Description
Smooth Christmas Eve Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate brings festive warmth to holiday gatherings with rich chocolate and silky marshmallow magic. Guests will savor each comforting sip, experiencing pure winter bliss in a mug.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 tbsp chocolate shavings
- 1 can whipped cream
- 4 candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Whisk together cocoa powder and granulated sugar in a separate bowl to eliminate any potential lumps and create a smooth base.
- Pour whole milk and heavy cream into the crockpot, creating a rich and luxurious liquid foundation.
- Gradually incorporate the cocoa-sugar mixture into the milk, stirring continuously to achieve a uniform blend.
- Add chopped dark chocolate, allowing it to slowly melt and infuse deep, complex chocolate notes into the mixture.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon and salt into the liquid, enhancing the hot chocolate’s depth of flavor profile.
- Stir in vanilla extract, which will provide a subtle aromatic essence to the beverage.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- When ready to serve, use a ladle to transfer the hot chocolate into festive mugs.
- Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating a cloud-like texture.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
- Optionally, garnish with mini marshmallows and insert a candy cane as a festive stirrer.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the rich, creamy texture is enjoyed at its peak.
Notes
- Prevent lumps by whisking cocoa powder and sugar thoroughly before adding to milk, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Experiment with chocolate variations like milk or white chocolate for different flavor profiles, catering to individual taste preferences.
- Lower fat alternative by substituting whole milk with almond or oat milk, making the recipe more diet-friendly and accommodating lactose-intolerant guests.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or orange zest for a surprising and sophisticated twist on traditional hot chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg