When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a cozy blanket, a festive movie, and a mug of creamy hot chocolate. But not just any hot chocolate—this Slow Cooker White Christmas Hot Chocolate is rich, velvety, and gently sweet, with the perfect balance of festive flavors and cozy vibes. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a mood booster, and a seasonal must-have.
The best part? You can whip it up with minimal effort thanks to your slow cooker. Just toss in the ingredients, stir a few times, and you’ve got a winter wonderland in a mug. This recipe is the perfect drink to serve at holiday parties, Christmas brunch, or just a quiet night at home by the fire. You’ll love how easy this is—and your guests will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
You don’t need much to create this magical white hot chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips (use high-quality chips or chop a white chocolate bar)
- 5 cups whole milk (for richness and creaminess)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half & half for a slightly lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for a warm holiday note)
Topping ideas:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
- White chocolate curls or shavings
- Festive sprinkles
Tip: Want to make it extra pretty? Use red and green holiday sprinkles or snowflake-shaped marshmallows for a touch of Christmas magic.
Instructions
1. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Start by adding the white chocolate chips, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using) into your slow cooker. Use a 4-quart or larger slow cooker to avoid any overflow.
Give it a gentle stir to begin blending the ingredients.
2. Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let everything heat for about 2–3 hours. Stir halfway through and again before serving to make sure all the white chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
The fragrance is dreamy, and the texture is silky—this hot chocolate is basically holiday joy in liquid form.
3. Serve with Toppings
When ready, ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each one with a swirl of whipped cream, a handful of mini marshmallows, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. You can even add chocolate spoons or peppermint sticks for extra flair.
This is your moment to have fun with presentation!
Tips and Tricks
Choose the Best White Chocolate
For the smoothest, most luxurious texture, opt for real white chocolate made with cocoa butter. Cheaper chips often contain stabilizers that don’t melt well. If you’re using a chocolate bar, chop it finely so it melts evenly.
Control the Sweetness
White chocolate is naturally quite sweet, so you likely won’t need any extra sugar. But if you prefer an even sweeter drink, feel free to stir in a tablespoon of powdered sugar or sweetened condensed milk after the chocolate has melted.
Add Holiday Flavors
Want to give it a little twist? Try one of these ideas:
- A splash of peppermint extract (go easy—start with ¼ tsp)
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
- A dash of hazelnut syrup for a nutty undertone
- A shot of espresso for a white mocha-style drink
Make It Boozy (Adults Only!)
If you’re serving adults, a splash of peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, or Baileys can make this drink feel extra festive. Add right before serving and stir well.
You’ll want to come back to this recipe year after year—it’s that good!
Serving Suggestions
This hot chocolate makes any holiday gathering more magical. Here’s how to serve it up in style:
- Use festive mugs with fun designs or holiday colors.
- Add a hot chocolate bar! Set out bowls of toppings so guests can customize their mugs.
- Pair it with Christmas cookies, like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or peppermint bark.
- Offer stir sticks like candy canes, cinnamon sticks, or chocolate-dipped spoons.
- Keep it warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting if you’re serving over a few hours.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Let the leftover hot chocolate cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure not to leave it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Reheating
You can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Or, heat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until warmed through.
If the mixture thickens a bit after chilling, just add a splash of milk when reheating.
Freezing
Yes—you can freeze this white hot chocolate! Pour cooled leftovers into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To serve again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. Frozen cubes also make great mix-ins for coffee or lattes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort, maximum wow. Toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it for a few hours.
- Perfect for parties. This recipe makes enough for a group and stays warm beautifully.
- Customizable. From the toppings to the add-ins, make it your own.
- Dairy-free? No problem. You can use oat, almond, or coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate.
- Freezable and reheatable. Make a big batch and save the rest for later!
It’s more than just a hot drink—it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. You’ll love how simple and festive it is, and your family and friends will be talking about it all season long.
FAQs
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in place of dairy, and be sure to use dairy-free white chocolate. The result may be slightly less creamy, but still delicious.
How long does it take to cook?
On LOW heat, it takes 2 to 3 hours. The prep is quick—just a few minutes to combine everything and stir.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it earlier in the day and keep it warm in the slow cooker. Or refrigerate and reheat later.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! If you’re using a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, doubling the ingredients is easy and works great for a party or large family gathering.
Can I add food coloring?
A drop or two of red or green food coloring can give this drink a festive look. Swirl it into the mugs before serving for a marbled effect!
Celebrate the season with something a little different—and a lot delightful. This Slow Cooker White Christmas Hot Chocolate is everything you love about the holidays in one creamy, cozy mug. Serve it with joy, sip with love, and make it part of your annual holiday cheer.
Slow Cooker White Christmas Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
- 5 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Add the white chocolate chips, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using) to the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to help the chocolate melt evenly.
- Once fully melted and smooth, stir again before serving.
- Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or your favorite festive toppings.