Description
Pioneering warmth, Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate delivers rich chocolate comfort straight from Ree Drummond’s kitchen. Creamy milk, cocoa, and sweet touches mingle slowly, creating a luxurious mug perfect for chilly evenings when you crave indulgent comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 bars (4 ounces/113 grams each) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 15 jumbo marshmallows, plus extra for serving
Sweeteners and Flavors:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee (optional)
Optional Adult Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (237 milliliters) Irish cream liqueur like Bailey’s (optional, for adults)
- Shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Create a smooth base by thoroughly blending granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder inside the slow cooker, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Gradually introduce whole milk, stirring continuously to prevent ingredient separation, then gently incorporate heavy cream until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
- Enhance the chocolate profile by adding finely chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa), pure vanilla extract, and optional instant espresso powder to amplify the rich chocolate undertones.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the mixture to gently heat for approximately 120 minutes (2 hours), periodically whisking to maintain even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- When the chocolate has completely dissolved and the liquid reaches a velvety texture, introduce mini marshmallows, letting them melt and create a luxurious, creamy surface.
- For adult versions, carefully stir in Irish cream liqueur (30 milliliters or 1 fluid ounce) to add a warming, sophisticated note.
- Transfer the decadent hot chocolate into prewarmed ceramic mugs, garnishing with additional marshmallows, shaved dark chocolate, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.
- Maintain the slow cooker on warm setting to keep the beverage at an ideal serving temperature throughout your gathering.
Notes
- Elevate your hot chocolate game with a slow cooker method that turns ordinary ingredients into a luxurious winter beverage.
- Prep work becomes a breeze by whisking cocoa and sugar first, eliminating pesky lumps before adding liquid.
- Heavy cream transforms this drink from simple to gourmet, creating a silky-smooth texture that impresses guests.
- Gradually melting chopped chocolate develops a deeper, more complex flavor profile than standard powdered mixes.
- Experimenting with add-ins like instant espresso or Irish cream liqueur allows for personalized, grown-up variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg