Last Updated on November 27, 2022 by Kimberly Stroh

There’s nothing better than a warm cup of REAL hot chocolate. If you’ve never tried homemade hot chocolate, you’re missing out. It has a rich and velvety flavor that can only be achieve my using real cocoa, chocolate and cream. I took traditional hot cocoa and kicked it up a notch with this Nutella Hot Chocolate Slow Cooker recipe. If you’re a fan of chocolate and hazelnut, you’ll love this recipe!

You might be wondering what the benefits are to making it in the slow cooker. First of all, the milk won’t curdle. That’s because you’re slowly warming it while the chocolate ingredients are melting into the dairy. It makes a big batch too.

That means it’s a great recipe to serve at a holiday party or have ready for Christmas morning, by making it the night before. I served this Nutella Hot Chocolate recipe at a cookie exchange party last year that was outside in our cul de sac. The slow cooker was placed outside, on a table, and I used an extension cord to keep it plugged in. Everyone could enjoy hot cocoa whenever they were ready. 

I added marshmallows and topped it with shaved chocolate. Of course, you don’t have to add marshmallows. You could do a whipped cream topping as well. If everyone wants marshmallows, consider adding them at the end to the slow cooker (directly on top). That’ll keep them soft and melty – which is sooo good.

Looking for even more great Hot Chocolate recipes? Check out these other ways to make your hot chocolate to warm up this winter season:

• Andes Mint Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
• 5 Minute Stovetop Hot Chocolate
• Hot Chocolate Cocoa Bomb
• Mexican Hot Chocolate

How To Make Nutella Hot Chocolate In The Slow Cooker

I use a large 6-quart slow cooker to make this hot chocolate. Definitely opt for a larger slow cooker that has a bigger cooking area. The slow cooker is great because the warm setting automatically comes on to keep the hot chocolate warm.

When To Make Nutella Hot Chocolate

This is a great wintertime drink, but I make it the most during the holiday season. The hazelnut flavor the the Nutella goes so well with cocoa. It’s super christmasy and festive. I make it for Christmas parties, potlucks and neighborhood gatherings. It doesn’t transport easily (you’d have to bring the slow cooker), but if you’re hosting the party – definitely make this!

How Many Servings Will This Make?

This recipe makes exactly 8 cups, but it’s such a rich and creamy hot chocolate. Most guests are having a 1/2 cup serving, with toppings. If you want to make it for a party, you can double the recipe and have 16 cups! That’s a lot of hot chocolate, but if you think guests might want seconds – double it.

Slow Cooker Nutella Hot Chocolate Topping Ideas:

• Marshmallows
• Cool Whips
• Homemade Whipped Cream
• Flavored Marshmallows
• Chocolate Syrup
• Caramel Sauce
• Chocolate Shavings

What To Do With Leftovers

If you have any leftover Nutella Hot Chocolate, pour it into an airtight food storage container. Keep it in the refrigerator because of the dairy. To reheat the hot chocolate, you can use the stovetop on a low heat setting or your slow cooker again on the warm setting. Add more toppings!

Directions To Make Slow Cooker Nutella Hot Chocolate

Measure out all of your ingredients for prep. Dump all of the ingredients together in the slow cooker and stir together. Yes – it’s that easy! Set your slow cooker on low for 4 hours.

Add marshmallows, whipped cream or shaved chocolate pieces for a topping. Serve warm in your favorite holiday mugs!