As the crisp air of autumn deepens into the chill of winter, and the festive spirit of the holidays begins to sparkle, there’s nothing quite as comforting and inviting as a warm mug of hot chocolate. But not just any hot chocolate – we’re talking about a rich, velvety, and subtly spiced delight: Crock Pot Mexican Hot Chocolate. This isn’t merely a drink; it’s an experience, a journey for your taste buds that combines the familiar sweetness of chocolate with an intriguing hint of warmth and spice, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. Forget the instant packets; this recipe offers a depth of flavor and a creamy texture that simply can’t be matched, making it an essential addition to your seasonal traditions or any cold evening when you crave something truly special.
Indulge in the Warmth: The Magic of Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Chocolate
Traditional hot chocolate holds a special place in our hearts, but Mexican hot chocolate elevates this classic to new heights. The secret lies in its unique blend of flavors, where rich chocolate meets the aromatic embrace of cinnamon and a gentle, warming kick from chili. Our Crock Pot Mexican Hot Chocolate offers a wonderfully fun twist on the conventional, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The beauty of preparing this beverage in a slow cooker is its “set it and forget it” simplicity, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a supremely smooth and rich consistency without constant stirring.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. If you’re new to the spicy allure of Mexican hot chocolate or prefer a milder taste, you can easily adjust the amount of ancho chili. Feel free to use a smaller portion or even omit it entirely if you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences. In fact, for larger gatherings, a clever tip is to prepare two slow cookers simultaneously: one with this invigorating Mexican Hot Chocolate and another with a traditional hot chocolate recipe. This way, every guest can find their perfect cup of comfort, ensuring everyone is happy and satisfied.
For those looking to add an adult twist, transforming this comforting drink into a festive cocktail is incredibly simple. Just stir in your favorite tequila, rum, or a creamy liqueur like Kahlúa or Baileys for a more spirited version of this already delightful hot chocolate. The subtle heat of the chili pairs exceptionally well with the robust notes of many spirits, creating a sophisticated and cozy beverage perfect for holiday parties or a relaxing evening in.
Beyond the optional chili, another layer of flavor can be added through cinnamon. While the recipe already includes ground cinnamon, you can enhance its presence by sprinkling extra cinnamon onto your whipped cream topping. This not only adds a beautiful visual touch but also intensifies the warm, spicy aroma with every sip. It’s these small, customizable details that make Crock Pot Mexican Hot Chocolate a truly versatile and enjoyable treat for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate
Crafting the perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate in your slow cooker requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that contribute to its creamy texture, deep chocolate flavor, and signature spicy warmth. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, comforting taste:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret to an incredibly rich and luxurious mouthfeel. It adds body and indulgence, transforming the hot chocolate from a simple drink into a decadent dessert.
- Half and Half: Providing a balance between the richness of cream and the lightness of milk, half and half contributes to the overall creamy consistency without being overly heavy.
- Whole Milk (or 2%): The base of our hot chocolate, milk ensures a smooth liquid consistency while still contributing to the creaminess. Whole milk is preferred for maximum richness, but 2% milk can be used for a slightly lighter version without compromising too much on flavor.
- Boiling Water: Used to melt and blend the chocolate and cinnamon effectively, ensuring a smooth, lump-free base before combining with the dairy.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the chocolate, adding a fragrant depth that complements the other flavors.
- Instant Coffee: Don’t worry, this won’t make your hot chocolate taste like coffee! A small amount of instant coffee (or espresso powder) is a common chef’s trick to deepen the chocolate flavor, making it taste more intense and robust without adding a coffee taste.
- Ground Cinnamon: A cornerstone of Mexican hot chocolate, cinnamon provides a warm, sweet, and woody spice that is integral to its distinctive character. It’s more than just a spice; it’s a flavor enhancer that marries beautifully with chocolate.
- Milk Chocolate (shaved or chunked): The quality of your chocolate matters! Using good quality milk chocolate, shaved or chunked, ensures a superior flavor and smooth melting. Milk chocolate provides a sweeter, milder chocolate profile that works well with the spice. Dark chocolate can be substituted for a more intense chocolate experience.
- Ancho Chili, dried: This is where the “Mexican” in Mexican hot chocolate comes from. Ancho chilies are dried poblano peppers, offering a mild heat with smoky, fruity, and earthy undertones. They provide a gentle, warming kick rather than an aggressive spice, adding a unique depth that makes this drink truly special.
When serving, remember to finish each mug with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for an irresistible presentation and added delight. The creamy topping cools the spice ever so slightly and adds another layer of texture.
The Advantage of a Digital Slow Cooker for Your Hot Chocolate
For recipes like this Crock Pot Mexican Hot Chocolate, the right kitchen tool can make all the difference. We highly recommend using a slow cooker that features a digital timer and an automatic “keep warm” function. This seemingly small feature offers significant advantages:
- Perfect Cooking Every Time: A digital timer ensures your hot chocolate simmers for precisely the right duration, allowing flavors to fully develop without overcooking or scorching.
- Stress-Free Hosting: The automatic switch to “warm” mode means you don’t have to constantly monitor the clock. Your delicious hot chocolate will stay at the ideal serving temperature for hours, freeing you up to enjoy your guests or other tasks.
- Safety and Convenience: No more worrying about hurried transfers or last-minute adjustments. Once it’s done, it stays perfectly ready, minimizing effort and maximizing enjoyment.
Investing in a quality slow cooker with these features will not only simplify this recipe but also enhance your cooking experience for countless other dishes.
More Delicious Hot Chocolate & Holiday Sweet Treat Ideas
If you’re as passionate about hot chocolate and festive sweet treats as we are, you’re in for a delightful journey! Over the years, we’ve explored countless variations of this beloved beverage, discovering unique flavor combinations and fun ways to enjoy it. Don’t miss these other fantastic hot chocolate recipes that are perfect for cozy evenings or holiday celebrations:
- White Hot Chocolate: A smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet alternative to traditional hot chocolate.
- Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies: A fun, snackable treat combining the classic Muddy Buddy crunch with rich hot chocolate flavors.
- Nutella Hot Chocolate: Indulge in the irresistible combination of hazelnut and chocolate in a warm, comforting drink.
- Crockpot Hot Chocolate: Our classic slow cooker hot chocolate recipe, perfect for any occasion.
- Red Velvet Hot Chocolate: A festive and visually stunning hot chocolate with the beloved flavors of red velvet cake.
It’s incredible to reflect on the array of hot chocolate variations we’ve created and shared over the past decade of posting recipes. Each one brings its own unique charm and flavor profile. Do you have a favorite type of hot chocolate? We love hearing about your go-to comfort drinks!
We genuinely hope you’ll adore this Crockpot Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe as much as we do. It’s a simple way to bring a touch of exotic warmth and comfort to your home, especially during the colder months.
Are you a fan of easy and delicious recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes (for your favorite restaurant dishes), delightful dessert recipes, and our ever-popular CrockPot Recipes, designed to make your meal preparation effortless and enjoyable.
Stay connected and never miss out on our latest culinary inspirations! Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our newest recipe posts, travel guides, and lifestyle tips.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
How to make Mexican Hot Chocolate in the Crockpot! The perfect spicy chocolate drink to warm up on cold winter days.
Print
Rate
20 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 20 minutes
10
182kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Half and Half
- 2 cups Whole Milk or 2%
- 1 ½ cup Boiling water
- 3 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tablespoon Instant coffee
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- 8 oz Milk chocolate shaved or chunked
- 1 Ancho Chili dried
Instructions
- Combine the heavy cream, half and half, and whole milk in the slow cooker bowl.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and instant coffee until well combined with the dairy mixture.
- In a separate heatproof bowl, combine the shaved or chunked milk chocolate with the boiling water. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add the ground cinnamon and blend thoroughly into the chocolate mixture.
- Carefully pour the rich chocolate and cinnamon mixture into the slow cooker with the milk mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Carefully add the dried Ancho Chili to the slow cooker. Ensure it is submerged in the liquid to infuse its flavors.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours. This allows the chocolate to fully dissolve and the flavors to meld beautifully. After 2 hours, reduce the heat to low or the “warm” setting to maintain serving temperature. Stir the mixture occasionally throughout the cooking and holding process to prevent skin from forming and ensure even heat distribution.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Notes
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 126
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Recipe originally shared on October 13, 2016. Updated and enhanced October 2020.