Description
Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy holiday drink! Made with whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and melted milk chocolate chips, this slow cooker recipe creates a rich, creamy, and delicious treat. It’s perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, and cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and milk chocolate chips.
- Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours.
- Stir approximately every 30 minutes, making sure to scrape along the bottom and sides to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Once the chocolate chips have completely melted, whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Switch the slow cooker to WARM to keep the hot chocolate at a comfortable serving temperature.
- Ladle into mugs and serve with your favorite holiday toppings.
Notes
- Serve warm: Keep the hot chocolate on the WARM setting during Christmas parties so guests can enjoy it throughout the evening.
- Add toppings: Top each mug with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes.
- Holiday presentation: Serve in festive mugs with cinnamon sticks or peppermint sticks for stirring.
- Avoid overheating: Use LOW for cooking and WARM for serving. Avoid boiling the mixture because dairy can scorch or develop an unpleasant texture.
- Refrigerator storage: Transfer leftover hot chocolate to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Enjoy within 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them separately until ready to cook. For the best texture, melt the chocolate during slow cooking.
- Stir before serving: Chocolate can settle at the bottom, so give the mixture a good stir before pouring each mug.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because dairy-based hot chocolate may separate after thawing.