If you’ve never tried hot chocolate made with Nutella, you’re in for a decadent treat. This Slow Cooker Nutella Hot Chocolate turns a few simple ingredients into a rich, velvety drink that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to blend the flavors without watching the stove — just stir occasionally and enjoy the comforting aroma as it simmers.
There are many fun variations of hot chocolate to explore. Family favorites include Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate and Crockpot Mexican Hot Chocolate, both excellent options if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
Can you make creamy Nutella hot chocolate in the crock pot?
Yes — Nutella works beautifully in hot chocolate, and it’s perfectly safe and simple to heat in a slow cooker. This recipe removes the guesswork about temperature and timing: combine the ingredients, warm gently on low, and you’ll end up with a smooth, indulgent hot chocolate without worry. The method is great for serving a crowd and kid-friendly, too, so it’s a wonderful way to create warm memories together.
Recipe Ingredients
- Milk: The base for the hot chocolate (whole milk recommended for creaminess).
- Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and a silky texture.
- Nutella: 1/2 cup provides a concentrated chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder for depth of chocolate taste.
- Sugar: Start with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and adjust to your preferred sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon to round out and brighten the flavors.
- Optional toppings: Chocolate syrup, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or crushed hazelnuts.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – In a slow cooker, combine the milk, heavy cream, Nutella, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar.
Step Two – Whisk thoroughly so the Nutella and cocoa dissolve and blend into the milk.
Step Three – Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. When heated through and smooth, ladle into mugs and serve warm.
How to serve
- Ladle the Nutella hot chocolate into mugs and top with mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you like.
- Other great toppings include whipped cream, chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, and crushed almonds or hazelnuts for extra texture.
- It pairs wonderfully with cookies and pastries—chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, cheesecake bites, churros, or rolled wafers are all excellent choices.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Using hot cocoa mix will sweeten the drink and change the flavor slightly, so you may want to reduce the added sugar accordingly.
Absolutely. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can replace whole milk for a dairy-free or lighter option; results will vary slightly in creaminess.
Yes — once cooled, pour over ice and top with whipped cream for a Nutella iced chocolate. Chilling first helps it stay smooth over ice.
A whisk is usually enough, but a blender will create an extra-smooth texture if desired.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring to restore smoothness.
Adjust sugar to taste, add more Nutella for extra richness, or experiment with extracts (peppermint, almond), cinnamon, or a splash of coffee or liqueur for adult versions.
More Slow Cooker Beverages
- Crockpot White Christmas Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Grinch Hot Chocolate
- Candy Corn Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Hot White Russians
- Slow Cooker Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Baileys Irish Cream Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Mint Hot Chocolate
Slow Cooker Nutella Hot Chocolate
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 2 hrs | Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins | Servings: 8
Author: Sarah Olson
Equipment
- Slow cooker, 6 quart or larger
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Nutella
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate syrup and mini marshmallows, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine milk, heavy cream, Nutella, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla in the slow cooker. Stir until well blended.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust sweetness to taste. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warming spice. For an adult version, add a splash of Bailey’s or hazelnut liqueur. Leftovers refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 353 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 23 g | Sugar: 28 g
Nutrition info is an estimate. If you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Made this recipe? Leave a comment below to share how it turned out and any tweaks you tried!