When weather is cold, this party hot chocolate is the perfect rich, decadent beverage to keep warm in a slow cooker and allow guests to serve themselves.

This yummy party hot chocolate is my go-to beverage to serve a small crowd during cold weather and the holiday season. It is easy to make and keep warm in a slow cooker, so guests can serve themselves as they please. I’ve learned the hard way, however, to keep the slow cooker on low (or warm~depending upon the slow cooker) and stir often. If left too long without stirring, the milk might scald on top and ruin the whole batch.

This recipe makes 10 coffee-cup servings of hot cocoa and can be doubled for a larger group. Any leftovers can be poured into a glass or plastic beverage container, refrigerated and reheated as needed.

Variations: I’ve added instant espresso powder to this (1/4 cup) for a cafe mocha beverage. I’ve substituted almond extract for vanilla (but used less almond since it is stronger). I’ve also played around with the chocolate chips and found Ghirardhelli semi-sweet to yield the best results.

Serving suggestions: When serving this to guests, I set up a beverage “station” with toppings. I put out miniature marshmallows, canned or homemade whipped cream, and white or semi-sweet chocolate chips. For kids, I often put out bowls of M & M’s, toffee bits, and colored sprinkles. Fudge pops (frozen Popcicle brand) are a fun accompaniment to this hot cocoa.  They can be used as “stirrers” to cool the hot cocoa and make a “frozen” hot chocolate!

I hope you enjoy this. If you try it, please let me hear from you in the comments section of the post. As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Be blessed, and stay savvy!!!

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Party Hot Chocolate

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This rich, decadent hot cocoa stays warm in a slow cooker and is perfect for serving a small group.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 gallon milk (2% or whole~not skim)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 8 oz whipped cream
• *extra whipped cream or marshmallows to garnish

Instructions

2. Place water, sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk well.
3. Add chocolate chips, whisk well until melted.
4. Add milk and whisk again until well combined.
5. Add vanilla and cinnamon; whisk until well combined.
6. Place all ingredients in slow cooker.
7. Stir in Cool Whip until completely blended.
8. Keep on low while serving; reduce to warm after three hours.
9. Ladle into cups; top with additional whipping cream or marshmallows if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 2383Total Fat 71gSaturated Fat 42gCholesterol 72mgSodium 3359mgCarbohydrates 416gSugar 370gProtein 83g