Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chocolate base options:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with 1/4 cup sugar
- 8 ounces chopped milk or dark chocolate
- Optional:
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (for extra sweetness and creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance flavor)
- Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Festive sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. Set Up the Base
- Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into your crockpot. Set it to low heat to prevent scorching.
2. Warm the Mixture
- Stir occasionally to ensure the milk and cream warm evenly. This gradual heating is key to achieving a silky texture.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate Base
- Choose your preferred chocolate base and add it to the crockpot:
- For chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, stir frequently to ensure even melting.
- For cocoa powder, whisk it in slowly with sugar to avoid clumps.
4. Sweeten to Taste
- Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar, sweetened condensed milk, or more chocolate. This step is entirely customizable to your taste preferences.
5. Flavor Boost (Optional)
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a festive twist.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully heated, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs.
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients:
- Opt for good-quality chocolate to ensure a luxurious taste. Avoid overly sweet or waxy chocolate.
- Keep an Eye on the Temperature:
- Set the crockpot to low heat and avoid boiling the mixture to preserve its creamy consistency.
- Customize the Sweetness:
- Adjust sugar levels based on your chosen chocolate. Dark chocolate may require more sugar, while milk chocolate might need less.
- Prepare in Advance:
- This recipe can be kept warm in the crockpot for hours, making it a stress-free option for parties. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours