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Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate for Kids with Whipped Cream

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This rich and creamy crockpot hot chocolate is made with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for cold days, playdates, and family gatherings. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills your home with a warm, chocolatey aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Whipped Cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Toppings: mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prep the Crockpot: Plug in your slow cooker and set it to ‘low.’ Give the inside a quick wipe with a paper towel if needed.
  2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sift the cocoa powder if it is clumpy.
  3. Mix Everything in the Crockpot: Pour the 6 cups of whole milk into the slow cooker. Add the can of sweetened condensed milk (scrape every last bit out with a rubber spatula). Add the vanilla extract. Slowly sprinkle the cocoa powder mixture over the top while whisking constantly until smooth and combined.
  4. Cook on Low: Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours. After about an hour, give it a gentle stir with the whisk to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
  5. Check the Consistency: After 2 hours, the hot chocolate should be steaming hot, smooth, and slightly thickened. If you want it even thicker, let it cook for another 30 minutes.
  6. Switch to ‘Warm’ Setting: Once the hot chocolate is ready, switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting. It will stay perfectly hot for up to 4 hours.
  7. Make the Whipped Cream: While the hot chocolate is cooking, pour 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Serve: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Add any optional toppings like mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. For a peppermint variation, add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, hot chocolate for kids, easy hot chocolate, homemade hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, winter drink, Christmas drink

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-crockpot-hot-chocolate-for-kids-with-whipped-cream/