This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of homemade hot chocolate made with just five simple ingredients. This cozy, decadent drink combines real semisweet chocolate, creamy milk, and a hint of vanilla made on the stovetop or in a crockpot. You will love it topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.
Hot Chocolate Bar with Toppings
This quick and easy homemade hot chocolate is topped with a variety of toppings. Always a hit at parties!
Tis the season for sipping homemade hot chocolate on the daily. There’s nothing better than whipping up a batch of homemade hot chocolate made with the freshest of ingredients. It is beyond easy, takes only a few minutes, and tastes so much more gourmet than pouring a packet of hot chocolate mix in hot water. This is the real deal!
Nothing beats a warm, rich cup of hot chocolate made from scratch, especially when it’s crafted with just five simple ingredients. Ditch the store-bought mixes—this homemade version is pure decadence, made with semisweet chocolate, milk, sugar, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or need a comforting winter treat, this recipe is quick, easy, and utterly indulgent. Plus, I’ll show you how to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker!
Since December is such a busy month, we are all looking for ways to simplify our lives and slow down, while still enjoying the holidays and special traditions with our families. Every year, we do a hot chocolate, PJ’s, and movie night. It is one of my kids’ favorite traditions and they look forward to it every year.
To make it extra simple, I throw all of the ingredients into my crockpot to make Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate. It is perfect because it keeps the hot chocolate warm and it takes almost no work. It is perfect when you are throwing a party since the guests can scoop up warm hot chocolate at any time. This helps to make a stress-free holiday!
What ingredients are in Homemade Hot Chocolate?
It only takes 5 ingredients — Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Sugar, and Vanilla.
I love to make my homemade hot chocolate with milk to make it perfectly rich and creamy.
Why Use Milk for Hot Chocolate?
Using milk instead of water is the key to making hot chocolate creamy and luxurious. Milk adds richness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate, creating a smoother and richer drink.
Hot Chocolate Bar Topping Ideas:
Fresh Whipped Cream
Chocolate Shavings (grated or chopped from a chocolate bar)
Marshmallows
Candy Canes
Peppermint Bark
Caramels
Mint Chocolate Chips
Andes Mints
You can easily find all of the ingredients to throw together an easy Hot Chocolate Bar at your local grocery store. Look for the holiday section in your local store to find everything you need for a hot chocolate party.
This homemade hot chocolate recipe can be made on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. It will take longer to warm up in the slow cooker but it is perfect to keep on the warm setting during a party. I will include directions for both methods.
How to Make Hot Chocolate in the Slow Cooker:
Using a crockpot is a convenient way to make hot chocolate if you’re serving a crowd or want to keep it warm for a long time.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Add the milk, heavy cream, chopped chocolate, and sugar to the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The chocolate will melt slowly and blend into the milk.
- Add Vanilla and Stir: After 2 hours, stir in the vanilla extract and whisk the mixture to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
You can also change the amount of sugar depending on the desired sweetness. I find if I am making this for kids, they like a sweeter, more milk chocolate tasting hot chocolate while adults sometimes prefer a richer darker chocolate hot chocolate. It is also fun to add some homemade marshmallows to the hot chocolate at the very end and let them melt until they are ooey gooey.
FAQ’s about Homemade Hot Chocolate:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can swap semisweet chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter drink or dark chocolate if you want it more intense and rich. Just adjust the sugar to taste.
Can I make dairy-free hot chocolate?
Yes! Use almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk you like. For creaminess, you can use coconut cream or skip the heavy cream altogether if you prefer a lighter version.
How do I store leftover hot chocolate?
Let the hot chocolate cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Can I make hot chocolate in advance?
Yes! Make the hot chocolate, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Making hot chocolate from scratch is an easy way to elevate a classic treat into something truly special. Whether you’re preparing it on the stovetop for a quick cozy drink or using your crockpot for a larger crowd, this recipe is full of rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey goodness. Experiment with different toppings, adjust the sweetness to your taste, and enjoy this comforting drink all season long!
I love to hear from you! If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating. Sign up for my newsletter below so you never miss a recipe. Thank you for following along! I truly do have the greatest readers. FOLLOW ME ON:Â Â INSTAGRAMÂ —Â FACEBOOK —Â PINTEREST
More Christmas Recipes:
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
Half-Recipe:
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 3 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
Full-Recipe:
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 6 cups Whole Milk
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
Topping Ideas:
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Shavings (grated or chopped from a chocolate bar)
- Marshmallows
- Candy Canes
- Peppermint Bark
- Caramels
- Mint Chocolate Chips
- Andes Mints
Instructions
In Slow Cooker:
- Add chocolate, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla into slow cooker. Set to low or high setting, depending on how quickly you want it to heat up. Stir together. Let heat for 1-2 hours, stirring hour, until chocolate is melted and sugar is dissolved.
In a large pot:
- Heat whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla over medium heat. Stir often until it becomes warm. Add chocolate chips and stir together. Heat for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Toppings:
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve right away.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Such a fun idea! I loved all of the inspo so helpful!