Sometimes, there’s nothing better on a cold day than a cup (or three) of hot chocolate. This recipe is so easy and super-chocolatey-fantastic, you’ll wonder why you ever used those store-bought packets. Homemade is truly the best there is.

Ingredients: 

• 6 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Preparation:

• Add the first 4 ingredients to your slow-cooker, and whisk until well-combined.
• Add the chocolate chips and whisk again.
• Set the slow-cooker on low, and let this heat and combine for two hours, stirring occasionally.
• When all of the chocolate is melted, and the mixture is heated through, it’s ready to go.
• Make to sure to whisk or stir thoroughly before each serving.

Leave the slow-cooker on warm or low to keep the hot chocolate warm. This makes about 10 generous (large mug) servings. It’s perfect for holiday parties or just to enjoy throughout a cold day. To make it an even bigger hit, set up a tray with fun add-ins like marshmallows, peppermint sticks, peanut butter, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, flavored creamers, and whipped cream.

You can use any kind of chips to make your own version of perfect hot chocolate: semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips. Most stores also sell chocolate chips with mint, peanut butter, or caramel already added. Mix it up, and have fun creating this classic cold-weather, feel-good, warm-your-bones beverage.

I put this in the fridge overnight because we had some left over. I put the whole crock with the lid right in there. The next day, I put it back into the slow-cooker base and heated it on low. It was even creamier and more delicious the next day.

What is your favorite add-in for hot chocolate? Let us know in the comments!