Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (high quality preferred)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Pour the whole milk, heavy whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk into a large heavy-bottomed pot or a 6-quart slow cooker. Whisk the liquids together until they are fully combined and the condensed milk is no longer settled at the bottom. Turn the heat to medium-low on the stovetop, or set your slow cooker to the “High” setting.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt to the milk mixture. Stir frequently with a whisk to ensure the chocolate does not stick to the bottom or scorch. Continue heating for about 15–20 minutes on the stove (or 1.5 to 2 hours in a slow cooker) until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the beverage is smooth and steaming. Do not let the mixture reach a rolling boil, as this can scald the milk.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting to keep the punch warm throughout the party. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs or a large insulated punch bowl. Provide a “topping bar” featuring marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes so guests can customize their own drinks. For an adult-only version, offer a bottle of peppermint schnapps or Irish cream on the side for guests to add to their individual mugs.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes