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Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate - recipe card
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This rich and creamy slow-cooker hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy indulgence. Made with whole milk, heavy cream, and semi-sweet chocolate, it’s perfectly sweet, velvety smooth, and topped with marshmallows or whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing treat. Set it and forget it—perfect for parties, movie nights, or a special winter morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped semi-sweet chocolate, about 3 oz)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt in the bottom of a 2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients, breaking up any cocoa lumps.
  2. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the dry ingredients are fully dissolved and no cocoa streaks remain. This prevents clumping later.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and steaming. Do not cook on HIGH as it may scorch the milk.
  4. After 1.5 hours, check for doneness: the hot chocolate should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thin, continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
  5. Once the hot chocolate is hot and ready, stir in the vanilla extract. Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. If desired, top each serving with mini marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until steaming. Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed. For a thinner consistency, stir in extra milk when reheating. For a dairy-free version, substitute with full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, pioneer woman hot chocolate, homemade hot chocolate, creamy hot cocoa, winter drink, party drink, chocolate beverage, slow cooker dessert, hot cocoa for a crowd

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-crock-pot-hot-chocolate-recipe/