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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!

hot chocolate recipe in santa mugs

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.

ingredients for best hot chocolate recipe

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.
hot chocolate recipe in crock pot

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.
hot chocolate in mugs with marshmallows

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.
hot chocolate in mugs with marshmallows and chocolate syrup

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.
hot chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate syrup in santa mug

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More Festive Drink Recipes

hot chocolate recipe in santa mugs

Best Hot Chocolate Recipe: Crockpot or Stove Top

4.75 from 12 votes
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!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 8 servings
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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 Facts
Best Hot Chocolate Recipe: Crockpot or Stove Top
Serving Size
 
8 oz.
Amount per Serving
Calories
106
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Cholesterol
 
18
mg
6
%
Sodium
 
100
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
312
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Author: Ann Drake
Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

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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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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!

  4. 5 stars
    It was so décident I loved it!

  5. 5 stars
    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! 🎄🎄🎄

  6. 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!

  7. Kathleen Johnson says:

    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

  8. Barbara Vance says:

    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.

  9. 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

  10. 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!