Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

There’s something magical about the smell of hot chocolate swirling through the house, especially on Christmas Eve. The snow might be falling, or maybe you’re curled up with loved ones by the fire, but no matter the scene, Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate is the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season. It’s rich, velvety, and so decadent that every sip feels like a cozy hug in a mug.

The beauty of this recipe? It’s made in the slow cooker, so once you toss in the ingredients, you can forget about it while it works its magic. You’ll be greeted with a creamy, perfectly sweetened hot chocolate that’s better than anything you can get from a packet. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a festive drink that everyone will want to cozy up to.

Trust me, you’re going to want this creamy, indulgent hot chocolate on repeat this holiday season!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

• Set-It-and-Forget-It: Toss everything in your crockpot, set it, and forget it! It’s super easy and leaves you time to do other things while your hot chocolate brews.
• Rich & Creamy: The slow-cooking process makes the cocoa blend beautifully with the milk and cream, creating a hot chocolate that’s extra creamy and full of flavor.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve party or just spending a quiet night in, this recipe is made to serve a crowd. Plus, it can be easily doubled if you have a larger group to treat!
• Customizable: Add in peppermint for a minty twist, top with marshmallows or whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for some extra holiday cheer.
• Kid and Adult Friendly: It’s a treat the whole family can enjoy! You can even make an adult version by adding a little splash of Baileys or spiced rum for those who want something with a kick.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich, creamy hot chocolate:

For the Hot Chocolate:

• Whole Milk: For the best creamy texture, don’t skimp on the whole milk. It makes the hot chocolate ultra-smooth and rich.
• Heavy Cream: This takes your hot chocolate to the next level of decadence. It’s what gives it that silky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The key to a deep, rich flavor. You could also use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier version.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds that extra chocolatey depth.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: For the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. It helps the hot chocolate stay thick and smooth.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla to round out the flavors and add a touch of warmth.
• Mini Marshmallows or Whipped Cream (optional, for topping): Because what’s hot chocolate without the fun toppings?

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making this Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate is so simple, you’ll have it brewing in no time!

1. Combine the Ingredients:

In a 4-6 quart crockpot, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together until well combined.

2. Slow Cook:

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. You want the chocolate to fully melt and blend with the milk and cream, creating a silky texture. Keep an eye on it, but don’t worry too much—it’s nearly foolproof!

3. Stir in Vanilla:

Once your hot chocolate is creamy and smooth, add a splash of vanilla extract and stir to combine. Taste it and see if you want to adjust the sweetness or chocolate levels by adding a bit more cocoa or sugar.

4. Serve & Top:

Ladle the creamy hot chocolate into mugs, and then have fun with the toppings! Marshmallows, whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even crushed candy canes for a festive minty twist. Get creative with how you serve it—it’s your holiday treat!

5. Enjoy:

Sip, savor, and enjoy the cozy comfort of this creamy, dreamy hot chocolate. Whether it’s for a Christmas Eve gathering or a quiet night by the fire, this will quickly become a holiday tradition.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

How to Serve Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate

This hot chocolate is already the perfect dessert on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it up:

• Gingerbread Cookies: Pair a mug of hot chocolate with a freshly baked gingerbread cookie for a festive combo.
• Christmas Tree Cake: Slice into a piece of homemade Christmas tree cake or a simple pound cake for a delightful snack alongside your hot chocolate.
• Shortbread Cookies: Serve with buttery shortbread cookies for a simple, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
• Candy Canes: Stir your hot chocolate with a candy cane for a peppermint infusion that’s as festive as it is delicious.

Additional Tips

• Make it Dairy-Free: If you need to make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips as well!
• Add a Kick: For an adult version, add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or a shot of spiced rum for a warming, boozy treat.
• Toppings Galore: Don’t be shy with the toppings! Marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, or even caramel drizzle all make fantastic additions to this hot chocolate.
• Storage: If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the hot chocolate in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and stir before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
A1: Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter, different flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate gives the best balance, but feel free to experiment!

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the hot chocolate ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to stir it well to bring back that smooth texture.

Q3: How can I adjust the sweetness?
A3: If you prefer your hot chocolate less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add a little less sugar. Taste it as you go and adjust accordingly!

Q4: How do I make this spiked for adults?
A4: For a festive, adult version, add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or spiced rum to each mug of hot chocolate. Stir it in and enjoy the extra warmth!

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With its rich, creamy texture and sweet, chocolatey flavor, Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate is the perfect way to bring a little extra magic to your holiday season. Whether you’re making it for family and friends or just enjoying a quiet moment on your own, it’s guaranteed to make your Christmas Eve even more special.

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