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The best hot chocolate recipe that can be made in a crock-pot or on the stove. The perfect drink to warm up on winter days!
Have you been searching for a super easy drink to serve over the Christmas holidays? Well, I’ve got just the thing, and it couldn’t be simpler. I know hot chocolate recipes are everywhere, but when I was trying to find one for my family, nothing seemed quite right. One recipe called for whipping cream and two cups of chocolate chips—delicious, I’m sure, but a bit over the top! Another one was made with all water, which wasn’t what I was looking for either.
So the simplest thing to do was to make my own version. It’s sort of a combo of both recipes I mentioned, and it really is wonderful. It has that distinctive cocoa taste, which is what I wanted most to achieve. There are six simple ingredients:
- milk: use whatever kind you have on hand.
- water
- sweetened condensed milk: this adds the sweetness and helps to thicken the mixture.
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla: don’t skip this! It adds a very special flavor.
- cocoa powder: I have used basic Hershey’s cocoa powder, and I also love Ghirardelli, but use the brand you like best.
How To Make
- Mix the first five ingredients in a crock-pot or in a pan on the stove.
- Slowly add cocoa and stir briskly with a whisk.
- Heat in a crock-pot for two hours on high.
- Heat on the stove until very hot.
- Serve with marshmallows and drizzled chocolate syrup.
Helpful Tips
- I recommend sticking to the ingredient list as is. I usually like to offer substitutions, but I love how this recipe tastes, and I wouldn’t want to change it!
- When adding the cocoa, take your time. Whisk briskly, but be careful not to splash any out of the crock-pot. Add the cocoa gradually, and after a few minutes, it will dissolve completely.
- For extra toppings, try adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also sprinkle cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candies, or drizzle some caramel syrup on top for a fun twist.
Storing + Reheating
- This hot chocolate recipe can be made ahead, and stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also refrigerate any left-over hot chocolate and reheat.
- Make sure to shake it very well before reheating because the cocoa settles on the bottom.
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More Festive Drink Recipes
Best Hot Chocolate Recipe: Crockpot or Stove Top
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 cups milk
- 3 cups water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup dry cocoa
Instructions
- Mix the first five ingredients in a crock pot or in a pan on the stove.
- Slowly add cocoa and stir briskly with a whisk.
- Heat in a crock-pot for two hours on high.
- Heat on the stove until very hot.
- Serve with marshmallows and drizzled chocolate syrup.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
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This is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. I’ve been making it ever since Ann first published the recipe, and it is always a hit. I set up a hot chocolate station with mugs, marshmallows, candy canes and anything else I can think of; everybody helps themselves. It is an absolutely delicious recipe – chocolatey, smooth, and rich!
This recipe sounds delicious and so easy to make. Will be great for breakfast/brunch with family or company, and quite a treat after sledding or building that snowman – or just to watch TV any evening. Thanks for sharing!
This is good hot chocolate! We had a hot chocolate bar while the family was around for Christmas. A nice treat for winter days. Thank you!
It was so décident I loved it!
Ann, thank you so much for your blog. I love that you offer beautiful decorating ideas and crafts that I am comfortable trying. I have also used many of your recipes! Luckily I have the ingredients on hand for your hot chocolate so I will give it a trial run today for myself and then make it for my family on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄
Thanks for sharing this Hot Chocolate recipe! I just tried it today, on a cold ice/snowy day here in Nebraska. I fixed it in my slow cooker … and my husband and I love it! Will save the recipe to use with grandkids, and also with friends who stop by. Thank you!
Really love your post and beautiful pictures of encouragement. Especially love the mugs and Hot Chocolate recipe. Yes, I will save it for the cold months ahead. Thank you
I have been looking for a Hot Chocolate Recipe and I think this one will give me that full creamy chocolate taste. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Ann,
I love your blog! Thank you for the recipes, home DIY as well as gardening instructions, counseling :) and joy that you bring to me and many others each week!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
~Dianne
Ann,
While I have been a long time subscriber, I don’t usually comment. However, I wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. Thanks for keeping it real!