How To Make A Big Batch Of Hot Cocoa In A Slow Cooker

Winter is coming. Sure, that means frigid temperatures and frosty windshields and all that not-so-fun stuff. But it also means things like snow angels. Snow cones. Sledding, tubing, skiing. But most of all? Winter means mugs and mugs of hot cocoa. Yes. Please.

Hot cocoa is one of those beverages that brings on all the warm and fuzzies, especially as temperatures drop outside. Hot cocoa an ideal beverage at any time of the day—whether you wake up to it to have with your pancakes, as a dessert after dinner, enjoying a cup during your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie snuggled up on the couch. A liquid chocolate that you drink to warm yourself up on a cold winter’s day—what could be better?

Well, we’ll tell you what could be better: How about an entire crockpot filled with hot cocoa? We’re talking enough to feed an entire party (or, you know, just yourself for a few days).

Okay, so it’s no surprise that you can make pretty much anything in a slow cooker these days. But the last thing we would’ve ever thought to make would be a vat of hot chocolate. Chilis, soups, stews, sure—but we’re totally impressed with this slow cooker hot cocoa!

So what makes slow cooker hot chocolate even better than regular hot chocolate? First of all, this hot cocoa is better than anything you can get from one of those packets you buy at the store. It uses real ingredients like semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, cream and milk, and of course a few marshmallows (because what’s a cup of hot cocoa without a marshmallow or five?).

On top of that, because the slow cooker cooks just as its name suggest—low and slow—it gives it time for all the sweet flavors to meld together and thicken up. And that means you totally don’t have to worry about the milk curdling the way you might if you typically make hot cocoa on a stovetop. Because the slow cooker is set on low, all the ingredients meld together without any curdle risk.

And let’s talk about the insane texture of this beverage, shall we? The chocolate chips and heavy cream combo in this recipe give this wintry beverage that thick and creamy consistency we adore in a cup of hot chocolate.

This recipe doesn’t take long to make, so be sure to get it going early. It also stores in the fridge and reheats great, so you and your family can enjoy a cup (or two) all week long. This recipe is perfect if you’re having a holiday get-together, or just want to spruce up a cold Sunday afternoon when your family is all together.

What are you waiting for? Watch the video below for the recipe and get to making this slow cooker hot cocoa today!

Are you a hot chocolate fan? Have you ever tried making it in a crockpot? Do you think you’ll try out this recipe? What’s your favorite way to make hot cocoa?