Polar Express Hot Chocolate

‘Tis the season to be jolly and enjoy this absolutely delicious Polar Express hot chocolate. It’s rich and velvety and will transport you right to that magical Christmas train. 

Inspired by the movie’s most memorable scene, it’s more than just a drink.

It’s a deeply chocolatey, creamy, and utterly indulgent experience.  Add your favorite toppings to make it your own! 

Why You’ll Love This Polar Express Hot Chocolate

Rich Indulgence: This thick, velvety hot chocolate combines three forms of dairy. There’s milk, of course, but also sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Together, they make an exceptionally creamy, luxurious drink. 

Movie Magic: This recipe perfectly recreates the enchanting hot cocoa scene from The Polar Express. It’s ideal for holiday movie nights and creating memorable family traditions. 

Perfect for Gatherings: Besides being nostalgic, this recipe also yields a large batch of cocoa. You can easily share it at holiday parties or cozy winter get-togethers. 

Customizable Toppings: Enjoy it plain, or add whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint, and more. Tweaking with toppings allows you to personalize each cup for a creative touch.

Ingredients

• Milk: The base liquid that creates the perfect balance of richness and drinkability. Use whole milk for the creamiest, richest flavor. 

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: It adds thickness, natural sweetness, and an over-the-top creaminess to every sip. 

• Heavy Whipping Cream: For an ultra-smooth, velvety texture and decadent mouthfeel. 

• Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: They provide a deep chocolate flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet. Use a high-quality brand like Ghirardelli or Hershey’s. 

• Vanilla Extract: Stick to pure vanilla extract rather than imitation. It’ll give the drink a bold complexity and warmth that’s simply unmatched. 

• Salt: Just a pinch to intensify the rich chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness. 

• Optional Toppings: Use homemade whipped cream, marshmallows, or anything else you like. These edible snowflake sprinkles from Amazon are a stunningly beautiful choice. Chocolate-covered marshmallows (mini) make it even more indulgent.

How to Make Polar Express Hot Chocolate

You can whip up this tasty hot chocolate in as few as three steps. 

1. Combine. Add all ingredients (except the toppings) to a large saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and continuously until the chocolate chips fully melt. (30 to 40 minutes, typically.)

2. Adjust. Once the hot chocolate is fully blended and smooth, give it a taste. If needed, add more milk to make it less rich. 

3. Garnish and serve. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs. Let everyone garnish their own with whatever toppings they like best. Serve hot and enjoy! 

Tips for the Best Polar Express Hot Chocolate

When a recipe has only three steps, you don’t need a lot of tips to help it turn out right. But I have a few variations and substitutions you can try.

• Swap out the chocolate. Don’t have a brand of bittersweet chocolate chips you love? That’s okay! Pick up a bar (or two) of your favorite pure chocolate and use that instead. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces for easier melting. 

• Dial down the sweetness. Personally, I love this super sweet hot chocolate. But for a less sweet version, reduce the condensed milk by half. Then, add sugar or more chocolate to suit your tastes. 

• Want it thicker? Slightly reduce the amount of milk and add more chocolate chips. 

• Tweak the flavor. A few drops of peppermint extract will give you a peppermint-flavored chocolate treat. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a splash of espresso. 

• For adults only. For a delightfully boozy version, mix in some Kahlua or your favorite dark rum. Other good options include flavored vodka, hazelnut liqueur, or peppermint schnapps.

• Crockpot convenience. Hate standing over a hot stove? Combine all the ingredients (sans toppings) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes. This is also a great way to keep it warm when serving at parties. 

How to Store

Polar Express hot chocolate tastes best fresh. But if your eyes are a bit larger than your stomach, here are your storage tips. 

To Store: Let the hot chocolate cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. (Assuming the ingredients you used to make it were fresh.)

To Reheat: Pour the hot chocolate into a microwave-safe mug. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir and taste. If needed, microwave again in 15-second intervals until warm. You can also heat it in a double boiler over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes to maintain the smoothest texture.