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Cozy Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa Bar for Snowy Days

Slow cooker hot cocoa bar - featured image
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This rich and creamy slow cooker hot cocoa is perfect for snowy days. Set it and forget it, then customize with your favorite toppings for a cozy, communal treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups whole milk (1.9 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (120 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (175 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the Hot Cocoa Bar Toppings (optional):
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 can or homemade whipped cream
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes
  • ¼ cup chocolate shavings
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Instructions

  1. Sift the cocoa powder into a medium bowl or directly into the slow cooker to break up lumps.
  2. Whisk together the sifted cocoa powder, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Whisk vigorously until the dry ingredients are fully dissolved.
  4. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW. Cook for 2 hours.
  6. Stir halfway through to distribute the melting chocolate chips and prevent a film from forming.
  7. After 2 hours, check that the cocoa is steaming hot and chocolate chips are fully melted. If not, cook for another 30 minutes on low.
  8. Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting to keep the cocoa at the perfect serving temperature.
  9. While the cocoa heats, set up a hot cocoa bar with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, and sea salt flakes in small bowls.
  10. Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs and let everyone customize their own cup.

Notes

Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Use whole milk and heavy cream for the best creamy texture. Keep the cocoa on warm for up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk or coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker hot cocoa, hot chocolate, snow day recipe, winter drink, cocoa bar, creamy hot cocoa

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-slow-cooker-hot-cocoa-bar-for-snowy-days/