milk. Either 2% or whole milk will work here.

How to Make Crockpot Hot Chocolate

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Place the milk, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk in the crockpot and stir well to combine.
Add in all the chocolate chips and place the lid on the crockpot.
Set the heat to low for 2-3 hours. Remove the lid and give the mixture a thorough stir every 30 minutes or so.

TIP – Ours was ready just past 1 hour and 30 minutes, but plan to give it 2 hours in case yours takes longer. You can always set it to warm if needed!
Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, or extra chocolate chips.

TIP – If you are preparing this for a party, be sure to check on the hot chocolate in the slow cooker every now and then to make sure it isn’t curdling. Keep the crockpot on the warm setting and give it a stir every once in while to prevent this.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I use all of the same kind of chocolate?

Absolutely. You can easily replace all the chocolate with a singular type, or use half dark and half milk, etc.

What kind of chocolate is best for crockpot hot chocolate?

This recipe works with either chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chips. It all comes down to preference! Opt for better quality chocolate chips or bar chocolate for the best flavor. The mixture of the three types of chocolate adds sweet, rich, and bitter notes to balance each other out perfectly.

How do you store leftover hot chocolate?

Leftover hot chocolate can be stored in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a saucepan or stockpot over medium-low heat, stirring often, until warmed through.

Mug of Crockpot Hot Chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve crockpot hot chocolate with all the classic fixings such as whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate syrup. On top of those, you can also turn it into a fun hot cocoa bar for parties with garnishes such as…

Sprinkles
Caramel syrup
Crushed pretzels
Crumbled Oreo cookies
Chocolate chips or shavings
Piroulines (rolled wafer cookies)
Candy canes, peppermint sticks, or crushed peppermints

For the adults, turn it into spiked hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint Schnapps, Brandy’s Irish cream, or rum. There are so many fun flavors of liqueur you can choose from to jazz it up even further. Don’t add the liqueur to the crockpot, keep it on the side to taste and adjust for your individual cup.

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Original recipe courtesy of Sugar, Spice, and Glitter. This post originally appeared here on October 21, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.