Chocolate Cherry Hot Chocolate

This slow cooker chocolate covered cherry hot chocolate is the ultimate cozy winter drink that brings together the richness of cocoa and chocolate with the bright, sweet flavor of cherry syrup. Perfect for warming up on a chilly night or serving at a party, it’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker so you can enjoy hands-free indulgence.

I first made this during a holiday gathering, and it quickly became the drink everyone requests. The combination of chocolate and cherry is so comforting and a little nostalgic for me.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk: provides a creamy base and richness to the hot chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream: adds luscious texture and smoothness
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder: key for that rich chocolatey flavor, choose unsweetened for best results
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: melty and gooey, use good quality chocolate to enhance flavor
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: balances the bitterness of cocoa and enhances sweetness
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherry syrup: adds bright, fruity notes, be sure to drain well
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors with warm sweetness
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: heightens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness
• Maraschino cherries for topping: optional but adds a festive touch
• Whipped cream for topping: optional for extra indulgence
• Chocolate shavings for topping: optional to add texture and decoration
• Marshmallows for topping: optional for traditional hot chocolate appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the slow cooker:

Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it generously with nonstick spray or rubbing a small amount of butter inside to prevent sticking.

Mix the dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly. This helps break up any lumps and ensures even flavor distribution in the hot chocolate.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and maraschino cherry syrup into the slow cooker. Add the combined dry ingredients, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Whisk everything together until mostly smooth.

Cook on low:

Set your slow cooker to the low setting and cook for about 2 hours. Every 30 to 45 minutes, open and stir the mixture well to help the chocolate chips melt evenly and prevent any sticking to the sides or bottom.

Adjust and serve:

Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or cherry flavor as you like. If the mixture becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk for the perfect consistency.

Serve and garnish:

Ladle the warm hot chocolate into mugs. Top with your choice of whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows for a decadent finish.

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One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the maraschino cherry syrup. It adds just the right pop of fruity sweetness without overpowering the chocolate, making each sip feel special. I have fond memories of making this for family holidays and watching everyone’s faces light up when they try it for the first time.

Storage Tips

Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave and whisk in a bit of milk to keep the texture smooth and creamy. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

For dairy-free or vegan versions swap the whole milk and heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and use coconut cream for richness. Substitute regular chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips to keep it dairy-free. If you cannot find maraschino cherry syrup, you can substitute with a cherry jam or syrup but reduce any added sugar accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This hot chocolate goes beautifully with freshly baked cookies or chocolate chip scones for a delightful afternoon treat. For an adult twist, try stirring in a splash of cherry liqueur or amaretto before serving. It’s also fantastic with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few drops of peppermint extract for a seasonal change.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chocolate works best for this drink?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt smoothly providing a rich, balanced chocolate taste that complements the cherry syrup well.

→ Can I use non-dairy milks for this drink?

Yes, almond or oat milk combined with coconut cream makes a delicious dairy-free alternative while maintaining creaminess.

→ How long should I cook the mixture for optimal flavor?

Set to low and cook for about 2 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to ensure even melting and flavor infusion.

→ What toppings enhance the final drink?

Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows add texture and depth to each serving.

→ Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?

Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated. The flavor often intensifies after resting. It also freezes well for longer storage.

→ Are there ways to adjust the sweetness or cherry flavor?

Yes, taste and add more sugar or cherry syrup as preferred during cooking or before serving for your desired balance.