This cozy Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate is everything you need for a warm winter night. Just throw in some chocolate, milk, and marshmallows for a sweet treat!
Who doesn’t love a steaming cup of hot cocoa? I can’t resist adding extra marshmallows on top—it’s basically a rule at my house! 🎄☕
This recipe is super easy! Just let the crockpot do the work, and in a few hours, you’ll have the most delicious hot chocolate ready for sipping. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess to the hot chocolate. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use 2% milk instead. Almond or oat milk also works great for a dairy-free version!
Heavy Cream: The heavy cream makes the drink rich and luxurious. If you want a lighter version, you can skip it and use additional whole milk, or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These provide that delicious chocolatey flavor. If you prefer dark chocolate, exchange it for dark chocolate chips or a chocolate bar. For a sweet treat, you can also use milk chocolate.
Cocoa Powder: This deepens the chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa adds a smooth taste, while regular cocoa powder gives it a more robust flavor. You can omit it entirely if using a richer chocolate.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the hot chocolate! If you want, you can substitute with brown sugar for a more complex sweetness. Honey or maple syrup are good natural sweeteners as well.
How Do I Make Sure My Hot Chocolate is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a perfectly smooth hot chocolate is to stir the ingredients well before cooking. This ensures that the cocoa powder dissolves completely without clumping. Also, remember to stir occasionally while it cooks in the crockpot.
- Set the crockpot on low and add all ingredients: milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Mix them gently so everything blends nicely.
- After a couple of hours, keep stirring it every now and then until all chocolate is melted.
Turning off the slow cooker before adding vanilla is essential to keep that lovely flavor intact. Enjoy your festive drink with toppings of mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 8 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Mini marshmallows (for topping)
- Optional: ground cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful hot chocolate takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then around 2 to 3 hours to cook in the crockpot. Perfect for making ahead of your cozy Christmas gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients
In a large slow cooker (crockpot), add the whole milk, heavy cream, semisweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. This creates a rich and creamy base for your hot chocolate.
2. Mix Together
Using a whisk or a large spoon, stir the mixture gently to combine everything well. Be sure the cocoa powder is evenly mixed in without clumps!
3. Cook It Up
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The chocolate chips will melt and blend with the other ingredients, creating a smooth, velvety hot chocolate.
4. Add Flavor
Once the mixture is hot and well combined, turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a lovely flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Using a ladle, pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each mug generously with mini marshmallows, and for an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your warm holiday treat!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk works well for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess slightly, so you can consider adding a bit more heavy cream or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
How Long Can I Keep Leftover Hot Chocolate?
You can store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving again.
Can I Make This Hot Chocolate Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot chocolate mixture in the crockpot earlier in the day and keep it on the ‘warm’ setting until ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before ladling it into mugs!
What Toppings Can I Add Besides Marshmallows?
Get creative! Whipped cream, crushed peppermint candy, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup make excellent toppings for a festive flair!
