Sweet and warming slow-cooker hot chocolate is perfect for serving a crowd.

Everyone will want another cup once they try it.

Whole milk and half-and-half make it ultra creamy, while theaddition of dark chocolate chipsamp up the chocolatey richness.

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate in mugs to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel

Kick things up a notch with an optional shot or two of peppermint schnapps.

Is It OK To Heat Milk in a Slow Cooker?

Ingredients

3cups(about 12 oz.

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

)powdered sugar, sifted

2cups(about 6 1/2 oz.

)unsweetened cocoa powder

6cups(1 1/2 qt.)

whole milk

6cups(1 1/2 qt.)

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate after adding the chocolate chips

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

half-and-half

2tsp.vanilla extract

1tsp.kosher salt

1(10-oz.)

Turn slow cooker setting to LOW; gradually add milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to break up lumps.

Cover and continue cooking until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate combining the dry ingredients in the slow cooker

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Turn slow cooker setting to WARM to hold remaining hot chocolate up to 2 hours.

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate whisking in the milk and half and half

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate after cooking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate adding the chocolate chips

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate in mugs to serve topped with marshmallows and starlight mints

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox