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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Hot Chocolate: Easy Homemade Recipe

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This slow cooker spiced hot chocolate is a rich, velvety, and aromatic drink that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. Made with simple ingredients and infused with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne, it’s a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups whole milk (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (260 grams)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 grams)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon dusting, caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients: Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into your slow cooker. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the cocoa powder is mostly dissolved.
  2. Add the spices: Drop in the whole cinnamon stick and sprinkle in the cayenne pepper. Give it one more quick whisk to distribute the cayenne.
  3. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The hot chocolate is ready when it’s steaming hot and the chocolate chips have fully melted into the milk.
  4. Whisk before serving: Just before serving, give the hot chocolate a good whisk to incorporate everything and remove any skin that might have formed. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  5. Taste and adjust: Ladle a small amount into a mug and taste it. Adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
  6. Serve immediately: Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve right away while it’s hot and velvety.
  7. Keep warm for serving: If serving over a longer period, switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting. Stir occasionally.

Notes

Cooking on low is non-negotiable to prevent scorching. Use a whisk to avoid lumps. Add cayenne sparingly; ⅛ teaspoon provides warmth without heat. Don’t skip the salt as it enhances flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker hot chocolate, spiced hot chocolate, homemade hot chocolate, easy hot chocolate recipe, cozy drink, winter beverage, hot cocoa

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-hot-chocolate-easy-homemade-recipe/