Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Whole milk, semisweet chocolate, and cocoa powder make a smooth, pourable hot chocolate in the slow cooker. Heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk give this batch a richer texture and sweetness. Whisk the cocoa with a little milk before it goes into the cooker to prevent dry clumps, then cook on LOW, stirring occasionally. The time will vary by appliance; the drink is ready when the chocolate has melted and the mixture looks smooth. Add large marshmallows just before serving so they float on top.

Ingredients for Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

• 6 cups whole milk, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, about 12 ounces (340g)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20g)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (150g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
• About 2 cups large marshmallows (100g), for serving

Use a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. In a much larger cooker, the shallow mixture may be more likely to catch on the bottom.

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

1. Whisk the cocoa: In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder with about 1 cup of the milk until evenly brown, with no dry lumps.
2. Fill the slow cooker: Add the cocoa mixture, remaining milk, cream, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir to distribute the ingredients. Do not preheat the cooker.
3. Cook on LOW: Cover and cook, lifting the lid briefly to stir every 30 to 45 minutes. Start checking at about 1 1/2 hours. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and the drink looks smooth and evenly colored after stirring, about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours total. Slow cookers vary, so use those cues rather than the clock alone.
4. Finish and serve: Stir in the vanilla and taste before adding any extra sweetener. Switch to WARM for serving and stir occasionally, keeping the drink fluid rather than bubbling. Add the large marshmallows to the surface just before ladling into mugs so they soften at the edges without dissolving into the batch.

Adjusting the Richness and Sweetness

Cream gives this version its richer texture, while condensed milk adds sweetness and body. For a lighter drink, use 2% milk and reduce or omit some of the cream; the result will be thinner and less creamy. For a less-sweet chocolate flavor, use bittersweet or darker chocolate and reduce the condensed milk. Milk chocolate will make the drink sweeter, so taste it before adding anything else.

How to Store and Reheat Hot Chocolate

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until hot, then stir well. Add fresh marshmallows when serving.

For another warm drink to serve to a group, try hot spiced apple cider.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 1/8 of the batch: 640 calories, 12g protein, 43g fat, and 60g carbohydrates. Per 100g: about 200 calories, 4g protein, 14g fat, and 19g carbohydrates. Values vary with the chocolate, dairy, and marshmallows used.