Dreamy Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chilly winter nights call for a warm, luxurious hot chocolate that hugs your taste buds with silky Christmas Eve crockpot hot chocolate magic.

This creamy blend promises to melt away the winter’s chill with every delightful sip.

Rich chocolate swirls create a decadent beverage that transforms ordinary moments into festive memories.

Minimal ingredients come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, promising comfort in a mug.

Marshmallows and whipped cream add the perfect crowning touch to this indulgent treat.

Families and friends will gather around, cups in hand, savoring the warmth and sweetness of this irresistible holiday classic.

Embrace the season’s spirit with one soulful, chocolatey gulp.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate

• Whole Milk: Provides the creamy foundation with a rich, smooth texture perfect for hot chocolate.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and enhances the velvety mouthfeel of the drink.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Introduces deep sweetness and extra creaminess without granulated sugar.

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Delivers intense chocolate depth with balanced sweetness, melting smoothly into the drink.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Contributes a milder, sweeter chocolate flavor that complements the richer semisweet chocolate.

• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the chocolate's richness with warm, aromatic undertones that elevate the entire beverage.

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy crown to the hot chocolate.
• Mini Marshmallows: Provides playful sweetness and classic winter charm.
• Cocoa Powder: Offers a dusting of intense chocolate flavor.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Introduces a festive peppermint twist to the traditional hot chocolate.

Crockpot Tools That Turn Hot Chocolate into Magic

• Crockpot: Essential for slow cooking and maintaining even temperature for your hot chocolate.
• Ladle: Perfect for scooping and serving the creamy hot chocolate into mugs.
• Measuring cups: Needed to accurately measure milk, cream, and chocolate chips.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing chocolate from sticking.
• Whisk: Helpful for blending ingredients smoothly and breaking up any chocolate clumps.
• Mugs: Necessary for serving and enjoying the hot chocolate.

How to Make Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate

• Warm Up the

Create a cozy holiday atmosphere by setting your crockpot to low heat, preparing for a delightful chocolate adventure.

• Pour the Creamy Base

Gently combine whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk into the crockpot, creating a luscious foundation for your festive drink.

• Chocolate Transformation

Sprinkle semisweet and milk chocolate chips into the mixture, watching them slowly melt into a silky smooth liquid.

• Slow and Steady Cooking

Cooking Cover the crockpot and let the chocolate dream simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally to ensure perfect blending and prevent any chocolate from sticking.

• Flavor Boost

Add a splash of vanilla extract, stirring gently to infuse the entire batch with a warm, comforting aroma.

• Festive Finale

Ladle the rich hot chocolate into mugs, topping with fluffy whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that extra holiday cheer.

Sweet Stir-Ins for the Ultimate Christmas Eve Cocoa

• Melt chocolate chips completely before adding to prevent clumping and ensure smooth texture.
• Swap whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Experiment with additional flavor enhancers like cinnamon, peppermint extract, or orange zest to create unique taste profiles that elevate the classic hot chocolate.
• Keep hot chocolate warm in the crockpot during holiday gatherings, allowing guests to serve themselves and enjoy multiple rounds of this festive beverage.
• Prepare the hot chocolate base a day in advance and reheat gently in the crockpot, which allows flavors to develop and intensify for an even more delicious drink.

Serving Hot Chocolate That Feels Like a Hug

• Cozy Christmas Cocoa Bar: Set up a festive hot chocolate station with various toppings like crushed peppermint, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, and different flavored whipped creams for a personalized drink experience.
• Holiday Mug Moment: Serve in festive holiday mugs or vintage china teacups to elevate the Christmas Eve atmosphere, making each serving feel special and creating memorable table decor.
• Winter Wonderland Pairing: Accompany the hot chocolate with classic Christmas cookies like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or chocolate chip for a delightful sweet companion that complements the rich, creamy beverage.
• Grown-Up Twist Option: For adults, add a splash of peppermint schnapps, Bailey's Irish Cream, or bourbon to create a spirited version of the hot chocolate that adds warmth and festive cheer.

Keep Christmas Eve Crockpot Cocoa Warm and Cozy

• Refrigerate leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in microwave or crockpot, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
• Prepare double the recipe and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly to maintain creamy texture without separation.
• Before serving stored hot chocolate, whisk in a fresh splash of cream or milk to restore original richness and eliminate any potential skin formation during storage.
• Always reheat chocolate mixture on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching or developing a grainy texture. Avoid boiling to maintain silky smoothness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate chips with chocolate bars or other chocolate varieties. Just chop them into small pieces so they melt easily in the crockpot.

• Is this hot chocolate recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids will love the rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk if needed.

• How can I make this hot chocolate more festive?

Add holiday-inspired toppings like peppermint sticks, candy cane pieces, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also rim the mugs with crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer.

• Can I make this hot chocolate ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot chocolate in advance and keep it warm in the crockpot. If storing, reheat gently and stir before serving to maintain the smooth texture.

Velvety Christmas Eve Crockpot Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich hot chocolate from grandma’s Christmas Eve recipe delights guests with its creamy indulgence. Warm mugs of sweet comfort invite family and friends to savor festive moments together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 6 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (473 ml)
• 1 (14 oz/397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Candy canes
• Shaved chocolate

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Instructions

1. Prep Crockpot: Position slow cooker on low setting to create gentle, even heating environment for luxurious chocolate blend.
2. Create Liquid Base: Combine whole milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk directly into crockpot, whisking gently to integrate smooth, rich foundation.
3. Chocolate Infusion: Add semisweet and milk chocolate chips, allowing them to gradually melt into liquid mixture while stirring intermittently to ensure consistent texture and prevent scorching.
4. Flavor Development: After two hours of simmering, introduce vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute aromatic essence throughout the creamy mixture.
5. Finishing Touches: Once chocolate has completely dissolved and ingredients are harmoniously blended, ladle the velvety hot chocolate into festive mugs, crowning each serving with pillowy whipped cream and miniature marshmallows.
6. Optional Garnish: Enhance visual appeal and holiday spirit by sprinkling cocoa powder or crushed candy canes atop the decadent beverage, creating a sensory celebration of winter warmth.

Notes

• Prevent Burning: Stir chocolate mixture every 30 minutes to avoid scorching and ensure smooth, even melting of chocolate chips.
• Control Chocolate Consistency: Use a combination of semisweet and milk chocolate chips for balanced sweetness and prevent overwhelming richness.
• Customize Temperature Settings: Maintain low crockpot temperature to gently heat ingredients without boiling, preserving delicate milk proteins and chocolate texture.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with optional flavor boosters like peppermint extract, cinnamon, or a splash of Bailey’s for adult versions to create personalized holiday experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg