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Perfect Crockpot Halloween Hot Chocolate for Kids

crockpot halloween hot chocolate - featured image

This crockpot Halloween hot chocolate is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a superhero parent with almost zero effort. It’s rich, creamy, and has that perfect, nostalgic chocolate flavor that kids go bonkers for, and it stays warm in your slow cooker so you can focus on the festivities.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (270 grams)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (45 grams)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make a cocoa paste: In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Add about ½ cup of the whole milk from your measured 6 cups. Whisk it vigorously until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
  2. Combine everything in the crockpot: Pour the remaining 5 ½ cups of milk into your slow cooker. Add the cocoa paste, the 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Give it a good stir with your whisk to start incorporating everything.
  3. Cook on low: Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to LOW. Let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is hot and steamy. Give it a good, final whisk about 30 minutes before serving to make sure everything is perfectly combined and silky smooth.
  4. Keep it warm: Once the hot chocolate is ready, you can turn the crockpot to the ‘WARM’ setting. It will stay at the perfect drinking temperature for hours without scorching. It can sit on warm for 3-4 hours, ready for you to ladle out a cup whenever someone needs a warm-up.
  5. Serve and decorate: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Let the kids go wild with toppings! A mountain of mini marshmallows is non-negotiable. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or orange and black sprinkles makes it feel extra festive.

Notes

Don’t cook on HIGH as it can cause the milk to scald and the chocolate to seize. Making a cocoa paste is crucial for a smooth, lump-free hot chocolate. Stir before serving as cocoa solids can settle at the bottom. For a thicker hot chocolate, substitute 1 cup of milk with 1 cup of heavy cream. To make it dairy-free, use unsweetened oat milk or cashew milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot hot chocolate, Halloween hot chocolate, slow cooker hot chocolate, kid-friendly hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate, party drink, hot chocolate for a crowd